Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darts prodigy, is eagerly anticipating donning the England jersey at the upcoming World Cup of Darts, a tournament he hopes will add another prestigious trophy to his rapidly growing collection. His remarkable ascent in the darts world has been nothing short of meteoric, culminating in a maiden world darts title that propelled him to the second spot on the PDC Order of Merit. With over £1,118,500 in prize money from ranked tournaments alone, excluding substantial earnings from the Premier League and World Series events, Littler has solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with. This year’s World Cup marks a significant milestone for Littler, who missed the tournament last year due to his then-nascent professional career and insufficient ranking. The young darts star, a passionate England supporter, expressed his excitement about representing his country, acknowledging the ranking-based qualification system that prevented his participation last year.
Littler is poised to form a formidable “all-Luke Dream Team” with Luke Humphries in Frankfurt, Germany, where the World Cup of Darts is scheduled to take place from June 12th to 15th. The duo will be following in the footsteps of previous English World Cup champions, including the 2023 winning pair of Humphries and Michael Smith, and the legendary duo of Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis, four-time winners of the coveted title. While relishing the opportunity to team up with Humphries, Littler also has his sights set on potentially surpassing his compatriot in the world rankings.
Humphries, the reigning world champion, will undoubtedly be seeking redemption after a disappointing fourth-round exit at the World Championship, a defeat that cost him the Sid Waddell Trophy. Littler recognizes the challenge ahead, acknowledging that Humphries’s continued success and defense of his prize money will make claiming the top spot a difficult feat. However, he is confident in his own abilities and eager to capitalize on any opportunities that may arise. The 2025 season will be a crucial one for Humphries, who will be defending a significant amount of prize money from his previous triumphs. This period presents a window of opportunity for Littler, who is determined to make his mark in his second season as a professional.
The rivalry between Littler and Humphries adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming World Cup of Darts. While they will be teammates representing their country, the underlying competition for the world number one ranking will inevitably add a dynamic element to their partnership. Littler’s ambitious pursuit of the top spot signifies his unwavering determination and confidence in his own potential. The clash of these two rising stars promises to be one of the most captivating storylines of the tournament, as they navigate the complexities of being both teammates and rivals on the global stage.
Littler’s rapid rise to prominence in the world of darts has been fueled by exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and a remarkable composure under pressure. At just 17 years old, he has already achieved feats that many seasoned professionals can only dream of. His maiden world title, Premier League victory, and impressive World Series performances have firmly established him as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. His meteoric ascent has not gone unnoticed, with fans and pundits alike marveling at his prodigious skills and predicting a bright future for the young star.
As the World Cup of Darts approaches, the anticipation surrounding Littler’s performance continues to build. His ambition to claim the top spot in the world rankings, coupled with his partnership and rivalry with Humphries, adds a compelling narrative to the tournament. The world of darts is witnessing the emergence of a true phenomenon, and the coming years promise to be filled with even greater achievements for this exceptional young talent. Luke Littler is a name that will undoubtedly resonate throughout the sport for years to come, and his journey to the pinnacle of darts has only just begun.
