At just 18 years old, Luke Littler has cemented his status as darts’ brightest star, clinching the 2025 World Matchplay title with an electrifying 18-13 victory over James Wade at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on July 27, 2025. The win, which saw Littler lift the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy, marked his completion of the coveted Triple Crown—World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—making him the youngest player ever to achieve this feat. Now, with his sights firmly set on overtaking Luke Humphries for the world No. 1 ranking, Littler’s meteoric rise is reshaping the sport, captivating fans, and fueling a darts revolution.
The final against Wade, a former champion who won the event in 2007 when Littler was just six months old, was a rollercoaster of high-stakes drama. Wade stormed to a 5-0 lead, showcasing his trademark clinical finishing, but Littler, unfazed, roared back with five consecutive legs to level the score. “Five-nil down once again, I said, ‘I’ve been here before, what are you doing?’” Littler told reporters, reflecting on his ability to stay composed under pressure. His resilience shone through as he posted a staggering 107.24 average, fired a record-breaking 17 180s, and sealed the victory with a ruthless 115 checkout. “This means absolutely everything,” he said, paying homage to his idol, Phil Taylor, whose name graces the trophy Littler now holds. “Phil is my idol—he won here 16 times and now my name is on this trophy.”
Littler’s path to glory was anything but straightforward. His tournament journey included gritty comebacks against Jermaine Wattimena (13-11), Andrew Gilding (16-14), and Josh Rock (17-14), the latter featuring a televised nine-darter that electrified the Winter Gardens crowd. His 64 maximums across the tournament shattered Adrian Lewis’ previous record of 56, underscoring Littler’s scoring prowess. “I played a lot of legs throughout the Matchplay so it’s no surprise that I’ve broken the 180 record,” he noted, highlighting the marathon battles that defined his campaign. His semi-final against Rock, where he rallied from a 6-1 deficit, showcased his mental fortitude, a quality he believes sets him apart. “I’m a world champion for a reason, I find these gears when I need it,” he said after his second-round win.
The £200,000 prize from Blackpool has propelled Littler to within £300,000 of Humphries on the PDC Order of Merit, which ranks players based on prize money earned over a two-year period. Humphries, the defending champion, suffered a shock first-round exit to Gian van Veen, costing him £40,000 compared to his 2023 semi-final run. With Humphries facing the pressure of defending over £400,000 from his 2023 titles—World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, Players Championship Finals, and World Championship—Littler’s fresh earnings give him a clear path to the top. “I’ve looked at the rankings—provisional No. 1 for the worlds if Luke doesn’t defend all that prize money—obviously I don’t want him to,” Littler said, balancing ambition with respect for his rival. “I’d love to be No. 1, but we’ll just have to find out.”
Littler’s rise has transcended the oche, sparking a surge in darts’ popularity. His performances have driven record TV ratings, boosted replica shirt sales, and inspired grassroots participation. Off the stage, his charm was evident as he signed autographs during a break in the final, winning over a new legion of fans. His girlfriend, Faith Millar, and family cheered him on, adding a personal touch to his triumph. Yet, Littler remains grounded, refusing to crown himself the best. “Maybe stats-wise, but every time I get asked the question, I’ll never say I’m the best,” he said, adding, “When I’m No. 1, I’ll say I’m the best.”
Looking ahead, Littler’s focus shifts to the World Grand Prix in Leicester from October 6-12 and the World Championship at Alexandra Palace, where he’ll defend his title and chase a historic £1 million jackpot. With no prize money to defend from 2023, every tournament adds to his tally, while Humphries faces the challenge of matching his past successes. Littler’s long-term vision is bold: “In the next 16 years, I might come back every year and just win it,” he quipped, eyeing Taylor’s record of 16 World Matchplay titles. As he prepares for the World Series in Australia, Littler’s blend of raw talent, relentless drive, and cool-headedness positions him as the man to beat, with the darts world watching eagerly to see if “The Nuke” can claim the No. 1 spot by year’s end.
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