Luke Humphries dramatically “declared war” on Luke Littler after losing his world No 1 crown to the teenage sensation, vowing to reclaim his throne at the World Darts Championship as their rivalry exploded into a full scale battle for supremacy.
Littler’s victory over Humphries in the Grand Slam of Darts final not only secured the title but came shortly after the youngster soared to the top of the global rankings, setting the stage for a potentially era-defining showdown between the sport’s two biggest stars next month.
Littler reached the summit less than two years after playing his first professional PDC event.
He then underlined his new status by beating Humphries in the Grand Slam of Darts final in Wolverhampton, successfully defending his title and extending one of the most compelling rivalries the sport has seen in years.
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Their battle for supremacy will now roll into Alexandra Palace, where the World Darts Championship begins on December 11.
It could culminate in a blockbuster final between the two best players on January 3.
With both men boasting electric form, the countdown to their potential showdown has already begun.
“I am the best in the world,” Littler said after collecting the trophy.
Luke Humphries dramatically “declared war” on Luke Littler after losing his world No 1 crown to the teenage sensation, vowing to reclaim his throne at the World Darts Championship as their rivalry exploded into a full scale battle for supremacy
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“I can finally say it, world number one. You are the best in the world and obviously to top it off, going back to back here makes it even more special.”
Humphries, who defeated Littler in the 2024 World Championship final to claim his first world crown, has slipped to second in the rankings after spending 23 months at the top.
His form remains strong, although he has been beaten in the final of the last three PDC majors, including the World Grand Prix and the European Championship.
The 16–11 defeat on Sunday came after a gruelling semi-final against Gerwyn Price earlier in the day, and Humphries admitted the fatigue told.
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Luke Littler poses with his trophy after winning the Grand Slam of Darts
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Even so, he insisted he is now fully focused on reclaiming No 1 status by winning the £1million first prize at Alexandra Palace.
“I am ready for the Worlds now. I am going to win the Worlds,” Humphries said.
“I am declaring war because I am obviously disappointed to lose the last three finals, but I am playing good, and the tiredness crept in at the end there.
“One game a day suits me. We are going to go to war. World Championships, me and him in a final. We are going to see who is the number one there.”
Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle suggested the pair are ushering in a golden era in men’s darts, arguing they have “elevated” themselves above the rest of the field.
Littler agreed with the assessment.
“I think we are,” he said.
Luke Littler has been in stunning form in 2025 | PA“The finals show it, the stats show it and if everyone is getting bored of me and him, then someone needs to stop us, otherwise we are going to keep winning.
“We are always going to meet in the final if we get past our opponents and we will make it continue.”
Littler added that reaching No 1 has intensified the rivalry even further.
“Now I have got that number one spot, obviously he wants it back, but now we are going to be battling even more,” he said.
“I think we are going to keep playing well because he wants it back and obviously I do not want to give it away.
“You are going to see many more great games."