The World Cup of Darts, a stage where national pride and precision collide, took an unexpected turn this year when England’s star duo, Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, suffered a stunning defeat. The world’s top two players, fresh off receiving MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours, were tipped as overwhelming favorites to lift the trophy in Frankfurt. However, their second-round exit at the hands of Germany’s Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko sparked a firestorm of criticism, most notably from two-time world champion Dennis Priestley. The 74-year-old darts legend didn’t hold back, accusing the pair of “letting their country down” and questioning the merit of their recent honors. In response, both Humphries and Littler have hit back, defending their achievements and igniting a heated debate within the darts community.
The stage was set for England’s triumph at the 2025 World Cup, with Humphries, the world number one, and Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, forming a formidable partnership. Having received a bye in the first round, the duo faced Germany in their opening match, only to be outplayed in an 8-4 upset amid a raucous Frankfurt crowd. The defeat was a bitter pill for the English pair, who were expected to dominate the team format. Priestley, a revered figure from darts’ earlier era, seized the moment to critique their performance, pointing to a lack of preparation and camaraderie. “Luke Littler and Luke Humphries let their country down at the World Cup of Darts, from what we’ve heard they weren’t sitting together or practicing together,” he remarked, drawing a contrast to his own successful partnership with Phil Taylor, where they “practiced together and sat together” and rarely lost.
Priestley’s comments didn’t stop there. He also questioned the timing of their MBEs, awarded just before the tournament, saying, “To be brutally honest, I don’t think either Luke Littler or Luke Humphries have done enough to earn their MBEs just yet. I think in time they could’ve done enough to warrant it, but it feels very early.” The stinging remarks prompted swift responses from both players, who took to social media to defend their legacies. Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy who became the youngest PDC World Champion in 2025, fired the first shot in a now-deleted Instagram post, stating, “Don’t deserve an MBE but done more in 12 months than he ever did… that’s what I would say anyway.” His bold retort highlighted his meteoric rise, which includes a Premier League title, a UK Open victory, and over £1 million in prize money.
Humphries, known for his measured demeanor, was equally stung by Priestley’s words. The 30-year-old, who claimed the 2024 World Championship and completed the PDC Triple Crown with victories in the World Matchplay and Premier League, took to X to express his disappointment. “Disappointing to hear a top former pro who I admired say such a damaging thing to me and Luke,” he wrote, pointedly reminding fans, “I didn’t let my country down last year tho did I?” His reference to leading England to the 2024 World Cup title alongside Michael Smith underscored his proven track record on the international stage. Humphries’ response reflected not only personal pride but also frustration at having his and Littler’s contributions to darts questioned.
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about the pressures faced by top players and the evolving landscape of darts. Welsh star Gerwyn Price added fuel to the fire, suggesting that Humphries and Littler’s lack of off-stage chemistry may have contributed to their defeat. He noted that the pair “didn’t sit together during the event,” hinting at a failure to gel as a team. Pundit Wayne Mardle echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the intense German crowd and the duo’s status as favorites may have amplified the pressure, causing them to “buckle” against a composed German side. Former World Cup winner Damon Heta also weighed in, suggesting that the English pair may have underestimated their opponents, relying too heavily on their individual brilliance.
Despite the setback, both Humphries and Littler remain titans of the sport. Littler’s meteoric rise since his 2024 World Championship final appearance has seen him amass a global following, with 1.9 million Instagram followers and high-profile sponsorships, including a deal with McDonald’s. Humphries, meanwhile, has solidified his status as a darts powerhouse, with eight major PDC titles and a net worth exceeding £4.2 million. Their rivalry, marked by 23 head-to-head clashes since 2024, has been a driving force in darts’ growing popularity, with Humphries describing Littler as a “close friend in darts” despite their fierce competition.
The World Cup title ultimately went to Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock, who edged out Wales’ Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton in a thrilling 10-9 final. Germany’s victory over England, followed by a strong run to the final, highlighted the sport’s increasing global competitiveness. For Humphries and Littler, the defeat is a rare blemish in otherwise stellar careers. Priestley himself acknowledged their potential, noting, “I think they will learn from the experience and come back stronger. Don’t be surprised to see them lifting the trophy next year.” As the darts world looks ahead to the 2026 season, with the World Championship promising a £1 million prize for the winner, the saga of this World Cup upset will only fuel the fire of Humphries and Littler’s quest for redemption.
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