Luke Littler Becomes Youngest World Matchplay Champion Completes Darts Triple Crown

Luke Littler, at 18 years old, became the youngest ever World Matchplay champion after defeating James Wade 18-13 in the 2025 final at Blackpool's Winter Gardens. Littler's victory completed darts' prestigious Triple Crown, as he joins Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries as players who have won the World Matchplay, Premier League, and World Championship. The match was a high-quality contest with both players averaging over 101 and hitting more than 40% of doubles, featuring Littler's 17 180s and a 107 average. Despite Wade's strong start racing to a 5-0 lead, Littler fought back fiercely to level the score and eventually take the lead, breaking Wade multiple times in the crucial stages. Littler also surpassed £2 million in prize money within just 19 months of turning professional, with additional major titles including the UK Open, Grand Slam, and World Series of Darts Finals. Wade, a seven-time World Matchplay finalist, was unable to secure the title again, having lost six finals to members of the Triple Crown club.