In a gripping showdown at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler clinched his first World Matchplay title, defeating seasoned veteran James Wade 18-13 to complete the prestigious PDC Triple Crown. The electrifying final, held on July 27, 2025, showcased Littler’s resilience and raw talent, cementing his status as one of darts’ brightest stars. The victory, which earned him the Phil Taylor Trophy and a £200,000 prize, marked a historic moment as Littler became the youngest player to achieve the Triple Crown, joining legends like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries.
The match began with Wade, a 42-year-old former champion, storming to a 5-0 lead, capitalizing on Littler’s slow start. However, the teenager from Warrington, known as “The Nuke,” refused to buckle. Reflecting on his comeback, Littler revealed a candid pre-match exchange with Wade that fueled his determination. “He literally told me ‘get up off your arse and practice with me.’ I went ‘oh, okay James,’” Littler shared, chuckling at Wade’s blunt demand. This moment of tough love seemed to ignite Littler’s competitive spirit, as he reeled off five consecutive legs to level the score at 5-5, setting the stage for a high-octane battle.
Both players delivered exceptional performances, with three-dart averages exceeding 101 and over 40% accuracy on doubles. Littler’s 17 maximum 180s electrified the crowd, while Wade’s experience kept him in contention. A pivotal moment came at 13-10 when Wade missed three darts at double 10, allowing Littler to seize a three-leg lead for the first time. Despite Wade’s valiant 95 and 101 checkouts to narrow the gap to 14-13, Littler’s composure shone through. A critical double 10 break at 16-13 and a 115 finish sealed the 18-13 victory, prompting roars from the Winter Gardens crowd.
Littler’s path to the final was equally dramatic. In the semi-final, he overcame a 5-0 deficit against Josh Rock, hitting a nine-darter that he credited with sparking his comeback. “It definitely sparked me into life,” he said, recalling the moment that denied Rock a perfect leg. The semi-final, which featured a record 29 maximums, underscored Littler’s ability to thrive under pressure. His 107.5 average against Rock and tournament average of 105 drew praise from analysts. Former champion Mark Webster called him “the scoring machine extraordinaire,” while John Part lauded his maturity, noting, “His average of 105 over the whole tournament is really exceptional.”
Wade, despite the loss, showed resilience, having reached his seventh Matchplay final with a grueling 20-18 win over Jonny Clayton. “I’m just done, I’m exhausted,” Wade admitted after that semi-final, highlighting the physical and mental toll of the tournament. His performance against Littler, though, was a testament to his enduring skill, pushing the young champion to his limits.
Littler’s victory adds to his remarkable 2025 campaign, which includes the UK Open and World Championship titles. With £1.5 million in prize money, he now trails world number one Humphries by just £300,000 in the PDC rankings. “Phil [Taylor] is my idol—he won here 16 times, and now my name will be on this trophy,” Littler said, his voice filled with pride. Looking ahead, he vowed to chase the remaining major titles, stating, “I’ve only got a few left to tick off, and I’ll definitely chase the majors I haven’t won yet.”
The final wasn’t without drama, as Wade briefly halted play to complain about a distraction, a moment that underscored the intense atmosphere. Yet, Littler’s focus never wavered, his victory sparking celebrations among fans and analysts alike. Social media buzzed with admiration, with many hailing “Littlermania” for revitalizing darts. As Littler lifts the Phil Taylor Trophy, the darts world wonders: can anyone stop “The Nuke”?
Leave a Reply