The Winter Gardens in Blackpool, a hallowed stage for darts, erupted in fervor as Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation known as “The Nuke,” stormed into the second round of the 2025 World Matchplay with a jaw-dropping 10-2 victory over Ryan Searle. The reigning PDC World Champion’s performance was a masterclass, boasting a staggering 108.92 average, five 180s, and a 52.6% checkout success rate, including a dazzling 126 checkout. Yet, it wasn’t just his darts that stole the spotlight. Littler’s bold new shirt, a departure from his usual attire, ignited a firestorm of reactions among fans, dividing opinions as sharply as his arrows split the board. With his next challenge against Jermaine Wattimena looming on Wednesday, July 23, Littler’s journey at the 2025 World Matchplay is shaping up to be a tale of talent, transformation, and triumph.
Littler’s first-round demolition of Searle was a statement of intent. From the moment he stepped onto the Empress Ballroom stage, he was untouchable, racing to a 5-0 lead in the opening session with three breaks of throw. His first five legs were dispatched in a blistering 12, 12, 13, 11, and 14 darts, leaving Searle, a formidable world number 19, with no answer. “I was well up for it tonight, I just wanted to get that win, get that winning feeling and I did it,” Littler declared post-match, his voice brimming with confidence. “I’m so glad to get that win, get that winning feeling and I can’t wait to come back.” This victory marked a redemption from his 2024 World Matchplay debut, where Michael van Gerwen sent him packing in the first round. This time, Littler ensured he avoided the fate of top seeds like Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, Damon Heta, and Rob Cross, all of whom crashed out early.
What set tongues wagging as much as his performance was Littler’s new shirt, a vibrant design that broke from tradition and sparked a polarized response. Some fans hailed it as a bold, fresh look, with one enthusiast proclaiming, “Littler’s new shirt looks incredible.” Others were less impressed, with a critic questioning, “WHAT is that shirt Luke Littler?” The debate even prompted calls for a new rule, as one fan suggested, “Darts players need to adopt an away kit in the event of a clash.” Littler, unfazed by the chatter, addressed the controversy directly on social media just before his match. Posting a screenshot of the mixed reactions on Instagram, he captioned it, “See you on stage very soon,” a cheeky nod to his readiness to let his darts do the talking.
The shirt wasn’t the only change Littler brought to Blackpool. Known for his relaxed approach to practice, he revealed a seismic shift in his preparation. “I felt very comfortable, I have been practising so much,” he admitted to Sky Sports. “I’ve just been putting in hours and hours. I’m glad it’s paid off.” This dedication marked a stark contrast to his reputation as a player who rarely practiced outside tournaments. “People will know I’m not a practiser, but I have been practising for this one,” he emphasized, underscoring his determination to claim the Phil Taylor Trophy and complete the darting Triple Crown—World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—a feat achieved by only a handful of legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
Littler’s next opponent, Jermaine Wattimena, presents a unique challenge. The Dutchman, a fast-throwing veteran, earned his second-round spot with a 10-8 upset over 2021 champion Peter Wright. “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.” Their clash, set for the best of 21 legs, promises a high-octane spectacle, with both players known for their rapid-fire styles. Wattimena, a ProTour finalist this season, has yet to advance beyond the second round in five World Matchplay appearances, but his victory over Wright proves he’s capable of causing an upset.
The 2025 World Matchplay has already delivered shocks, with four seeds falling in the first round alone. The Winter Gardens, dubbed the “working man’s Las Vegas” for its raucous atmosphere, continues to be a stage where only the greats thrive. Littler, who became the youngest PDC World Champion at 17 years and 347 days, is no stranger to making history. With titles like the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, and 2025 UK Open already in his cabinet, he’s chasing a legacy that could rival the sport’s icons. “All eyes are on me now, just take it game by game,” he said, embracing the spotlight.
As Littler prepares to face Wattimena, the darting world watches with bated breath. Will his new look and rigorous practice regime propel him to glory, or will the Dutchman’s experience derail The Nuke’s charge? One thing is certain: at the Winter Gardens, where tradition meets theater, Littler’s every throw will be under scrutiny, both for his darts and his daring style.
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