World Matchplay Darts 2025: The Story Behind Luke Littler and Josh Rock’s Unexpected Friendship

Reigning world champion Luke Littler kept his dream of joining darts’ elite Triple Crown club firmly on track after edging out Andrew Gilding 16-14 in a thrilling quarter-final clash at the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay.

The victory sends Littler into his first-ever semi-final at the prestigious Blackpool event – and he did it in record-breaking style, smashing in 18 180s, the most ever in a World Matchplay quarter-final.

Rock Stuns Price to Set Up Blockbuster Semi

Standing in Littler’s way now is Josh Rock, the Northern Irish star who produced a mature and clinical display to beat one of the tournament favourites, Gerwyn Price, 16-11.

It promises to be a high-octane encounter between two of darts’ most exciting young stars – and one made all the more intriguing by the close bond they share away from the oche.

Littler on Their Friendship: "We’re Always Chatting and Practising"

Despite never meeting on the PDC circuit, the Warrington wonder kid revealed the two have formed a genuine friendship over the years, regularly spending time together at events and practice sessions.

“We’ve been good friends for quite a while. We’re always in the backroom chatting and practising,” Littler said.

Rock: "I Bet He’s Already Texted Me"

Rock echoed the sentiment and joked that Littler probably messaged him as soon as both secured their spots in the semi-finals.

“If I look at my phone, I bet he’s text me saying, see you in the semi-final boy, because me and Littler are very, very close and not a lot of people know that.”

At just 24, Rock is one of the few players on tour close in age to Littler, and that similarity has helped forge a natural connection between them.

Target Link-Up and Youth Tour Memories

When asked about the origins of their friendship, Littler admitted he couldn’t quite remember exactly how it started, but said it most likely began through their shared links with Target Darts and mutual friendships with players like Rob Cross and Nathan Aspinall.

“I don’t even know. It might have been the youth tour. I’ve known Rob Cross many years, he has the same manager, then we all meet up at Target days. We all meet up and that’s how it came about.”

Their First Clash? Littler Says ‘Never’ – Rock Remembers It Well

While many fans are eagerly anticipating their first televised showdown, there’s some debate over whether they’ve played each other before.

Littler is confident it will be their maiden meeting.

“Never, never played him. I think the fans would love to see me and Josh. I’m sure it will be fireworks,” Littler added.

But Rock remembers a different story, recalling a meeting in Killarney before either of them earned PDC tour cards, and even claiming the bragging rights from that short-format encounter.

“Well, the first time we met was actually in Killarney before I won my tour card. Everybody had heard of him. He was in Lakeside, and I actually beat him 4-2 in that scenario. But in short format it means nothing.”

“It was in the WDF where you start from, and I would say when he won his tour card that he’s matured a lot and we talk nearly every day.”

Friends Off Stage, Fireworks on It

With their semi-final clash just hours away, both Littler and Rock insisted their friendship won’t get in the way of their competitive instincts.

“I don’t think it really matters who you play, whether you’re friends or not. As soon as you’re on the stage, you’re no one’s friend. You’re there to do a job,” said Littler.

Rock is equally unfazed – and hinted that, if the moment is right, he won’t hold back from putting on a bit of a show.

“I’m not feeling any extra pressure, and he clearly doesn’t feel any pressure at all. I think personally between the two of us, it’ll be fireworks.”

“I’ll give it large if I’m well ahead. I’m not like that, everybody knows that."

“If I’m a good bit ahead and I feel it needs to be done, I’ll do it.”

“If I’m still ahead and there’s no need to do it, there’s no need to do it,” Rock concluded.