As the darts world turns its eyes to Frankfurt for the 2025 World Cup of Darts, England’s hopes rest on the shoulders of two titans: world number one Luke Humphries and teenage prodigy Luke Littler. Dubbed the “Lukes of Hazard,” this formidable pairing is poised to defend England’s title, with Humphries exuding unshakable confidence in his young partner. “I’m putting on the England jersey, whether I’m dying or not,” Humphries declared, emphasizing the honor of representing their country. “I think Luke’s the same.” His words, brimming with patriotic fervor, dispel any doubts about Littler’s commitment, setting the stage for a thrilling campaign from June 12-15.
Humphries, the 2024 PDC World Champion, and Littler, the 2025 titleholder, bring unmatched pedigree to the oche. Their partnership, forged by their rankings as the top two players in the PDC Order of Merit, promises to electrify the Frankfurt crowd. Humphries, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke,” is no stranger to World Cup success, having clinched the 2024 crown alongside Michael Smith with a record fifth triumph for England in 14 years. Littler, meanwhile, makes his senior World Cup debut at 18, his meteoric rise underscored by a Premier League title and a Grand Slam victory. Together, they form a duo that Humphries believes is nearly unbeatable. “We’re going to form a great team,” he said, “and if we gel and play our best, it’s going to take a tough performance to beat us.”
Speculation about Littler’s participation swirled earlier this year after a cryptic social media post suggested he might skip the event, possibly due to a hostile reception at the German Darts Grand Prix. Some fans on X interpreted his comments as reluctance to return to Germany, but Humphries dismissed the notion with a smile. “No, I wasn’t worried,” he said, revealing a conversation that clarified Littler’s intent. “I saw Luke’s post and I knew straight away that he didn’t mean what he said. He probably forgot about the World Cup being in Germany. When I asked him about it, he said, ‘No, I’m definitely playing.’” Littler’s enthusiasm for the event, coupled with his doubles experience from pre-PDC tournaments, reassures Humphries that the teenager is ready for the unique pressures of national representation.
The World Cup’s doubles format, where 40 nations compete, adds a layer of complexity to the challenge. Humphries, reflecting on his 2024 experience with Smith, noted the adjustment required for team play. “I was pretty new to the format last year, but it didn’t affect me,” he said. Littler, despite his youth, brings a wealth of doubles experience, having honed his skills in earlier tournaments. Humphries highlighted this strength, saying, “Luke’s got good doubles experience from when he used to play in tournaments before he joined the PDC.” Their complementary styles—Humphries’ steady precision and Littler’s explosive scoring, often punctuated by 180s—make them a formidable pair, with Humphries predicting they’ll be “massive favourites” to lift the trophy.
The pressure of representing England is a unique beast, one that Humphries acknowledges amplifies the stakes. “There is a lot more pressure when you’re playing for your country,” he warned, drawing a contrast to individual competitions. Littler, no stranger to scrutiny after his rapid ascent, has already faced intense expectations, but Humphries believes their shared resolve will carry them through. “No one’s going to turn down playing for England,” he insisted, a sentiment echoed in posts on X celebrating the duo’s patriotic spirit. England’s path won’t be easy, with rivals like the Netherlands, led by Michael van Gerwen, and a resurgent Scotland posing threats. Yet, Humphries remains unfazed, urging his team to “take away that pressure and just go out and enjoy it.”
Off the oche, the camaraderie between Humphries and Littler adds a heartwarming dimension to their partnership. Despite their fierce rivalry—Littler leads their head-to-head 8-6, though Humphries won their last three encounters—their mutual respect shines through. Humphries’ gesture of arranging a VIP experience for a young autistic fan in Manchester, ensuring a signed Littler jersey, underscores his admiration for his teammate. As they prepare to don the England jersey, the “Lukes of Hazard” embody not just darts excellence but also the pride of a nation, ready to chase glory in Frankfurt.
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