The darting world is abuzz as the 2025 World Cup of Darts kicks off at Frankfurt’s Eissporthalle from June 12 to 15, with England’s dynamic duo, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, setting their sights on a record-extending sixth title for their nation. The 18-year-old prodigy Littler, fresh off his historic PDC World Championship win in January 2025, and world No. 1 Humphries, the 2024 champion, form a formidable partnership dubbed the “Lukes of Hazard.” Yet, despite their status as tournament favorites, rival players are boldly proclaiming that the English pair is far from invincible, setting the stage for a thrilling battle of skill and teamwork in this unique all-doubles format.
Littler, the youngest-ever PDC World Champion at 17 years and 347 days, is making his senior England debut after a meteoric rise that saw him defeat Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 World Championship final. Humphries, who clinched the World Cup alongside Michael Smith in 2024, brings seasoned leadership to the team. “I cannot wait,” Littler declared, his excitement palpable as he anticipates partnering with Humphries. The world No. 1 echoed this enthusiasm but acknowledged the pressure of representing their country. “We’re fully aware that we’re going to be massive favorites and everyone’s going to expect us to win,” Humphries said. “But I feel like we have to take away that pressure and just go out and enjoy it.” Their chemistry will be tested in the all-doubles format, which replaced singles matches in 2024, emphasizing partnership over individual brilliance.
England’s campaign begins in the second round, a perk of their top-seeded status alongside Wales, Netherlands, and Scotland. Humphries, reflecting on his successful 2024 World Cup debut, plans to leverage Littler’s strengths, potentially sending the teenager out first to set the tone. “I will probably put him first,” Humphries revealed, citing Littler’s prowess in bullseye battles. “He is probably better at going for the bullseye than I am.” Littler’s doubles experience from junior tournaments gives him an edge, though Humphries noted, “It’s not as easy when you’re playing by yourself, but Luke’s got good doubles experience from when he used to play in tournaments before he joined the PDC.” Their synergy could prove unstoppable, but rivals are quick to challenge their dominance.
Wales, led by Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, who won titles in 2020 and 2023, poses a significant threat. Clayton dismissed England’s rankings advantage, boldly stating, “I don’t care if they’re world one and two. Don’t care! Jonny and Gezzy will stop them!” Scotland’s Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, representing a two-time champion nation, are equally confident. “Let them speak about them two. Hopefully we meet in the final and we can show who’s boss,” Wright asserted, signaling their intent to upset the favorites. Former Dutch star Vincent van der Voort also weighed in, suggesting that the Netherlands’ Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen could exploit the doubles format. “If both of them play well, they absolutely can beat England. It’s all pairs matches, after all, which is different to singles,” he said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over individual talent.
Littler’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. From a 66/1 outsider in the 2024 World Championship, where he fell to Humphries in the final, he roared back in 2025, winning 10 titles, including the Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, and World Series of Darts Finals. His third televised nine-darter, hit against van Gerwen in the 2025 Premier League, solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. Humphries, meanwhile, completed darts’ triple crown—World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League—joining legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. “This one means the world to me, that was the one I was missing,” Humphries said after his 2025 Premier League win over Littler, an 11-8 victory that avenged his 2024 loss.
Despite their rivalry, which has seen 23 clashes since 2024 with Littler leading 13-10, the pair share mutual respect. “I love him. I think he’s a good kid,” Humphries said of Littler, predicting a future dominated by the teenager. The World Cup, however, brings unique challenges, including potential crowd hostility in Germany, where Littler faced boos in 2024. Humphries vowed to support his teammate, saying, “It’s just about not getting involved in the crowd, isn’t it?” As they face formidable opponents like Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney, who dream of lifting the trophy for their nation, Littler and Humphries must harness their combined firepower to silence doubters and claim World Cup glory.
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