Step into the electrifying world of darts with Armageddon XL, the UK’s premier exhibition, which recently captivated Leicester. This year’s event, a spectacular blend of darting legends and rising stars, delivered an unforgettable night of high-stakes action, surprising celebrity appearances, and nail-biting finishes. From its humble beginnings, Armageddon has grown into a powerhouse, culminating in a thrilling main event where Luke Littler triumphed, and a jaw-dropping mystery guest left fans in absolute awe. Get ready to discover why this exhibition is a must-see for any darts enthusiast!
The Rise of a Darts Phenomenon
The latest instalment of Armageddon XL, one of the UK’s longest-running and most spectacular darts exhibitions, recently took centre stage in Leicester. From its modest origins in 2012 at the Hermitage Leisure Centre in Whitwick, Armageddon has blossomed into what is arguably the country’s largest darts exhibition of its kind.
Early editions were headlined by legends like Phil “The Power” Taylor, Eric Bristow, and Raymond van Barneveld, who competed in eight-player tournaments across the East Midlands. The event’s “roll of honour” boasts iconic names, consistently blending superstar appeal with strong local interest.
After years of consistent success, the show outgrew its original home, making a significant move to the much larger Mattioli Arena in 2023. This expansion has fueled further growth, with the 2025 edition attracting massive crowds thanks to the addition of Luke Littler as the main attraction, following his phenomenal success as the newly crowned World Champion.
More Than Just Darts: The Element of Surprise
Armageddon is not just about high-stakes darts; it’s renowned for delivering unexpected treats for the fans. Last year, for example, former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan delighted over 2,000 attendees by performing his own walk-on song live, before even playing a leg of darts against Luke Littler.
The 2026 “XL” version promised even more, and it certainly delivered, featuring yet another surprise guest who completely stole the show!
Inside Armageddon XL: A Day of Darts and Entertainment
Doors opened at 3:30 pm, welcoming fans into a vibrant fanzone packed with activities. Attendees had the chance to meet and greet World Champions such as John Part, Glen Durrant, and Trina Gulliver, posing for selfies and soaking in the atmosphere.
The darting action kicked off with the Winmau Bardon Premier League final, where Andy Hibbert emerged as Champion, defeating Chris ‘Pugs’ Wickenden 10-8 in a gripping contest.
Local Rivalries and Title Defences:
- Harry Ward triumphed over Ricky Sudale 4-2 in the ‘Swadlingoat Challenge,’ a local derby match for bragging rights in their hometown of Swadlincote.
- Charlie Marshall also retained his ‘King of Kings’ title for the third consecutive year, besting Pete Burgoyne by the same score.
Superstar Showdowns and the Mystery Guest Reveal
The main portion of the show produced a flurry of memorable moments, pitting darting stars against each other:
- Young talent Kye Courtney had the unforgettable opportunity to face Luke Littler.
- Simon Whitlock secured a win against Scott Brookes.
- Stephen Bunting defeated Kyle Gilding.
- Adrian Lewis overcame Chris Wickenden in an entertaining battle.
- Nathan Aspinall triumphed over Kye’s father, Andy Courtney, himself a talented darter.
Just when it seemed ‘The Asp’ (Nathan Aspinall) was without an opponent for the main event section, a dramatic moment unfolded. A hooded figure, dressed entirely in black with his face obscured, entered the walk-on area. As the crowd buzzed with guesses, the unmistakable strains of ‘Ice Ice Baby’ filled the arena, revealing the mystery player to be none other than Gerwyn Price! The revelation sparked a spine-tingling roar and an incredible reception from the 2,000-plus fans in attendance.
Price wasted no time, sweeping aside Aspinall with a dominant 5-1 victory, setting the stage for the grand finale.
The Main Event: Littler vs. Bunting
With the electric buzz of Price’s shock entrance still in the air, it was time for the main event: Luke Littler vs. Stephen Bunting. This highly anticipated clash did not disappoint. It initially looked like a quick night as ‘The Bullet’ (Bunting) surged to a 6-2 lead in a race to eight legs.
However, Littler, ever the showman, battled back with incredible resilience, pushing the match to a thrilling final leg. In a moment of pure exhibition brilliance, Littler sealed an 8-7 victory by expertly pinning a pair of double fours, sending the crowd into raptures.
Littler then proudly lifted the George Pallett Trophy, a poignant tribute to the grandfather of Armageddon creator Matthew Ward of MDA Events.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Another fantastic Armageddon event concluded, leaving everyone thoroughly entertained. The organisers are already promising that 2027 will be even bigger, ensuring the fans remain the ultimate winners of this spectacular darts show!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
