World Matchplay Darts 2025: Luke Littler Roars Like the Lionesses as He Completes Triple Crown

Luke Littler etched his name even deeper into the darts history books by becoming the youngest ever World Matchplay champion, and the youngest player in PDC history to complete the prestigious Triple Crown.

The 18-year-old Warrington sensation produced a stunning comeback to defeat veteran James Wade 18-13 in a thrilling final in Blackpool. In doing so, he shattered Wade’s own record, the ‘Machine’ had been the youngest player to win the tournament, lifting the trophy back in 2007 at the age of 24.

Back then, Littler was just six months old and couldn’t even walk or talk.

Youngest Ever Triple Crown Winner

Littler’s triumph also completed the fabled PDC Triple Crown, the World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay, making him just the fifth player to achieve it, joining legends Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and most recently, Luke Humphries.

Having only been on the PDC tour for one year and seven months, Littler is by far the youngest to achieve the feat. The previous record holder, Van Gerwen, was 26 when he managed it.

“Yeah, it feels absolutely amazing. It just goes to show how well I've been playing and how much effort has been put in,” Littler said post-match. 

“But yeah, Triple Crown at 18, obviously the youngest winner, and another major title.”

What’s Next for the Nuke?

At just 18, Littler already has three of the sport’s biggest titles to his name. So, what’s next?

He’s targeting a clean sweep of all PDC televised majors. Only four remain unchecked on his to-do list: the World Grand Prix, European Championship, Players Championship Finals and the Winmau World Masters.

“Like I said, at the start of my career, win one of every major and I'll be happy. So, there’s not many to go now.”

Eyeing the Number One Spot

The world number one ranking is another goal firmly in his sights. Littler has been paying close attention to the live standings, and he’s well aware of how much prize money Luke Humphries has to defend in the coming months.

“I’ve looked at the rankings and I’m provisionally number one going into the worlds, if Luke [Humphries] doesn’t defend all that prize money. Obviously, I don’t want him too.”

“I’d love to be world number one, but we’ll just have to find out and for myself, just try and add more money to my rankings.”

Another Record Toppled: Most 180s in World Matchplay

Not content with just two huge milestones in one night, Littler smashed a third, the record for most 180s hit in a single World Matchplay tournament.

His tally of 64 maximums over the week eclipsed the previous best of 56, set by Adrian Lewis in 2013.

“I could come back here and break it again.”

“I played a lot of legs throughout the Matchplay, so it’s no surprise that I’ve broken the 180 record. The power scoring was there tonight again.”

Inspired by the Lionesses’ Triumph

Littler wasn’t the only one making history on Sunday. England’s Lionesses retained their European Championship crown with a penalty shootout win over Spain in Switzerland. 

Despite preparing for one of the biggest matches of his short career, Littler still found time to cheer them on.

“Yeah, it was on back in the practise room and I’m glad they won on penalties. Once again, they got over the line, so huge well done to them,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

The young darts star even drew inspiration from their determination, as he too had to recover from early adversity, coming from 5-0 down to beat Wade.

“I’m a huge football fan. For myself whether it’s the men’s, women’s or even [Manchester] United, I’ll always keep the notifications on and watch it when I can. We were watching it in the backroom, well done to them.”

Eyes on Sports Personality of the Year

To conclude, after finishing runner-up in last year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year to Keely Hodgkinson, Littler knows another run of success could put him right back in contention this year, possibly up against Lionesses like Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton.

Littler joked that he might need to lace up his running shoes if he’s ever going to win the prestigious award, suggesting with a smile that darts alone might not be enough.

“Last year I came very close, but the clear winner was Keely. I might have to get into running if I do want to win it,” he joked. 

While his achievements continue to break records, he seems to think the trophy could once again prove just out of reach.