In a moment that underscores the soaring popularity of darts, World No. 1 Luke Humphries and teenage prodigy Luke Littler have been awarded MBEs in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, recognizing their transformative impact on the sport. The announcement, made on June 13, 2025, comes as the duo prepares to team up for England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, a fitting stage for two athletes who have redefined the game. Humphries, in a heartfelt tribute, praised his young rival, emphasizing their shared role in elevating darts to new heights. “It’s something that me and Luke have really done together,” he said, acknowledging Littler’s meteoric rise while highlighting their mutual contribution to the sport’s global appeal.
At just 18, Littler has become a household name, dubbed “The Nuke” for his explosive talent. His journey began with a stunning run to the 2024 PDC World Championship final at age 16, where he fell to Humphries. Undeterred, Littler claimed his first world title in January 2025, defeating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace to become the youngest world champion in history at 17 years and 347 days. His accolades don’t stop there: titles in the Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, World Series Finals, and UK Open have cemented his status as a generational talent. “This is an amazing and unexpected honour but one which I am very grateful for,” Littler said of his MBE. “To receive a recognition like this is something I had never thought would be possible, and it is a proud moment. It’s unbelievable what I’ve done for my sport; I’m happy, my family is happy and I can’t wait to receive it.”
Humphries, known as “Cool Hand Luke,” has been equally dominant. The 30-year-old, who first broke through as the 2019 World Youth Champion, won his maiden major at the 2023 World Grand Prix and followed it with the 2024 World Championship. His recent Premier League victory over Littler in May 2025 completed the coveted “triple crown” of darts—World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League—joining legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. Despite their fierce rivalry, Humphries credits Littler’s emergence for pushing him to new heights. “I know he’s done it on a much bigger scale, and from a younger generational part of it, but I think him having someone that can compete with him, compete against him and push him all the way, it’s made it really exciting for the sport,” he told reporters. “We’ve changed the face of darts over the last couple of years. It’s starting to become a younger man’s game. It’s nice to be at the forefront of that.”
The duo’s impact extends beyond the oche. Littler’s rise, dubbed “Littlermania,” has drawn record crowds and inspired a surge in young players taking up darts. His hometown of Warrington celebrated him as an honorary citizen, and the local rugby league team temporarily renamed their stadium “Luke Littler Stadium” for the 2025 season opener. Humphries, meanwhile, has overcome personal challenges, including anxiety attacks that nearly derailed his career two years ago. His mental health journey, combined with his on-stage success, has made him a role model for resilience. “To be recognised by the King for what I have achieved, and also for my contribution to playing in and promoting the sport that I love, is something that I never thought possible,” he said, expressing gratitude to his fiancée Kayley and family.
As they prepare for the World Cup of Darts, where England are favorites, Littler offered his own tribute to Humphries. “Congratulations to Luke Humphries on receiving an MBE too—he’s a fantastic ambassador for darts, and although he’s a rival, I can’t wait to partner him in the World Cup this weekend,” he said. Their camaraderie off the board contrasts with their intense battles on it, where matches like their Premier League quarterfinal in Aberdeen—featuring 14 maximum 180s and averages above 110—have set new standards for darts excellence.
The honours also recognized Deta Hedman, who received an OBE for her pioneering role as the first Black woman to compete in the PDC World Championship in 2020. Together, these awards highlight darts’ growing cultural significance, a sport now celebrated alongside icons like David Beckham, knighted in the same list. For Humphries and Littler, the MBEs are not just personal triumphs but a testament to a sport that’s capturing the world’s imagination.
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