As the World Cup of Darts kicks off in Frankfurt, Germany, from June 12-15, 2025, all eyes are on the dynamic duo of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, who are set to represent England in a bid to defend the nation’s title. The 18-year-old darts prodigy, known as “The Nuke,” is entering his first senior international appearance with a point to prove, having recently voiced frustration over past experiences in Germany. Littler’s candid admission of being “a bit angry” after facing hostile crowds has added a layer of intensity to his partnership with world No. 1 Humphries, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament.
Littler, the reigning PDC World Darts Champion, has taken the sport by storm since bursting onto the scene as a teenager. His meteoric rise culminated in a historic victory over Michael van Gerwen in January 2025, making him the youngest world champion at just 17 years and 347 days. Despite his youth, Littler’s confidence and skill have made him a formidable force. His partnership with Humphries, who clinched the 2024 World Cup alongside Michael Smith, is being hailed as a “dream team.” The pair’s rivalry, marked by 23 electrifying clashes in the past 18 months, has captivated fans, with Littler edging out Humphries 13-10 in their head-to-head encounters. Yet, for this weekend, they’ll put their competitive history aside to chase a shared goal: a sixth World Cup title for England.
The buildup to the tournament hasn’t been without drama. Littler’s past experiences in Germany, particularly at the German Darts Championship in Hildesheim, left a sour taste. Leading 5-2 against Peter Wright, he lost 8-5 amid boos from the crowd, an experience that sparked a heated reaction. “I wouldn’t say it’s upset me, but I was obviously a bit angry,” Littler admitted, reflecting on the moment he took to Instagram to vent, only to delete the post shortly after. “The biggest one is Germany, but I did what Gerwyn Price always does, go on Instagram, have a bit of a moan and take it down half an hour later.” Despite this, Littler clarified he never considered skipping the World Cup, stating, “No, no, I was always [going to play].” His determination to overcome past setbacks fuels his hunger to make a statement in Frankfurt.
Humphries, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke,” is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. Having led England to victory in 2024, he’s eager to go back-to-back. “I know there’s going to be a lot of pressure on us, but we’re really good friends,” Humphries said. “If we connect, then we stand a great chance of winning this title.” He plans to leverage Littler’s explosive scoring ability, suggesting, “I will probably put him first. He’s definitely the best scorer in the world.” Humphries, who has navigated his own challenges, including anxiety and a demanding schedule, sees the World Cup as a “special” event. “You’re playing for your country, and it’s something money can’t buy,” he emphasized.
The World Cup’s unique pairs format, where players alternate throws and compete as a team, presents a fresh challenge for the duo. Rivals like Germany’s Martin Schindler have pointed out that adapting to team play could be a hurdle, noting, “Littler and Humphries are very strong, but they are not unbeatable.” Wales, led by Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, and Scotland, with Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, are among the seeded teams poised to challenge England’s dominance. Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney also loom as threats, with Rock declaring that a victory “would mean the absolute world” to their nation.
Littler’s preparation for the tournament has been intense, though not without setbacks. A recent quarter-final exit at the Nordic Masters and a vandalized van during an exhibition in Norwich tested his resilience. Yet, his focus remains unshaken. “I’ve not spoken to anyone about putting the shirt on for your country, but I am sure it is one of the best feelings you’ll ever have,” Littler said, brimming with anticipation. For Humphries, the key is to stay composed amid the expected hostility from German fans. “It’s about not getting involved in the crowd,” he advised, promising to support Littler if tensions arise.
As England enters the second round on Saturday, the pressure is on. Littler’s fiery resolve, paired with Humphries’ steady hand, makes them favorites, but the path to glory won’t be easy. With Littler’s knack for nine-darters and Humphries’ clutch finishing, the duo is poised to dazzle. “I want to win it on debut just as much as Luke wants to retain it,” Littler declared. Whether they can harness their rivalry into a winning formula remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the World Cup of Darts is set for an explosive showdown.
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