As the darts world turns its attention to Frankfurt for the 2025 World Cup of Darts, set to ignite the Eissporthalle from June 12 to 15, all eyes are on England’s formidable pairing of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle, a former player turned revered commentator, has thrown his weight behind the dynamic duo, declaring them the team to beat in the race for the coveted title. “For them to get beat they’ll need to be well off their game,” Mardle boldly predicted, struggling to envision any scenario where the world’s top two ranked players fail to bring the trophy home for England. With the tournament now entirely a pairs format, the stage is set for Littler and Humphries to dominate, and Mardle’s confidence in their supremacy has electrified anticipation for the event.
The World Cup of Darts, a unique team event featuring 40 nations, pits the sport’s elite against emerging talents in a thrilling four-day spectacle. England, the defending champions, enter as favorites, buoyed by Humphries’ victory alongside Michael Smith in 2024. This year, however, the spotlight shines on 18-year-old sensation Littler, who makes his World Cup debut, partnering with Humphries, the reigning world champion and 2025 Premier League victor. “I’m not saying give them the trophy now but it’s going to be ridiculous,” Mardle enthused, highlighting the sheer firepower of England’s lineup. The switch to an all-pairs format—eliminating the singles matches that characterized previous editions—plays to the strengths of Littler and Humphries, whose synergy and relentless scoring could overwhelm opponents.
Littler, the 2025 world champion and Premier League record-breaker with 45 points and six nightly wins, has been a revelation this season. His meteoric rise, marked by a 104 average in a 10-7 semi-final win over Gerwyn Price at the O2 Arena, has made him a nightmare for rivals. Humphries, meanwhile, solidified his dominance by defeating Littler 11-8 in the Premier League final, completing darts’ Triple Crown—World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League. “They’ve already got their shirts on and it’s a wonder why they’re not practicing lifting the trophy!” Mardle quipped, underscoring the duo’s readiness. Their head-to-head record, now standing at 13-10 in Littler’s favor, reflects a rivalry that pushes both players to new heights, but in Frankfurt, they’ll unite their talents for England’s cause.
Mardle’s bold prediction isn’t without challengers. Wales, led by Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, aims for a second title in three years, with Price fresh off his 2024 Nordic Darts Masters triumph. The Netherlands, powered by Danny Noppert and a resurgent Michael van Gerwen, who withdrew from Copenhagen’s Nordic event due to personal reasons, remains a perennial threat. Scotland’s Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, both former world champions, bring experience, while Australia’s Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock could spring an upset. Yet, Mardle believes it would take an extraordinary performance to topple England. “People are going to have to play really well to get the better of these two,” he said, noting that only a significant dip in form or an inspired opponent could derail Littler and Humphries.
The tournament’s format, with best-of-seven-leg matches in the first round, best-of-15 in the second round and quarter-finals, and best-of-17 for the semi-finals and final, demands consistency and stamina. Littler’s explosive 180s and Humphries’ clinical finishing—evident in his 100.96 average in Leeds—make them a perfect pair. “If they have that hunger for four, five, 10 years then someone is going to have to step up,” Mardle warned, suggesting their dominance could extend far beyond Frankfurt. The duo’s preparation has been meticulous, with both players competing at the Nordic Darts Masters, where Littler and Humphries will face regional talents like Latvia’s Madars Razma and Sweden’s Jeffrey de Graaf.
For Littler, the World Cup is a chance to add a first team title to his burgeoning resume, while Humphries aims for a second consecutive crown. Their camaraderie, forged through countless high-stakes battles, could be the X-factor. “Me and Luke are the top two English ranked players, and it’s a big thing winning the World Cup for your country,” Littler said, his focus clear. As Frankfurt braces for a darts extravaganza, Mardle’s words echo the sentiment of fans and pundits alike: England’s duo is poised to dominate. Whether it’s Littler’s fearless flair or Humphries’ seasoned precision, the World Cup stage is theirs to conquer—unless, as Mardle cautions, they’re well off their game.
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