Luke Littler has once again rewritten the record books, cementing his status as the most electrifying young talent in darts. On November 16, 2025, at the WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton, the 18-year-old sensation retained his Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts title, defeating his great rival Luke Humphries 16-11 in a pulsating final. With this victory, Littler not only defended the coveted Eric Bristow Trophy but also became the youngest-ever world number one, a feat that has sent shockwaves through the darting world and beyond.
This achievement marks another milestone in Littler’s meteoric rise. His journey to the top began with a record-breaking run to the 2024 World Championship final, where he stunned the sporting world. He followed that breakthrough by becoming the youngest world champion a year later, and now, less than two years into his professional career, he sits alone at the summit of the PDC world rankings. Littler’s ascent has been so rapid that he obliterated Michael van Gerwen’s previous record; Van Gerwen was 24 when he first claimed the world number one spot in 2014. Littler, still just 18, has set a new benchmark for precocious talent in the sport.
The road to the final in Wolverhampton was anything but easy. Littler breezed through the round-robin stage, dispatching Karel Sedlacek, Connor Scutt, and Daryl Gurney with clinical precision. In Round Two, he made short work of Wessel Nijman, and in the quarter-finals, he mounted a comeback win over Josh Rock. The semi-final saw Littler face off against Danny Noppert, and after a tough opening, he rattled off seven consecutive legs to secure a 16-9 victory. That win alone guaranteed his rise to world number one, but Littler wasn’t done yet.
“It’s not even been two years, I have not even spent two years on tour and I am already world number one. That is job done, now I am world number one, but I have got a bigger match tonight,” Littler said after his semi-final triumph, fully aware that the biggest test was still to come against Humphries.
The final itself was a showcase of nerve, skill, and relentless ambition. Littler started strong, but Humphries, the defending world number one and 2023 Grand Slam champion, quickly found his rhythm. The match swung back and forth, with Humphries seizing an early 4-2 lead thanks to a ten-darter and some clinical combination finishes. Littler responded with a three-leg burst, but Humphries kept his nose in front, leading 8-6 after a series of sharp 12-darters.
Then came the turning point. Littler unleashed a monstrous 167 checkout to level the score at 8-8, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Moments later, he produced a flawless 160 finish to move ahead 11-9, a sequence that Humphries later admitted was the game-changer. Littler’s confidence soared, and he won ten of the last thirteen legs, including a run of seven perfect darts in the nineteenth leg, to take control of the contest. Humphries managed to halt the slide with a confident hold in leg 26, but Littler closed out the match with an effortless 96 checkout, securing both the title and his place in history.
“I am the best in the world, I can finally say it,” Littler declared after the final, his voice brimming with pride. “Now I’m number one, I’m hungry to stay there. I want to be there for the next few years. There’s going to be a target on my back from Luke and all the other players.”
The rivalry between Littler and Humphries has become one of the defining narratives in darts. Sunday’s showdown was their fourth major final meeting in 2025 alone, and their head-to-head battles are drawing comparisons to legendary duels in other sports, such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in tennis or Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy in golf. Both players have been clear of the chasing pack, elevating the sport with their consistent excellence and competitive fire.
Humphries, who reached the final after a thrilling 16-13 victory over three-time champion Gerwyn Price (in which he averaged 106.25 and hit 16 maximums), was gracious in defeat. “This is the last day as number one. I’ve been so happy and proud of myself,” he reflected in his on-stage interview. “When it gets to the Worlds, I’ve got one opportunity to take it back from him. I’ll be fighting hard; it’s a war now!” Humphries’ determination to reclaim the top spot sets the stage for another dramatic chapter at the upcoming World Championship, beginning next month.
Littler’s dominance throughout the Grand Slam was underscored by his unbeaten run—14 wins from 14 matches—and a tournament average of 100.61, along with fifteen 180s in the final. He has now joined the exclusive club of players to have defended the Grand Slam title, a group that includes legends Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. His prize money has soared to £1.85 million in under two years, a testament to his consistency and star power.
Humphries, for his part, acknowledged his rival’s brilliance. “I said to Luke that he deserves all the success he gets. He’s been a massive advocate for darts and he deserves to be the world number one. I feel like I’ve done myself justice. I’ve really worked hard and held him at bay for a long time. He’s an incredible player, but I’m going to give it everything at the World Championship [to get it back].”
As the dust settles on Wolverhampton, the darts world is abuzz with excitement. Littler’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but a watershed moment for the sport, signaling a new era where youthful exuberance and steely resolve meet on the oche. With the Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals and the Paddy Power World Darts Championship on the horizon, all eyes will remain fixed on Littler and Humphries as their rivalry continues to captivate fans everywhere.
For now, though, it’s Luke Littler’s time to bask in the glow of history. The youngest-ever world number one stands atop the darting world, hungry for more and ready for all challengers.
