In a thrilling showdown at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, 18-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler cemented his status as a generational talent by clinching the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay title, defeating James Wade 18-13 in a high-octane final. The victory, which saw Littler fire a scintillating 107.24 three-dart average and 17 180s, marked him as the youngest ever champion of the prestigious tournament and completed his PDC Triple Crown, joining the elite ranks of Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries. However, the celebration was overshadowed by a contentious moment when Wade, the 42-year-old veteran, abruptly left the stage before Littler received the Phil Taylor Trophy, prompting accusations of disrespect from Sky Sports commentators and sparking outrage among fans.
Littler’s path to the final was a testament to his prodigious skill and mental fortitude. Facing a formidable lineup, he dispatched Joe Cullen, Wessel Nijman, Gian van Veen, and Jonny Clayton in earlier rounds, showcasing his ability to dominate under pressure. The final against Wade began with a shock, as the seasoned “Machine” raced to a commanding 5-0 lead, threatening a monumental upset. But Littler, unfazed, mounted a remarkable comeback, seizing control with a barrage of high-scoring visits and clinical finishes. “I just had to stay focused and get over the line,” Littler said post-match, reflecting on his resilience in overturning the early deficit. His performance, capped by a nine-darter in the semifinal against Josh Rock, not only secured the £200,000 prize but also narrowed the gap to world No. 1 Luke Humphries in the PDC Order of Merit to less than £300,000.
The post-match drama, however, stole headlines. As Littler prepared to lift the trophy, Wade exited the stage without the customary handshake or interview, a move that defied darts tradition. Sky Sports commentators Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy were quick to call out the behavior. “I got it clarified that there was no issues with Luke or the crowd or anything like that. He was just angry at himself, which is fine, but we would have liked to have heard from him,” Bridge revealed on the Love the Darts podcast, seeking to contextualize Wade’s actions. Murphy was more direct, stating, “I thought it was disrespectful for him not to be on the stage at the end. Whether he does an interview or not is up to him, but not to be there when Luke is receiving the trophy, that is disrespectful. Just stand there for a minute and applaud, and then say, ‘I don’t want to talk.’” Their comments echoed the sentiment of fans, who flooded social media with criticism, one dubbing Wade’s exit “a bit of a p***k move” and another lamenting, “I can’t believe that,” highlighting the breach of etiquette.
Wade’s hasty departure was attributed to his frustration after squandering his early lead. The 11-time major winner, known for his stoic demeanor, had battled valiantly to reach his first World Matchplay final since 2010, only to see Littler’s relentless scoring power overwhelm him. While there was no official requirement for Wade to remain on stage, the unwritten code of sportsmanship in darts—where defeated players typically stay to congratulate the victor and address the crowd—made his absence glaring. Some fans speculated that Wade’s exit was a reaction to the intense pressure of facing Littler, whose meteoric rise has captivated the sport. “It’s like he can do it when he fancies,” commentator Wayne Mardle remarked earlier in the tournament, marveling at Littler’s ability to deliver in clutch moments.
Littler, ever the class act, refrained from fueling the controversy, focusing instead on his historic achievement. “I could end 2025 winning absolutely nothing but I picked up the best [trophy],” he said, underscoring the significance of his World Championship win in January, followed by the Premier League and now the World Matchplay. His humility and focus on the game have endeared him to fans, who see parallels with sporting prodigies like Wayne Rooney and Cole Palmer. As Littler prepares for the Australian Darts Masters, where he aims to add a World Series title to his resume, the Blackpool controversy serves as a reminder of the intense emotions darts evokes. While Wade’s actions sparked debate, Littler’s triumph—marked by skill, resilience, and grace—remains the defining story of a night that further solidified his place as darts’ brightest star.
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