The world of professional darts is witnessing the dawn of a new era, with young stars Josh Rock and Luke Littler poised to dominate the sport for years to come. The electrifying performances of these prodigies have sent shockwaves through the darts community, and their rivalry is fast becoming the stuff of legend. Amid their meteoric rise, world No. 1 Luke Humphries has boldly declared his intention to join them at the pinnacle, setting the stage for a thrilling three-way battle. “He [Rock] is what I’d call the new generation now. Him and Luke Littler are two that are going to dominate the sport for many, many years. But I’m going to be a part of it as well,” Humphries asserted after defeating Rock in the 2025 Czech Darts Open final, a match that showcased the Northern Irishman’s burgeoning talent.
Josh Rock, the 24-year-old from County Antrim, has been on a remarkable upward trajectory. Fresh off a stellar 2024 season that saw him climb to No. 16 in the PDC Order of Merit, Rock’s confidence is palpable. His runner-up finishes at the Czech Open and the Flanders Darts Trophy, where he pushed Littler to a dramatic 8-7 last-leg decider, have cemented his reputation as a formidable contender. “Listen, I’m happy to get the final two weeks in a row, because it’s not every day,” Rock said, reflecting on his back-to-back European Tour finals. His standout performances include a sensational 161 checkout against Littler in Antwerp and a victory over three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen at the Czech Open, where he averaged an impressive 103.18. Rock’s partnership with Daryl Gurney at the World Cup of Darts, where they clinched the title, further underscored his potential to challenge the sport’s elite.
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old world champion, continues to redefine what’s possible in darts. His 2025 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, with a fourth European Tour title at the Flanders Darts Trophy and a historic nine-darter against Rock in the World Matchplay semi-final. “When Josh hit the 161 checkout, it wasn’t a good feeling, but I knew all I had to do was break the throw and win the game,” Littler said, showcasing his composure under pressure. His ability to rally from a 4-1 deficit against Rock in Antwerp, sealing victory with a nerveless 11-darter, highlighted why he’s considered a generational talent. Littler’s meteoric rise, which began with a World Championship final appearance at 16, has seen him complete the Triple Crown—World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—before his 19th birthday.
Humphries, the reigning world No. 1, is determined not to be overshadowed. His victory over Rock in Prague, where he averaged 101 and secured his third consecutive Czech Open title, was a statement of intent. “I feel like it’s been a tough three months, really,” Humphries admitted, acknowledging the intense competition from the younger stars. Yet, at 30, he remains a dominant force, with his own Triple Crown and a hunger to match the likes of Phil Taylor. The dynamic between Rock, Littler, and Humphries promises a golden era for darts, with Rock boldly predicting, “I 100 per cent believe it. There is six years between me and Luke. We can have a very long career, and I believe that me and him will dominate the sport.”
Rock’s recent move to Target Darts, aligning him with Littler, has given him a fresh boost. “Joining Target is the biggest announcement of my career,” he said, crediting his manager, Scotsman Rab Bain, for his mental transformation. As the darts calendar heads toward the World Grand Prix and the Ally Pally showpiece, the stage is set for these three titans to redefine the sport. With Rock’s raw power, Littler’s unflappable precision, and Humphries’ seasoned brilliance, darts fans are in for a thrilling ride as this trio battles to etch their names into history.
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