In a dramatic twist at the 2025 World Matchplay Darts tournament held at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Northern Irish darts sensation Josh Rock faced an unexpected setback when organizers prohibited him from changing his walk-on song. As Rock gears up for a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against his close friend and reigning PDC World Champion Luke Littler, the ban on his preferred entrance music has added an intriguing layer to the narrative of this electrifying competition.
The World Matchplay, one of the most prestigious events in professional darts, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, fueled by the players’ walk-on songs that electrify the crowd. Littler, known as “The Nuke,” enters to the pulsating beats of *Greenlight* by Pitbull, featuring Flo Rida and LunchMoney Lewis, a track that has become synonymous with his meteoric rise. Rock, on the other hand, has been striding to the oche accompanied by *Welcome to the Party* by DJ Krissy. However, ahead of the World Cup of Darts earlier this summer, Rock expressed a desire to switch his entrance music to something fresh, only to be told by organizers that his new choice was not permitted. Reflecting on the decision, Rock maintained a pragmatic stance, stating, “I didn’t change my mind, I just wasn’t allowed, but I’m not going to go on about it.” His focus remains firmly on the darts, and his performances in Blackpool have shown he’s not letting the setback distract him.
Rock’s journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of spectacular. In the second round, he staged a stunning comeback against three-time World Matchplay champion Michael van Gerwen, overcoming a 5-1 deficit to clinch a 13-11 victory in a tense tie-break. His quarter-final match against 2023 runner-up Gerwyn Price was equally thrilling, with Rock posting a remarkable 104.02 average and sealing the win with a jaw-dropping 164 finish on the bullseye. “I’m on cloud nine at the minute,” Rock exclaimed after his victory over Price. “Gezzy played really well tonight too, he never gave up, but wow – what a game!” His confidence is palpable as he prepares to face Littler, a matchup he anticipates will captivate the darting world. “I can’t wait to finally play Luke on the big stage,” Rock said. “Luke is one of my closest friends behind the scenes. Hopefully we both turn up, but I’m sure it will be a cracking game.”
Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy who became the youngest PDC World Champion in January 2025, has been a force to be reckoned with at the Winter Gardens. His quarter-final clash against Andrew Gilding was a rollercoaster, with Littler firing a record-breaking 18 maximums (180s) in a single World Matchplay quarter-final, edging out a 16-14 victory. Despite Gilding’s valiant fightback, which included a spectacular 160 checkout and a 127 finish, Littler held his nerve. “I didn’t really panic,” Littler said post-match. “Andrew started to win a few legs, but that last leg, against the darts, I just had to get over the line. He never goes out of rhythm. It’s the same throw by throw, and I had to try and match him.” Littler’s performance underscored his resilience, a trait he’s displayed repeatedly, as seen in his earlier 13-11 comeback win over Jermaine Wattimena, where he roared back from a 7-2 deficit.
The semi-final between Littler and Rock promises to be a blockbuster, pitting two of darts’ brightest young stars against each other. Their friendship off the oche adds a layer of intrigue, as both players are known for their camaraderie behind the scenes. Rock’s victory over Price, who executed the tournament’s first 170 checkout, showcased his ability to compete with the elite, while Littler’s relentless scoring power and composure under pressure make him the odds-on favorite to claim the title. The Winter Gardens crowd, known for its raucous energy, will undoubtedly amplify the drama as these two titans battle for a spot in the final.
As the 2025 World Matchplay heads toward its climax, the focus is not just on the darts but also on the personal stories that make the sport so compelling. Rock’s banned walk-on song may have been a minor hiccup, but his performances suggest he’s ready to make a major statement. For Littler, the quest to join the exclusive club of “Triple Crown” winners—those who have claimed the World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—continues. With the semi-finals set to unfold on Saturday night, followed by the final on Sunday, July 27, the darting world is braced for a spectacle that will echo through the hallowed halls of the Winter Gardens.
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