Last year, Josh Rock showcased immense potential, battling darts sensation Luke Littler in a thrilling World Matchplay semi-final. However, the current season (2026) has seen a significant dip in form for ‘Rocky,’ culminating in a challenging Premier League campaign and a string of nine consecutive losses against ‘The Nuke.’ As they prepare for their highly anticipated rematch, Rock faces an uphill battle against Littler’s seemingly unstoppable momentum, with bookmakers heavily favoring his opponent. This match isn’t just about winning; it’s about Rock rediscovering his elite form and proving he can still compete at the very top.
The Promise of a Rising Star: Josh Rock’s Peak Performance
Just a year ago, Josh Rock was on the cusp of a major final. Fresh off a World Cup victory, he entered the World Matchplay semi-finals as a formidable opponent for Luke Littler. Their first encounter was nothing short of spectacular, a match that highlighted Rock’s incredible talent. Despite ultimately falling short, Rock delivered an unforgettable performance, averaging an astonishing 104.15 in a contest that arguably featured one of darts’ most perfect legs. He pushed ‘The Nuke’ to his limits, eventually losing 17-14, a result that nonetheless affirmed his potential to reach the sport’s pinnacle.
A Challenging Season: The Struggle for Form
The current year, 2026, has proven to be a stark contrast for Josh Rock. The ease and fluidity that characterized his play last season have been elusive. Rock has faced considerable challenges:
- Finishing bottom of his maiden Premier League campaign.
- Struggling to replicate the high-level form he displayed in 2025.
- His yearly average in 2026 has noticeably dropped by a point compared to last year.
While there have been glimmers of his talent, such as decent runs to the Quarter-Finals at the Masters and the Semi-Finals at the UK Open, these haven’t been enough to consistently elevate his game back to previous heights.
The Littler Hurdle: An Unbroken Streak
Adding to Rock’s challenges is his head-to-head record against Luke Littler. Tonight’s rematch marks their tenth encounter in the last twelve months, and unfortunately for Rock, ‘The Nuke’ has emerged victorious on every single occasion. This dominant streak includes significant wins in major tournaments:
- The later stages of the 2026 UK Open.
- The World Masters (also in 2026).
- The 2025 Grand Slam of Darts.
- Multiple victories throughout this year’s Premier League season.
The Rematch: A Mountain to Climb
As Josh Rock steps up to the oche tonight, the odds are stacked against him. Bookmakers value him at 7/1, a clear indication of the monumental task ahead. To stand any chance against Luke Littler, Rock knows he needs a significant improvement in his game. His current tournament average sits at 91, while Littler is performing at an almost unbelievable 111.8 for the tournament. This means Rock would need to add at least ten points to his average just to get anywhere near Littler’s current level.
Littler’s form is truly exceptional, having won a staggering 33 consecutive matches in ranking majors. This incredible run underscores the challenge facing Rock. For Littler, this match is a step towards a potential blockbuster semi-final, possibly a replay of the 2024 Grand Slam semi-final against Peter Wright (‘The Flying Scotsman’). But first, he must overcome his good friend, Josh Rock. For Rock, this match is an opportunity to defy expectations, break a daunting losing streak, and reignite his season.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
