The darts world is buzzing with controversy following England’s disappointing performance at the 2025 World Cup of Darts, where teenage sensation Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries failed to deliver the expected victory. Michael Smith, a former world champion and Littler’s Premier League rival, didn’t hold back in his assessment, pointing to the duo’s “ego” as the primary reason for their lackluster showing. The criticism, aired publicly, has sparked intense debate about the pressures of youth, fame, and teamwork in the high-stakes world of professional darts, with Littler, at just 18, and Humphries, the reigning top-ranked player, under scrutiny for their inability to gel as a team.
The World Cup of Darts, held annually as a showcase of national pride and doubles prowess, saw England enter as favorites, largely due to the star power of Littler and Humphries. Littler, who has taken the sport by storm since his breakout 2024 season, arrived with a World Championship title and over £1.5 million in prize money already under his belt. Humphries, with £1.9 million in earnings over two years and a 2024 Players Championship Finals victory, was equally formidable. Yet, their partnership faltered, with England exiting earlier than expected in a shock upset. Smith, who has competed alongside both players in various formats, suggested that their individual confidence may have undermined their teamwork. “It’s all about ego,” Smith remarked. “You’ve got to put that aside when you’re playing for your country. It’s not about who’s the best—it’s about who can work together.”
Smith’s comments point to a deeper issue: the challenge of blending two alpha personalities in a doubles format. Littler, known for his fearless demeanor and rapid rise, has been a polarizing figure, with some praising his prodigious talent and others questioning his maturity. Humphries, meanwhile, has spoken about the pressure of maintaining his world number one status, once stating, “I’m not fighting desperately to be world number one, I’d rather be world champion.” Their differing approaches—Littler’s brash ambition and Humphries’ measured focus—may have clashed, leading to a lack of cohesion. Smith, reflecting on England’s defeat, suggested that the pair’s belief in their own invincibility cost them. “They thought they could just turn up and win,” he said. “But the World Cup isn’t like that. Other teams are hungry, and they’ll punish you.”
The fallout from England’s exit has reignited discussions about Littler’s meteoric ascent and the expectations placed on his young shoulders. At 18, he’s already a household name, having defeated Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 World Championship final to claim £500,000. His three Players Championship titles in 2024 and consistent performances in televised events have fueled his confidence, but critics argue his ego may be growing too fast. “I’ve looked at the rankings,” Littler said earlier this year, outlining his goal to overtake Humphries. “For myself, just try and add more money to my rankings.” While this ambition drives his success, Smith’s critique suggests it may have hindered England’s World Cup campaign, where teamwork trumps individual brilliance.
Humphries, for his part, has faced his own challenges in 2025. Despite his dominance, skipping some ProTour events to focus on major tournaments may have left him less prepared for the World Cup’s unique demands. His 2024 Players Championship Finals win over Littler, worth £120,000, showcased his ability to perform under pressure, but the World Cup exposed vulnerabilities in his partnership with Littler. The duo’s failure to synchronize was evident in their inability to counter opponents’ momentum, a point Smith emphasized: “You can’t just rely on your name or your ranking. You’ve got to fight as a team.”
The World Cup disappointment comes at a pivotal moment for both players. Littler is set to return to the Players Championship series in Milton Keynes on August 25-26, aiming to add to his £15,000-per-event hauls, while Humphries has opted out of some upcoming ProTour events to prepare for bigger stages like the World Series of Darts Finals. The criticism from Smith, who has himself navigated the pressures of top-tier darts, serves as a wake-up call for England’s stars. As Littler continues his quest to climb the PDC Order of Merit and Humphries battles to maintain his top ranking, both must address the balance between individual ambition and collective responsibility. For now, Smith’s words linger as a challenge: can Littler and Humphries put aside their egos to restore England’s pride in future competitions, or will their rivalry continue to overshadow their teamwork?
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