In a dazzling celebration of sporting excellence, the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list has bestowed prestigious accolades upon some of Britain’s most iconic athletes, with teenage darts sensation Luke Littler leading the charge. At just 18, Littler, alongside his rival Luke Humphries, has been awarded an MBE for their transformative contributions to darts, a sport that has surged in popularity thanks to their electrifying performances. The list also shines a spotlight on football legend David Beckham, now knighted as Sir David, and tennis icon Virginia Wade, honored with a CBE, in a testament to the enduring impact of sports on British culture.
Luke Littler, affectionately dubbed “The Nuke,” has taken the darts world by storm since bursting onto the scene in 2023. At 17 years and 347 days, he became the youngest PDC World Darts Champion in January 2025, defeating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling final at Alexandra Palace. His meteoric rise, marked by titles in the Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, World Series Finals, and UK Open, has ignited “Littlermania,” drawing record crowds and inspiring a new generation of players. “This is an amazing and unexpected honour but one which I am very grateful for,” Littler said, his voice brimming with pride. “To receive a recognition like this is something I had never thought would be possible, and it is a proud moment. It’s unbelievable what I’ve done for my sport. I’m happy, my family is happy and I can’t wait to receive it.” His hometown of Warrington has embraced him as a local hero, with the Borough Council naming him an honorary citizen in February 2025 and the Warrington Wolves temporarily renaming their stadium “Luke Littler Stadium” to celebrate his world title.
Littler’s MBE is shared with his fiercest competitor, Luke Humphries, the world No. 1 who bested him in the 2024 PDC World Championship final and the Premier League final in May 2025. At 30, Humphries has solidified his status as one of darts’ elite, completing the sport’s coveted triple crown—World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League—joining legends like Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson. “When I got the letter, I kind of couldn’t believe when I opened it and it’s a very proud moment,” Humphries shared. Reflecting on their impact, he added, “It’s something that me and Luke have really done together. I know he’s done it on a much bigger scale, and from a younger generational part of it, but I think him having someone that can compete with him, compete against him and push him all the way, it’s made it really exciting for the sport.” Their rivalry, marked by mutual respect, has elevated darts to new heights, with Humphries noting, “We’ve changed the face of darts over the last couple of years. It’s starting to become a younger man’s game. It’s nice to be at the forefront of that.” The duo’s latest chapter unfolds at the World Cup of Darts in Germany, where they represent England as top seeds, aiming for a sixth title.
The honours list also celebrates David Beckham, whose knighthood recognizes a storied football career and decades of charitable work. The former England captain, who lifted the Champions League with Manchester United’s treble-winning team in 1999, has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2005 and recently joined the King’s Foundation. “Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour,” Beckham said. “It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.” Manchester United hailed him as “an indelible legend,” noting his role as a global ambassador for the game.
Virginia Wade, the 1977 Wimbledon champion and the only British woman to win titles at all four Grand Slams, was awarded a CBE for her contributions to tennis and charity. Other honorees include Deta Hedman, a darts pioneer who became the first Black woman to compete at the PDC World Championship in 2020, receiving an OBE, and Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly, an MBE for her role in England’s 2022 Women’s European Championship victory. “I am greatly honoured to receive an MBE,” Daly said. “This award is not just for me, but for everyone who has supported me and worked alongside me.” From cricket’s Devon Malcolm (OBE) to wheelchair tennis star Andy Lapthorne (MBE), the list reflects a broad tapestry of sporting achievement, with Littler and Humphries standing as torchbearers for darts’ vibrant future.
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