Luke Littler Joins Phil Taylor in Exclusive World Darts Championship Club

It is only Luke Littler’s third ever PDC World Darts Championship campaign, yet remarkably, he has now reached the final on all three occasions. 

The teenage sensation has never entered the sport’s biggest tournament without making it to the showpiece match at Alexandra Palace.

Semi-Final Statement

Littler booked his place in another world final in what proved to be routine fashion, brushing aside Ryan Searle 6–1 in the semi-finals. Although he dropped the opening set, that momentary wobble was quickly corrected as he took complete control of the contest.

From there, Littler barely blinked, at one stage rattling off 11 legs in a row to dismantle ‘Heavy Metal’ Searle and underline his growing reputation as darts’ most ruthless big-stage performer.

Elite Company

Only Phil Taylor has previously reached the final in all three of his first three PDC World Championship appearances, placing Littler in truly elite company. 

Yet, when informed of the statistic post-match, the reigning world champion admitted he was completely unaware of the achievement.

There is, however, one landmark that Littler is fully focused on, defending his world title.

“It’s very special to keep adding to these lists that I don't even know about. My main goal now is to just go back-to-back.”

Achieving back-to-back world titles would put Littler alongside only Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson. Even Michael van Gerwen has never managed that feat.

A Record Like No Other

Littler also boasts a remarkable record that not even Taylor or Van Gerwen can claim. He remains unbeaten in PDC major televised semi-finals throughout his career.

The victory over Searle marked his 14th major televised semi-final, all of which he has won. He has gone on to lose just four of the 13 finals he has contested so far, with another still to come.

Asked about the secret behind his flawless semi-final record, Littler pointed to his comfort in longer-format matches, particularly in the latter stages of major tournaments.

"Yeah, I think it's the longer format. Even in any tournament, whether it's legs or set play, just that longer format.”

He reflected on his 2025 World Matchplay final win over James Wade, where he found himself five legs down early before turning the match around.

Littler believes the extended formats at major events, especially at the World Championship, allow him the time he needs to settle and find his rhythm.

"You know me, it maybe takes me a few legs to settle. We've seen the Matchplay numerous times, five-nil down, and then I'd end up finding it again, and that's the time you get given."

"Whereas, the smaller formats, you've not got time to do it. But there's always time to find it in the worlds.”

Littler will now turn his attention to the first-ever £1 million PDC World Darts Championship final, where he faces either newly crowned Dutch number one Gian van Veen, or the last man to defend the Ally Pally crown, Gary Anderson. 

Victory would see him go back-to-back at Ally Pally and further cement his rapidly growing legacy on the sport’s biggest stage.