Luke Littler has officially become the new world No.1 in darts, just 22 months after turning professional, completing one of the most astonishing rises ever seen in the sport.
The 18-year-old phenomenon has surged from teenage newcomer to the top of the global rankings in less than two years, a trajectory that many seasoned observers say has no precedent.
Back in December 2023, Littler stepped onto the stage at Alexandra Palace for the PDC World Darts Championship as a virtually unknown world youth champion, still only 16 and weeks away from his seventeenth birthday.
Fast-forward to today and he stands not only as the reigning world champion but now, officially, the best darts player on the planet.
He will replace rival Luke Humphries at the top of the PDC rankings on Monday morning after reaching the Grand Slam of Darts final.
His place in tonight’s showdown was secured with a gritty 16–9 victory over Dutch star Danny Noppert, where Littler averaged 102.62 and sealed the win with a confident double top.
As the winning dart landed, he offered a smirk that hinted at the self-belief now radiating through his game — a nod, perhaps, to the swagger once shown by Muhammad Ali, who famously roared “I am the Greatest” on becoming heavyweight champion.
Luke Littler has officially become the new world No.1 in darts, just 22 months after turning professional, completing one of the most astonishing rises ever seen in the sport
|PA
Although many fans already saw him as the world’s best after he lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy earlier this year, Littler had always been reluctant to declare himself No 1 while Humphries held the official ranking. That hesitancy is over.
“It’s not even been two years,” the Warrington teenager said.
“I’ve not even spent two years on the tour and I am already world No 1.
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Luke Littler has been in stunning form in 2025 | PA"That is job done, now world No 1. But we have got a bigger match later on tonight.
"Well, I am the best in the world. No matter, I have said it throughout the year. Luke Humphries has been the best in the world, no matter if he goes out in the first round or second round - No 1 means you are the best in the world.”
Still only 18, Littler now holds the world title, the No 1 ranking and more than £1.7million in prize money earned across two seasons - a level of domination few could have imagined when he burst onto the tour.
His semi-final against Noppert began shakily, with Littler falling 2–0 behind after being distracted by noise in the crowd during the opening leg.
Noppert led 3–1 before Littler produced a blistering 145 checkout to surge ahead 4–3.
The Dutchman edged back in front at 6–4 and again at 8–7, but Littler’s trademark composure returned as the match entered its decisive stages.
Luke Littler will face off against Luke Humphries in Sunday's Grand Slam of Darts final
|GETTY
At one point he even teased the crowd by refusing to shoot for the bull on a potential 170 finish, instead choosing to set up the double.
A roaring “come on!” erupted after he hit the bull to complete a 65 checkout and take a 10–9 lead - a turning point from which he never looked back. Noppert failed to win another leg as Littler stormed to yet another major final.
Tonight he faces Humphries, 30, for the £153,500 top prize - including a £3,500 group bonus.
But the bigger battle between the two Lukes has already been settled in Littler’s favour.