Luke Littler has done it again, claiming the UK Open title for the second consecutive year after defeating James Wade 11-7 in a hard-fought final.
The young sensation has now etched his name alongside some of the sport’s greatest players, becoming just the fourth competitor to secure back-to-back UK Open crowns.
It’s elite company indeed – only Raymond van Barneveld, Phil Taylor, and Michael van Gerwen have previously managed the feat.
For Wade, it was heartbreak once more, with this marking his fifth appearance in a UK Open final as he sought a fourth title at the tournament.
Luke Littler retained his UK Open title with another win over James Wade
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PDC
The pair faced off in a rematch of last year’s final, though this encounter proved far tighter than Littler’s commanding 11-2 victory in 2025.
On his journey to lifting the trophy, Littler navigated a challenging path through the tournament, seeing off Damon Heta, Kevin Doets, Gary Anderson, Danny Noppert, and Josh Rock before meeting Wade in the showpiece match.
Littler himself admitted the tournament hadn’t been his finest in terms of averages, but his ability to grind out results when not at his sharpest proved the difference.
Wade simply couldn’t find a way past the youngster once again.
Luke Littler insisted he is back to his best after claiming yet more silverware
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GETTYSpeaking to ITV Sport after his triumph, Littler revealed he had spotted on social media that Michael van Gerwen was the last player to achieve consecutive UK Open wins a decade ago – and made that his target heading into the competition.
“I don’t think many people expected me to come here and win. I don’t think many people expected me to win the Premier League last week,” he said.
“I think I can say I am back to my best. I am back!”
The teenager acknowledged he had to dig deep throughout the event, particularly during the earlier rounds when his form wasn’t quite clicking.
Wade was gracious in defeat, acknowledging that Littler had simply been too strong when it mattered most.
LITTLER GOES BACK-TO-BACK! ☢️🏆
Luke Littler retains the Ladbrokes UK Open title!
The world number one defeats James Wade for a second straight year to triumph in Minehead!
Live Scores & Streaming 📲 https://t.co/gFQK4rQ2wU#UKOpenDarts | Final pic.twitter.com/xEqJzHpMjQ
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 8, 2026
“He is the best player in the world at the moment and unfortunately I have lost to him in three finals,” Wade told ITV Sport.
“I hate losing more than anyone but I lost to the better player on the day.”
The veteran admitted he had run out of steam towards the end of the contest, putting it down to the age gap between himself and his younger opponent.
“He was just too good for me there at the end,” Wade added.
