Luke Littler’s meteoric rise in the world of darts continues to captivate fans and pundits alike, as the 18-year-old sensation clinched his first Boyle Sports World Grand Prix title with a commanding 6-1 victory over world number one Luke Humphries at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The triumph not only adds another glittering trophy to Littler’s burgeoning collection but also intensifies the rivalry between the sport’s two brightest stars, setting the stage for a dramatic run-up to the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The final was billed as a clash of titans, with Littler and Humphries occupying the top two spots in the PDC Order of Merit and having squared off in numerous high-stakes encounters over the past two seasons. This latest showdown marked their 25th meeting in PDC professional events in less than two years, and their sixth televised final—a testament to their dominance and the compelling narrative they’ve built atop the world of darts.
Littler, already the reigning world champion after his 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen in January, wasted little time asserting his authority in Leicester. He took the opening two sets in final-leg deciders, showcasing nerves of steel under the brightest lights. The young Englishman came agonizingly close to a historic nine-dart leg immediately after the break, missing the bullseye by a whisker—a moment that left the crowd gasping and underscored his prodigious talent.
Humphries, the 2024 world champion and current world number one, refused to go quietly. He clawed back the fifth set with a spectacular 154 checkout, raising his arms in a show of defiance and giving the crowd at Mattioli Arena something to cheer for. But Littler, relentless as ever, responded by winning the next two sets, closing out the match with a stunning 11-darter and sealing his seventh different major PDC title in under two years.
“Very happy to tick it off. It's not the easiest tournament to win. This week has been so tough,” Littler told Sky Sports after hoisting the trophy aloft. “Now I've picked the trophy up, it's one I can tick off and there's not many left. I've got to perform the big out-shots, the big scores when Luke [Humphries] does put me under pressure. I think I played very well tonight. Luke was always behind me, I couldn't step off the gas. I'm very happy to win.”
The numbers behind Littler’s victory further highlight his clinical edge. He opened with a 16-dart hold, broke back with a 66 finish, and capitalized on missed doubles from Humphries to build his advantage. Littler’s 104 finish to seal the third set and a series of ton-plus checkouts in the closing stages left no doubt about his current form. Humphries, for his part, managed to edge Littler 93.61 to 92.15 in the averages, but it was the teenager’s timing and composure that made the difference.
Humphries, gracious in defeat but clearly stung by the margin, admitted, “He was so clinical in the first four sets. When I was 4-0 down I just wanted to give the crowd something. I wasn't playing for myself, I was playing for the crowd because the game had got away from me. It's hard to take. It's disappointing because I felt I was going to give him a better game than I did. I have to just get better. I have to work harder. If I don't, he will walk away with it all the time. I need to work harder than I ever have because I want to match him.”
This victory brings Littler within £70,000 of Humphries in the PDC Order of Merit, keeping the race for the world number one ranking wide open ahead of the World Darts Championship in December. “Luke [Humphries] will know I'm behind his back now and I'm on to him,” Littler remarked, signaling that the battle for darts’ top spot is far from over.
The Littler-Humphries rivalry has quickly become the centerpiece of the sport, with both players trading blows in major finals and pushing each other to new heights. Their head-to-head record is a tapestry of dramatic comebacks, record-breaking averages, and unforgettable moments. Littler’s debut at Alexandra Palace as a 16-year-old saw him defeat legends like Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross before falling to Humphries in the World Championship final—a result that launched both players into the sport’s stratosphere.
Since then, Littler has amassed titles at the World Championship, UK Open, World Matchplay, and two World Series events in 2025 alone. Humphries, meanwhile, has claimed the World Masters and Premier League, reinforcing his credentials as one of the game’s elite. Their encounters are now widely regarded as the “biggest game in world darts,” captivating audiences and elevating the sport’s profile on the global stage.
The schedule ahead promises even more fireworks. The PDC ProTour resumes with Players Championship events in Wigan on October 14 and 15, followed by the German Darts Championship starting October 17. The Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, running from November 8-16, will be the next major televised event, before the World Darts Championship kicks off at Alexandra Palace from December 11, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Littler enters as the 5/4 favourite to defend his world crown, with Humphries close behind at 9/4, according to the latest odds from Paddy Power. Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen, and Josh Rock round out the top contenders, but it’s the two Lukes who command the spotlight.
For darts fans, the rivalry between Littler and Humphries is a gift that keeps on giving. Their contrasting styles—Littler’s fearless aggression and Humphries’ cool precision—make for compelling viewing, and their mutual respect ensures that every encounter is played at the highest level. As the countdown to Alexandra Palace begins, the question on everyone’s lips is simple: who will emerge as world number one, and can Littler achieve the rare feat of defending his world title?
With the season’s biggest prizes still up for grabs and both players in scintillating form, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in darts’ modern era. Whether you’re a seasoned follower or a newcomer to the sport, the battle between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries is one rivalry you won’t want to miss.
