Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen & Peter Wright: Only three players achieved a 100+ tournament average at the UK Open since 2017

The UK Open is known as the “FA Cup of Darts”: a tournament without seeded players, with an open draw and a unique atmosphere where upsets are always lurking. The past nine editions not only produced different winners, but also offered a clear snapshot of how the standard at the top of the darts world has evolved. A look at the champions since 2017 — along with their tournament averages — underscores that picture.

The most recent winner of the UK Open is Luke Littler, who claimed the title in 2025 with an impressive tournament average of 104.35. It showed exactly why he is regarded as one of the greatest talents of his generation.

Only Michael van Gerwen did slightly better in this period: his 2020 triumph came with an average of 104.47. It typifies the dominance the Dutchman displayed on the big stage for years.

In 2024 the title went to Dimitri Van den Bergh. The Belgian posted a 95.30 average and proved that the UK Open is not always about sky-high numbers, but about producing the right level at the decisive moments. That also applied to Andrew Gilding, who won the tournament in 2023 with a 94.02 average. His victory was lauded for the steely resolve he showed in the closing stages.

A year earlier, in 2022, it was Danny Noppert who lifted the trophy with a 91.78 average. The Frisian may not have recorded the highest average on the list, but he was extremely consistent and clinical in the deciding legs. In 2021 James Wade showed why he is known as a “major specialist”: with a 99.71 average he landed another big TV title.

The preceding years also delivered notable winners. Nathan Aspinall triumphed in 2019 with 93.61, while Gary Anderson captured the title in 2018 with a 97.76 average. In 2017 it was Peter Wright who etched his name on the roll of honor with a robust 101.70.

What stands out is the mix of styles and personalities. From the clinical efficiency of Van Gerwen and Wade to Wright’s flamboyance and Littler’s fresh bravado, the UK Open remains a tournament where there are different routes to success. The averages also show that a 100+ level is often needed to truly dominate, but that mental resilience is just as crucial to seal the title.

The UK Open 2026 gets underway this Friday at Butlin’s Minehead.