In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision and composure reign supreme, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler has found himself at the center of controversy following England’s shocking early exit from the 2025 World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt. The teenage prodigy, paired with world No. 1 Luke Humphries, was expected to dominate the tournament as part of a formidable English duo. However, a stunning defeat to Germany in their opening match has sparked a firestorm of criticism, with former world champion Michael Smith pointing the finger at Littler’s ego as the root of their downfall.
The World Cup of Darts was poised to be a coronation for Littler and Humphries, who entered as the top-ranked players in the PDC Order of Merit and reigning champions of major titles. Littler, fresh off his meteoric rise and a recent MBE honor, was seen as the future of the sport, while Humphries, the defending world champion, brought seasoned expertise. Together, they were billed as an unstoppable force. Yet, their campaign unraveled spectacularly against a spirited German team, leaving fans and analysts reeling. The loss, just days after Littler’s MBE recognition, prompted harsh words from detractors who questioned whether the young star deserved such accolades.
Michael Smith, who clinched the World Cup title alongside Humphries in 2024, didn’t mince words when analyzing England’s collapse. “I didn’t have an ego going on the stage,” Smith said, reflecting on his own approach during last year’s triumphant run. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting that he set aside personal ambitions to complement Humphries’ strengths. “I was like: ‘This is not me against Luke, this is me and Luke Humphries versus everyone else,’” he explained. Smith contrasted this with Littler’s performance, suggesting the teenager’s focus on outshining his teammate undermined their partnership. “They were trying to compete against each other instead of with each other,” he told Oche180, pinpointing a critical moment where Littler’s choice of a flashy shot on 125—aiming for treble 15 to set up double tops—backfired, leaving Humphries with a challenging 93 instead of a more manageable finish.
The critique didn’t stop there. Legendary referee Russ Bray weighed in, suggesting that Littler and Humphries succumbed to the weight of expectations. “They looked like rabbits in headlights, they just couldn’t get their game going at all,” Bray observed, hinting that the duo may have been overwhelmed by the hype surrounding their partnership. The defeat was particularly stinging given England’s status as reigning champions and the high hopes pinned on Littler, whose rapid ascent has captivated the darts world.
Littler’s journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 18, he’s amassed 11 PDC titles, including a World Darts Championship victory in January 2025, making him the youngest champion in the sport’s history. His rivalry with Humphries has defined the 2024-2025 season, with Littler holding a 7-1 edge in their matches since the World Championship final. Their clashes, marked by staggering averages and thrilling finishes, have drawn comparisons to historic rivalries like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. Yet, the World Cup exposed a chink in their armor, raising questions about their ability to gel as a team.
Despite the setback, Humphries has remained gracious, often praising Littler’s talent while acknowledging the pressure of their high-profile pairing. “When Luke’s on it, he’s untouchable,” Humphries said after Littler’s dominant 8-4 win over him in the New Zealand Darts Masters final, where the teenager posted a jaw-dropping 115 average. For his part, Littler has expressed enthusiasm for their upcoming collaborations, particularly at the 2026 World Cup, where he hopes to redeem this year’s disappointment. “I can’t wait to play in the World Cup with him,” Littler said, signaling his determination to prove doubters wrong.
The darts community remains divided. Some see Littler’s confidence as a necessary edge for a player of his caliber, while others, like Smith, view it as a liability in team settings. Gerwyn Price, who reached the World Cup final with Wales, added fuel to the fire by noting that Littler and Humphries “didn’t act as a team and didn’t even sit together,” highlighting a lack of unity. As Littler prepares for the next chapter of his career, including defending his Premier League title, the “ego” warning serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars must balance individual brilliance with teamwork to conquer the biggest stages.
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