Luke Littler secured a significant victory at the Players Championship 32 in Wigan, bouncing back from recent defeats to claim the title. The win comes after a disappointing semi-final exit at the World Youth Championship against Beau Greaves and an early loss to Ritchie Edhouse in the Players Championship 31.
In a commanding performance, Littler defeated Dennie Olde Kalter 8-2 in the final after overcoming Stephen Bunting 7-4 in the semi-finals. This victory not only marks a vital win for the young player but also secures his qualification for the upcoming Players Championship Finals in Minehead next month.
Littler’s recent journey has been a rollercoaster. His earlier defeat to Edhouse left him in a precarious position, ranked 73rd in the Players Championship standings, which put him £2,500 behind the cutoff for qualification. The title at Event 32 has propelled him ahead of the competition, allowing him to re-enter the race for the Finals with two more events scheduled in Wigan on October 29 and 30, 2025.
Transitioning to New Management
Adding to the excitement, Littler announced a new management deal with Target Darts, the brand that has supported him throughout his rise in the sport. He ended his previous partnership with ZXF Sports, a relationship that had lasted since 2020, just before his World Grand Prix victory. On social media, he expressed his enthusiasm about the change, stating, “Target have been with me from the start and I’m proud to have them managing me now. Onwards with the best brand in the game.”
Littler’s recent successes include his victory at the World Grand Prix, where he defeated Luke Humphries, marking his fourth major title of 2025 and his seventh overall. As he prepares to defend his Grand Slam of Darts title in Wolverhampton from November 8-16, 2025, Littler’s momentum appears to be building.
Understanding the Players Championship Format
The Players Championship events offer substantial financial rewards, with a first prize of £15,000 and £10,000 for the runner-up. Semi-finalists receive £5,000, while quarter-finalists earn £3,500. Players eliminated in the last 16 receive £2,500, and those who exit in the last 32 take home £1,500. The competition concludes with the top 64 players qualifying for the finals, making each match critical for rankings.
Currently, Gerwyn Price leads the Order of Merit after securing four Players Championship titles this year. The excitement is palpable as the regular season approaches its end, with only two tournaments remaining.
Littler’s triumph at the Players Championship 32, coupled with his new management arrangement and recent major victories, positions him as a formidable competitor in the world of darts. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he prepares for the upcoming events, aiming to maintain his winning streak into the latter part of the year.
