UK Open Darts 2026: Luke Littler defends title, beating James Wade in final

Luke Littler claimed his second consecutive British Open title by beating James Wade 11-7 in the final in Minehead.

Littler, who defeated Wade 11-2 in the 2025 deciding match, once again prevailed over his English friend, albeit in a much closer fight.

By doing so, Littler became the first player to win the ‘FA Darts Cup’ consecutively since Michael van Gerwen in 2015 and 2016.

The 19-year-old world champion took a 3-0 lead in the best-of-21 stage final, but Wade’s score fell to 3-3.

Littler promptly won the next three legs, remarkably Wade drew again at 6-6.

Three-time UK Open champion Wade was averaging just 88 at this point, while Littler was over 100, but the world number one’s slow finish ensured ‘The Machine’ remained in the competition.

But while Wade raised his level and Littler never reached his best, the youngster still managed to seal victory with four straight legs from 7 to 7.

Littler finished with an average of 99.58 and a payout percentage of 35.48%; these figures proved to be enough for him to take home the £120,000 prize money.

“It feels great [to go back-to-back]Littler told ITV4: “On average I don’t think it’s the best of tournaments for me but I dug deep throughout the tournament and came out with a win.

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