In a thrilling showdown at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler clinched the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay title, defeating veteran James Wade 18-13 in a final that was as dramatic as it was historic. The victory marked Littler’s first World Matchplay crown, cementing his status as the youngest champion in the tournament’s history and the fifth player to complete darts’ coveted Triple Crown, joining legends like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries. The match, however, was not without its share of tension, as a controversial incident involving a disruptive spectator briefly halted proceedings, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already electric night.
Littler, known as ‘The Nuke’ for his explosive scoring power, faced an uphill battle from the outset. Wade, the 42-year-old 2007 champion, stormed to a commanding 5-0 lead, showcasing the clinical finishing that has defined his two-decade career. But Littler, no stranger to dramatic comebacks, responded with a stunning surge, reeling off five consecutive legs to level the score at 5-5. “Five-nil down once again, I said, ‘I’ve been here before, what are you doing?’” Littler later told reporters, reflecting on his ability to stay composed under pressure. His resilience was on full display as he nudged ahead 7-6, though Wade refused to relent, keeping the match fiercely competitive.
The turning point came late in the match when Littler, capitalizing on a missed opportunity by Wade at double 10, broke his opponent’s throw to lead 13-10. Wade battled back with a brilliant 95 checkout, narrowing the gap to 14-13, but Littler’s relentless scoring—averaging 107 for the match and hitting 17 maximum 180s—proved too much. A run of four consecutive legs, capped by a stylish 115 checkout, sealed the victory, earning Littler the Phil Taylor Trophy and a £200,000 prize. “Phil is my idol—he won here 16 times, and now my name will be on this trophy,” Littler said, his voice brimming with pride. “Since I started on the tour and got my tour card, I’ve always said to myself, ‘As long as I win one of every major, I’ll be happy.’ I’ve only got a few left to tick off.”
The match, however, was briefly overshadowed by a disruption during an interval. Wade, visibly frustrated, appeared to confront a heckling fan in the VIP section, prompting a pause in play as he discussed the issue with match referee Huw Ware. Littler, ever the professional, was seen engaging with the referee, seemingly addressing Wade’s concerns. While the exact nature of the incident remained unclear, it added a layer of drama to an already intense final. Wade’s frustration was palpable, but he later showed sportsmanship, sharing words with Littler post-match. “He literally told me, ‘Get up off your arse and practice with me,’” Littler revealed, chuckling as he recounted Wade’s encouragement, a nod to their mutual respect despite the competitive fire.
Littler’s path to the final was nothing short of spectacular. In the semi-finals, he overcame a 6-1 deficit against Josh Rock, landing a nine-dart finish that sparked his comeback to a 17-14 victory. The leg, described as one of the greatest in World Matchplay history, saw Littler deny Rock a nine-darter of his own after the latter threw consecutive 180s. “It definitely sparked me into life,” Littler said of the moment, which set the stage for his showdown with Wade. His performance throughout the tournament was record-breaking, with a 105 average and a new benchmark for 180s in a single Matchplay event.
Off the oche, Littler’s charm won over the Blackpool crowd. During a break, he was spotted signing autographs, a gesture that endeared him to fans and showcased his growing stature as a darts icon. Supported by his family and new girlfriend, Littler’s victory was a personal triumph as much as a professional one. At just 18, he has already amassed over £1.5 million in prize money, closing the gap on world number one Luke Humphries in the PDC rankings.
For Wade, the loss was a bitter pill, but his performance was a reminder of his enduring class. Despite the defeat, he pushed Littler to the brink, averaging over 101 and hitting 44% of his doubles. The match, a testament to the sport’s evolving landscape, pitted youth against experience in a battle that captivated fans at the Winter Gardens and beyond. As Littler celebrated, he remained focused on the future, vowing to chase the remaining majors. “I’ll definitely chase the ones I haven’t won yet,” he said, his ambition as clear as his talent.
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