On a night that will be remembered for its clinical brilliance and shifting tides in the world of professional darts, 18-year-old Luke Littler stormed to a dominant 6-1 victory over his rival Luke Humphries to claim his first World Grand Prix title in Leicester on October 12, 2025. The much-anticipated showdown not only crowned Littler as the 2025 World Grand Prix of Darts champion, but also fueled the ever-intensifying race for the coveted world number one spot.
For those who have followed the rise of Luke Littler, this moment seemed both inevitable and electrifying. The teenager, now a four-time major winner, added yet another milestone to his already glittering career. With this win, Littler notched his seventh PDC major televised title, tying him for the seventh-most in darts history—a remarkable feat considering he didn’t even have a tour card two years ago.
Littler’s path to the final was anything but easy. He had to navigate past four previous winners of the World Grand Prix, showing nerves of steel and a knack for rising to the occasion. But it was in the final, under the bright lights of Leicester and the eyes of a global audience, that Littler truly delivered. Facing Luke Humphries—who was making his third consecutive Grand Prix final appearance and had lifted the trophy in 2023—Littler showcased a blend of ruthlessness and composure that belied his age.
The match itself was a fascinating study in momentum and mental fortitude. The opening set was tense, with both players exchanging breaks and Littler needing 13 darts just to get in during the second leg. Yet, Littler held his nerve and claimed the early advantage. From there, he clicked into a higher gear, winning five of his six sets in final-leg deciders and consistently punishing any slip-ups from Humphries. The statistics told a story of their own: Littler averaged 92.15 to Humphries’ 93.61, but it was Littler’s timing and finishing that made the difference.
Both men traded heavy blows, with each landing three 100+ finishes and exchanging back-to-back 180s in a display that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Littler even flirted with perfection, hitting eight darts into a potential nine-darter in the third set, only to narrowly miss the historic moment. “Even when I hit the 180, I just said to myself ‘have a go,’ but I didn’t get it. There’s always so many years to try and get that nine-darter in the double start. I’m just very happy to win,” Littler told Sky Sports, reflecting on his near-miss and ultimate triumph.
Humphries, meanwhile, found himself in unfamiliar territory. Despite averaging higher and hitting more 100-plus scores and 180s, he struggled to capitalize on opportunities. The fifth set offered a glimmer of hope as Humphries sensationally took out a 154 finish to get on the scoreboard, but Littler quickly slammed the door, winning the next two sets with authority. “It’s one of them games. It’s hard work. He’s so clinical. The first four sets, I missed darts to get in. Double 16 has been my friend for the last three years. Tonight, it wasn’t. It’s very unfortunate. When I was 4-0 down, I just wanted to give the crowd something. I wasn’t playing for myself any more, I was playing for the crowd,” Humphries said in a candid post-match interview with Sky Sports.
The rivalry between these two has become the defining narrative in modern darts. In the past two years alone, Humphries and Littler have clashed in five major PDC finals, with Humphries winning three and Littler now claiming his second over his friend and rival. Their head-to-head record in finals reads like a saga for the ages: 2024 World Championship (Humphries 7-4 Littler), 2024 Premier League (Humphries 7-11 Littler), 2024 Players Championship (Humphries 11-7 Littler), 2025 Premier League (Humphries 11-8 Littler), and now the 2025 Grand Prix (Humphries 1-6 Littler).
With this latest victory, Littler pocketed £120,000 in prize money and, perhaps more significantly, closed the gap to just over £70,000 behind Humphries at the top of the PDC world rankings. “This is my time and I’ve just got to keep going,” Littler declared at the post-match press conference. “Obviously, until I get that world number one spot, I will never call myself the best in the world. Whoever’s number one, they’re the best. But knowing I’m only £70,000 in prize money behind Luke, and then he’s got to defend all of his prize money from the Grand Prix, the Players Championships and the World Championship. I don’t want to think about it too much, but I could be world number one before that World Championship. I’ve just got to keep chucking away and put as much pressure as I can on Luke.”
Humphries, ever the competitor, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “I have to just get better, practice harder. If I don’t, he will just run away with everything. I have to dedicate everything to being a dart player and work even harder than I ever have. I want to match him,” he said, underscoring the mutual respect and relentless drive that has fueled their rivalry.
The numbers from the match reflected the intensity and quality on display. Littler fired in 101, 100, and a 180 with his first nine darts in the final set, needing just 120 to claim the title. He executed a clinical finish—20, then tops—to seal the 6-1 victory. The crowd, already buzzing from the high-octane exchanges, erupted as Littler lifted the trophy. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the match felt far closer, with both players producing world-class darts throughout.
As the dust settles, the darts world is left to ponder what comes next. For Littler, there’s little time to rest: he’s set to defend his crown at the World Youth Championship in Wigan on October 14, 2025. “I’ll go to the World Youth tomorrow and just have a bit of fun, see everyone,” said Littler. “I don’t think anyone is going to be my friend tomorrow, but it’s only 20 minutes up the road, so I’ll try my best!” The World Youth final will be held on November 23, 2025, in Minehead, potentially setting up another dramatic chapter in Littler’s already remarkable year.
As for Humphries, the road to redemption begins anew, with the world watching to see how he responds to this latest setback. With the World Championship looming and both men in blistering form, the stage is set for more fireworks. For now, though, it’s Luke Littler’s moment—a victory that not only cements his place among the sport’s elite, but also signals a thrilling new era in professional darts.
