Luke Humphries has admitted that teenage sensation Luke Littler currently holds “the edge” in their battle for darts supremacy, setting up the prospect of a blockbuster showdown for the world No 1 spot if both reach Sunday night’s Grand Slam of Darts final in Wolverhampton.
Humphries, 30, and Littler, 18, have become the fiercest new rivalry in the sport, with the pair trading titles and heavyweight averages throughout a remarkable season.
But it is “The Nuke,” who could seize the global top ranking should he lift the Grand Slam crown.
The scenario adds even more intensity to a tournament already brimming with storylines.
Speaking candidly about their race for the summit, Humphries confessed he believes Littler has been operating at a more consistent level.
“I think you just say things in the moment, but I think his ceiling is a lot more consistent than mine,” Humphries said.
“I can perform at these levels, but I don’t maybe do it as often as he does. Maybe that’s just a credit to him. He’s got such a great throw, and he just does it time after time.”
Five facts darts fans might not know | PA/GBNEWS
Luke Humphries has admitted that teenage sensation Luke Littler currently holds “the edge” in their battle for darts supremacy, setting up the prospect of a blockbuster showdown for the world No 1 spot if both reach Sunday night’s Grand Slam of Darts final in Wolverhampton
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Humphries stressed he isn’t being negative about his own game - only realistic about the teenager’s extraordinary rise.
“He just does it a lot more, like these big 100-plus averages,” he added.
“But now I’m starting to feel a little bit comfortable. I can perform at that level as well. We’re close to each other, but at the moment he’s got the edge. It’s up to me to get better and try and keep on his tail.”
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SENSATIONAL HUMPHRIES INTO THE SEMIS!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 14, 2025
What a performance! 👏
Luke Humphries runs out an emphatic 16-8 winner against Michael Smith, averaging almost 105 to storm into the semi-finals!
📺 https://t.co/INctXCEkdB #GSOD | QF pic.twitter.com/ugUTf6L4UI
Before any showdown with Littler can happen, Humphries must get past former world champion Gerwyn Price in Sunday afternoon’s semi-final - a task he knows is far from simple.
Still, he says the thought of meeting Littler for the trophy later that evening is a thrilling one.
“Of course I’d love to meet in the final,” Humphries said.
“I love playing him. I get on really well with him and it’s always a good prospect playing him in a good final. I really get up for it, and he does as well. I always want him to win and I want to play him in the final. I’ll just let fate take control.”
Even with the world No 1 ranking dangling in front of him, Humphries insists the title hunt is not his primary focus.
He believes the World Championship in January will ultimately determine who sits on top of the sport - and that everything before then is simply a bonus.
Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are in line to meet in Sunday's Grand Slam of Darts final
| PA“For me I’m not really thinking about World No 1 anymore because the Worlds are going to be the one,” he explained.
“If I’m stood here as the Grand Slam champion but not World No 1, I’m sure I’ll be happier. I’m not here to just be World No 1.”
Humphries knows exactly what the equation looks like entering darts’ biggest tournament.
“If I can win then I put myself in a good state going into the Worlds, and if I can win that then I’ll win it back anyway,” he said.
“For myself, I have to win the Worlds to be World No 1. If I don’t win the Worlds then I won’t be anyway. So this is all just a little bit of a free run for me.”
As both Lukes move closer to the title match, darts fans are now daring to hope for another electrifying chapter in a rivalry that could define an era. First, however, Littler must make the last four - with the youngster poised to face Josh Rock on Saturday night.