“If you see the photos Luke’s mum posts — he was throwing darts in a nappy. That’s what it takes” — Luke Littler's rapid ascent comes full circle at World Matchplay says Chris Mason

Luke Littler’s rise through the darting ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. But according to Chris Mason, the real turning point might have been the world champion finally putting serious hours on the practice board ahead of the 2025 World Matchplay — transforming from a world-class talent into a potential all-conquering force.

Speaking to talkSPORT following an unforgettable week in Blackpool, Mason said he had seen a clear change in Littler’s mindset — with the 18-year-old finally putting serious time into studying the game and hitting the practice board. “I think that’s the only difference between being world-class and completely dominating,” Mason said. “Luke has the talent, the ability, the mental strength — and he’s humble. Just a normal 18-year-old lad who happens to be one of the greatest we’ve seen.”

“He’s been doing this since he was 12 or 13 at JDC level. The self-belief is ingrained. Last year he rocked up like it was any other tournament. This year, he was a bit more prepared. I saw him spending hours on the balcony watching matches. And then I get the whisper: ‘He’s been putting some graft in.’”

Littler’s 18–12 win over James Wade in the final sealed his so-called “Triple Crown” of major PDC titles, adding the Matchplay to the World Championship and Premier League trophies he has already claimed in his first 18 months on tour. But for Mason, it was the way Littler did it that stood out most.

“What more can we even say about Luke Littler now? He’s won another major. But what stands out to me is his resilience,” Mason said. “He went five legs down in three different games — in the final against Wade, against Josh Rock, and don’t forget Jermaine Wattimena too. Down 7–2 in that one. And then to say ‘I’m staying,’ when he brought it back to 7–3 — you’ve got to have massive self-belief to do that. And then he did it. As laidback as he is, he’s earned the right to have that belief because he’s proven.”

Mason was quick to dismiss any idea that Littler’s talent alone is responsible for his rapid ascent — insisting that a strong work ethic has been there all along, and now it’s beginning to match the world-class ability. “Some people are born with it — maybe superior hand-eye coordination. But my favourite phrase is: hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. And Luke has worked.”

“If you see the photos Luke’s mum posts, he was throwing darts in a nappy. That’s what it takes. Nobody picks up a set of darts and becomes world champion,” Mason continues. “Even Gary [Anderson] — as talented as he is — you can tell when he’s been grafting and when he hasn’t. And Luke’s had a few off-colour games this year too. Sometimes he hasn’t been playing much. He’s busy, which he’s entitled to be. Darts owes him nothing, and he owes darts nothing.”

Now, with Littler actively seeking out time to practice, watch, and refine his game, Mason believes the gap between him and the rest may only grow. “Luke’s now the youngest World Matchplay champ ever — and he’ll just keep ticking off the majors. After that, we’ll see where his ambition takes him.”

While Littler’s brilliance was the headline act, Mason also reserved praise for James Wade, who reached the final 19 years after his debut appearance in Blackpool. “A word for Wadey as well. Me and James have similar issues and I know how much that affected both my life and my career. I played him on his debut in 2006 — gave me my first defeat at the Matchplay — and 19 years later he’s still contending.”

“He doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. Just getting through life is hard enough, never mind being a top-level pro. He’s remarkable,” Mason adds. “He’s stuck with what works, and that’s what you’re always told. You find your setup and stick with it. For James, it’s about what he knows. His style, his counting — it’s all consistent. He doesn’t like change, and that’s normal with his mental health.”

Mason also praised the emergence of Josh Rock, who reached the semi-finals and produced one of the shots of the tournament — a 164 finish to beat Gerwyn Price.

“I think he’s nailed on for the Premier League. He’s quick, hits 180s, takes his shots, great with the fans, great to interview. Ticks every box,” Mason predicts. “I spent three hours with him after he lost to Luke. He was gutted, of course, but proud too. I’ve got a great relationship with him. He’s matured, he’s married, making a few quid, and just a lovely lad from Ballymena. He’s got everything. That leg against Gezzy? One of the best ever. No missed darts. Clean, quality darts.”

For Mason, the 2025 World Matchplay was about more than just results — it was a celebration of where the sport is now and where it’s headed. Littler and Wade symbolised a generational handover that was both emotional and inspiring. “There’s a huge gap in age, but both are generational talents — one at 40, the other at 18. Maybe only snooker gives you that kind of thing, with the class of ’92 and someone like Mark Williams. Or maybe golf when Tiger was tearing it up as a youngster.”

“Darts is in a fabulous place. Everyone at the PDC and Matchroom was just glowing all week. We even had the JDC Girls final — incredible standard,” he assesses. “And then Lisa Ashton — the one thing missing from her résumé — pops up and wins the Women’s World Matchplay. Bit fortunate maybe, but you need that luck sometimes.”

As for Blackpool itself? “I played three different World Championship venues, and Lakeside’s special too, but nothing touches the atmosphere at the Winter Gardens. I still get goosebumps walking in — and I’m just going there to ‘work.’ Not that it feels like work when you love your job!”