Luke Littler delivered a commanding performance to successfully defend his World Matchplay title, solidifying his position as the world’s top darts player and setting new standards at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The 19-year-old defeated Gerwyn Price 18-9 in the final on July 26, achieving one of the highest tournament averages ever recorded in the event’s history.
Littler’s average of 111.04 surpassed Phil Taylor’s longstanding record of 106.31, set in 2010. During the final, Littler raised his performance even further, registering an average of 111.53, a new Matchplay final record. He also set a tournament record with 65 maximum 180s scored throughout the event. Littler’s consistent high-level play continues a remarkable streak, marking his eighth consecutive match where he averaged over 105 and extending his winning run in matches lasting over 20 legs to 27.
Despite Littler’s dominance, Gerwyn Price, currently ranked world number four, produced a strong early showing. Price maintained an average of 109 over the first five legs but found himself trailing 4-1 when Littler secured a pivotal 167 checkout with a bullseye. Littler’s performance included five finishes over 100 in just the first 12 legs, featuring back-to-back checkouts of 128 and 127. A late resurgence from Price, winning four legs out of five at one point, was ultimately stifled by Littler’s timely 148 finish.
Following the match, Littler described the week as one of the best of his life, acknowledging the challenge of performing at such a consistently high level on a major stage. “The stats may look like it is easy but, when you are on this stage, it is not easy,” he said, crediting the collective effort behind his success.
Price praised Littler’s extraordinary talent, calling him "one in a million" and expressing admiration despite his own defeat: “If anyone wants to boo this kid, there is something wrong with them. I hope there is nobody else like him coming through because he is ridiculous.”
Littler’s victory keeps him on track to complete a historic calendar-year sweep of all major darts titles. With wins already secured at the World Championship, Masters, UK Open, Premier League, and World Cup, this triumph marks his sixth major title of 2026. Littler’s continued ascendancy has reinforced his status as a dominant force in the sport, with ambitions to claim further major trophies throughout the year. The £225,000 first prize added to his growing list of accolades in what experts consider one of the greatest seasons in darts history.