The darts world is electrified as Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy dubbed “The Nuke,” storms into the second round of the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay in Blackpool, priced at a staggering 1/12 to overpower Jermaine Wattimena. Fresh off a commanding 10-2 demolition of Ryan Searle, Littler is on a mission to claim his first World Matchplay title at the iconic Winter Gardens, a victory that would cement his place among darts’ elite by completing the sport’s coveted Triple Crown. With the eyes of the darts world fixed on him, Littler’s blend of raw talent and relentless preparation has made him the overwhelming favorite in this high-stakes clash set for July 23, 2025.
Littler’s first-round performance against Searle was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing why he’s the reigning World Champion and a 2/1 pre-tournament favorite to lift the Phil Taylor Trophy. Averaging an astonishing 108.92, he whitewashed Searle 5-0 in the opening session, landing a 126 checkout and maintaining a blistering pace with legs finished in 12, 12, 13, 11, and 14 darts. “I was well up for it tonight,” Littler told reporters after the match. “I wanted that win, to get that winning feeling, and I’ve done it in some standard.” His preparation has been key, with Littler revealing a shift from his usual minimal practice routine. “I’ve been practicing so much,” he admitted. “I’ve not put much on social media, but I’ve been at home putting the hours in, hours and hours, and I’m glad it’s paid off tonight.” This dedication has silenced critics who once questioned his work ethic, setting the stage for a thrilling campaign.
Now, Littler faces Jermaine Wattimena, a seasoned Dutch player who earned his spot in the last 16 with a hard-fought 10-8 upset over 2021 champion Peter Wright. Wattimena, known for his rapid-fire throwing, is no stranger to the big stage, but he faces a daunting challenge against Littler, who holds a perfect 3-0 record against him in previous major encounters. “If you want to win a tournament, you must beat the best players in the world,” Wattimena said confidently, reflecting on his first-ever World Matchplay victory. “I’ve learned more over time. When Peter started to come back, of course, I thought about other defeats, but I’m happy I pulled through.” His resilience and experience make him a dangerous opponent, but the betting odds reflect Littler’s dominance, with bookmakers offering 100/1 for Wattimena to pull off a shock win.
The second-round clash promises to be a fast-paced spectacle, as both players are renowned for their quick throwing styles. “He is another fast player, so it is going to be very quick once again,” Littler noted. “It will suit us both. I can’t wait to get back on stage.” This stylistic synergy could lead to a flurry of high-scoring legs, but Littler’s superior form and confidence give him the edge. His journey to the World Matchplay title is fueled by a desire to erase the memory of his 2024 debut, where he fell to Michael van Gerwen in the first round. “Obviously my debut didn’t go to plan last year, but I’m very happy to be back,” Littler said, emphasizing the significance of the Winter Gardens. “The arena itself and the amount of history behind it; it’s a special venue for us as dart players.”
The 2025 World Matchplay has already delivered shocks, with top seeds like Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, Damon Heta, and Rob Cross exiting early, opening the door for Littler to capitalize on a favorable draw. A win against Wattimena would propel him into the quarter-finals, potentially facing tough opponents like Michael van Gerwen or Gerwyn Price later in the tournament. The £800,000 event, broadcast live on Sky Sports, has seen Dutch players dominate early rounds, with five advancing to the last 16. “Five out of five already – and maybe six out of six,” Wattimena quipped, hinting at the Netherlands’ strong showing. Yet, Littler remains the man to beat, with fans and pundits alike buzzing about his potential to add the World Matchplay to his World Championship and Premier League titles.
As Littler steps onto the Winter Gardens stage, the weight of expectation is palpable. “All eyes are on me now, just take it game by game,” he said, embracing the pressure with the poise of a seasoned veteran. With his blistering form, relentless practice, and a favorable matchup, Littler is poised to continue his meteoric rise. For Wattimena, the challenge is monumental, but his belief and recent upset victory suggest he won’t go down without a fight. The darts world awaits a clash that could define Littler’s legacy as he chases a maiden World Matchplay crown.
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