Luke Littler Claims Players Championship 32 Title in Wigan
Luke Littler secured the Players Championship 32 title in Wigan, marking a significant comeback after recent defeats. The 18-year-old, fresh off a semi-final loss to Beau Greaves in the World Youth Championship and an early exit in Players Championship 31 to Ritchie Edhouse, demonstrated resilience by winning outright. This victory not only boosts his morale but also guarantees his place in the upcoming Players Championship Finals next month in Minehead.
In Wednesday’s semi-finals, Littler overcame Stephen Bunting with a score of 7-4. He then faced Dutch player Dennie Olde Kalter in the final, where he achieved a decisive 8-2 victory. The win comes at a crucial moment for Littler, who had found himself outside the qualification spots for the Players Championship Finals following his disappointing performance in Event 31.
Littler’s recent defeat to Edhouse, the reigning European champion, highlighted the pressure he faced. That loss left him ranked 73rd in the Players Championship standings, £2,500 behind the 64th-ranked Niko Springer. Despite this setback, his title at Event 32 propels him forward as the regular Players Championship campaign concludes with two more tournaments scheduled for October 29 and 30, also in Wigan.
The young star’s busy schedule is not just limited to competition. He recently triumphed over Luke Humphries in the World Grand Prix final, earning his fourth PDC major title of 2025 and the seventh of his career. However, the following day saw him eliminated by Greaves in the World Youth Championship semi-finals.
In a notable shift in management, Littler announced he would now be represented by Target Darts, a brand he has been affiliated with since the early stages of his career. He expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter on social media, stating, “Target have been with me from the start and proud to have them managing me now. Onwards with the best brand in the game.”
With the Grand Slam of Darts approaching, set to take place in Wolverhampton from November 8 to 16, Littler is under pressure to defend his title. The Players Championship events offer substantial financial rewards, with the first prize set at £15,000. The runner-up receives £10,000, while semi-finalists earn £5,000.
Currently, Gerwyn Price leads the Order of Merit after winning four Players Championship titles this year, followed by Gian van Veen, Ross Smith, Damon Heta, and Event 31 champion Jermaine Wattimena.
As Littler prepares for the upcoming tournaments, all eyes will be on his performance, especially as he aims to solidify his standing in the world of professional darts. The final rounds of Players Championship 32 showcased the intense competition and highlighted Littler’s determination to reclaim his position among the sport’s elite.
