UK Open Darts 2026: Luke Littler defends his title by defeating James Wade in the final

Luke Littler claimed his second successive UK Open title by defeating James Wade 11-7 in the final in Minehead.

After thrashing Wade 11-2 in the 2025 playoff, Littler once again outplayed his English teammate, albeit in a very close contest.

In doing so, Littler became the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2015 and 2016 to win the FA Cup of Darts in succession.

The 19-year-old world champion took a 3-0 lead in the best-of-21 final, but was tied at 3-3 by Wade.

Littler promptly won the next three matches before Wade remarkably tied the score again at 6-6.

Wade, a three-time UK Open champion, was averaging just 88 at that stage while Letelier was over 100 – but some lag in the world number one’s finish allowed ‘The Machine’ to remain in contention.

But while Wade raised his game and Littler never reached anywhere near his best, the teenager was still able to post four straight 7-7 games to clinch the victory.

Lettlier finished with an average of 99.58 and a payout percentage of 35.48%, figures that were enough for him to take home the £120,000 prize money.

“It feels great [to go back-to-back]Littler told ITV4. “I don’t think it was the best tournament for me in terms of average but I worked hard throughout the tournament and came away with the win.

“I wasn’t happy with myself during the first rounds, but as a player you have to dig deeper.”