As the darts world turns its gaze to Frankfurt’s Eissporthalle for the World Cup of Darts from June 12-15, 2025, England’s formidable pairing of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries has ignited fervent anticipation. Dubbed the “dream team” by fans and pundits alike, the duo—fresh off a thrilling 2025 Premier League campaign—brings a blend of youthful audacity and seasoned precision to the global stage. Their standout performances, particularly their jaw-dropping checkouts in the Premier League, have positioned them as the ones to beat, with England aiming to defend their title against a field of 40 nations. The question on everyone’s lips: can anyone stop this dynamic partnership?
Luke Humphries, the world No. 1 and 2025 Premier League champion, and Luke Littler, the 18-year-old reigning PDC world champion, have redefined darts with their electrifying rivalry and mutual respect. Their 2025 Premier League campaign was a showcase of brilliance, culminating in Humphries’ 11-8 victory over Littler in the final at London’s O2 Arena on May 29. The match was a rollercoaster, with Humphries rallying from a 3-0 deficit to claim his maiden Premier League title and complete darts’ coveted Triple Crown, joining legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. “When you know you’re playing against Luke Littler, you know you’re not going to get away with mid-game performances,” Humphries said after his Leeds victory earlier in the season. “You need to be at your best to beat him.”
Their Premier League checkouts were nothing short of spectacular. Humphries dazzled with a 130 checkout against Littler, nailing a treble 20, single 20, and double 10 to level a tense final at 3-3. His 151, 121, and 112 finishes during England’s 2024 World Cup triumph over Austria further underscored his clutch performance under pressure. Littler, meanwhile, made history with his third televised nine-darter in the Premier League, a feat achieved against Michael van Gerwen on night seven in Cardiff. “Hitting double 20 to win the Premier League last year was a very good picture!” Littler reflected, recalling his 2024 title win. His record-breaking six nightly victories in 2025, including a 6-4 win over van Gerwen in Birmingham, cemented his status as a scoring machine, with a 140.91 set average in the World Championship.
The World Cup of Darts, a pairs event, will test their chemistry as much as their skill. England, as reigning champions, enter as top seeds, bypassing the group stage to start in the second round alongside Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Humphries, who won the 2024 title with Michael Smith, is confident in their partnership. “I’ve won it before, but Luke hasn’t, so if we connect, we will have a great chance of winning it,” he said after the Premier League final. Littler, making his World Cup debut, echoed the enthusiasm: “I cannot wait. He won it last year, so hopefully he can lead me to victory.” The duo’s camaraderie is evident, with Humphries calling Littler “one of my best mates on tour” and predicting the teenager will “win much more than I’ll ever win.”
Their path won’t be easy. Wales’ Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, who claimed titles in 2020 and 2023, pose a formidable threat. “I don’t care if they’re world one and two. Don’t care!” Clayton declared. “Jonny and Gezzy will stop them!” Scotland’s Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, along with Australia’s Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock, also loom large in a competitive field that includes debutants like Argentina and returning nations like India. The group stage, featuring 36 nations in 12 groups of three, will see fierce battles, with Spain and Australia joining England in a blockbuster Group H.
Humphries’ experience in doubles, honed in last year’s victory, complements Littler’s raw talent and doubles background from his youth career. “Luke’s got good doubles experience from when he used to play in tournaments before he joined the PDC,” Humphries noted, downplaying concerns about their adjustment to the pairs format. Littler’s heavy scoring, with frequent 180s and a preference for double 10, pairs well with Humphries’ clutch finishing, as seen in his 124 checkout on the bull against Nathan Aspinall in the Premier League semi-finals.[](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/darts/littler-humphries-world-cup-darts-35194287)[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cz638y3y19zo)
The pressure is undeniable, with England as “massive favourites,” according to Humphries. “We’re fully aware that everyone’s going to expect us to win,” he said. “But we have to take away that pressure and just go out and enjoy it.” Littler, unfazed by the spotlight, added, “Even though it’s not a major, it’s still playing for your country.” As they prepare to face the world, their Premier League heroics—Humphries’ 11-darter breaks and Littler’s nine-darter brilliance—signal a partnership poised to dominate. With a £1 million prize pool and national pride at stake, the “Lukes of Hazard” are ready to make history in Frankfurt.
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