In the electrifying atmosphere of the 2025 World Matchplay at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation and reigning PDC World Champion, sent shockwaves through the darts world with a candid assessment of his performance and a pointed remark about rival Luke Humphries. Fresh off a thrilling 13-11 victory over Jermaine Wattimena on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Littler’s confidence was on full display as he declared himself the best player in the world, subtly sidelining Humphries, the current world number one. This bold statement, made in the heat of a post-match interview, has reignited discussions about the friendly yet fiercely competitive rivalry between the two Lukes, who continue to dominate the sport.
Littler’s second-round clash with Wattimena was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both his vulnerability and his unrelenting drive. The match began with Wattimena, known for his rapid throwing style, surging to a commanding 4-0 lead, leaving the packed Empress Ballroom crowd in stunned silence. Littler, who had cruised through his first-round match against Ryan Searle with a 108.92 average, found himself trailing 7-2 as Wattimena unleashed back-to-back 180s in an 11-dart leg. The pressure was immense, but Littler’s response was nothing short of spectacular. He clawed his way back, winning six consecutive legs to take an 8-7 lead, a comeback fueled by his signature precision and mental toughness. Pointing to the star on his shirt—a nod to his world champion status—Littler later explained, “I’m a world champion for a reason. I find these gears when I need it.”
The match went to a tiebreaker, with both players trading blows in a tense finale. Wattimena survived two match darts, but Littler’s trusted double 10 proved decisive, securing the 13-11 win. Reflecting on the intensity, Littler admitted, “I’ve not felt pressure like that since the first round of the world championship.” The crowd’s energy, he noted, was a driving force: “The crowd was unbelievable, and I just can’t wait to get back on stage.” His victory set up a quarter-final showdown with Andrew Gilding, but it was his post-match comments that stole the headlines.
In a candid moment, Littler asserted, “I’m performing better than these guys, so maybe I should be saying I’m the best in the world.” The remark, while not naming Humphries directly, was widely interpreted as a jab at the world number one, who had been knocked out earlier in the tournament. Littler’s confidence wasn’t without merit. His 2025 season has been a masterclass, with victories in the Premier League, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, and UK Open, not to mention his historic World Championship win at age 17. His televised nine-dart finishes and record-breaking set averages have solidified his reputation as a generational talent. Yet, his comment about Humphries, who has won seven major titles and leads the PDC Order of Merit, stirred the pot, hinting at a growing competitive edge in their rivalry.
Despite their friendly rapport, Littler and Humphries have been locked in a battle for supremacy, with Littler holding a 13-10 head-to-head edge since their 2024 World Championship final. Humphries, known as “Cool Hand,” has consistently praised Littler’s talent, once saying, “He’s one of the best players in the world. You will never see another down-to-earth 16-year-old kid like him.” However, Littler’s latest remarks suggest he’s ready to claim the top spot outright. “Luke Humphries, he shows a bit too much… you just have to pounce on him,” Littler added, pointing to moments where he’s capitalized on Humphries’ occasional lapses in focus.
The darts world is no stranger to rivalries, but Littler and Humphries stand out for their mutual respect. Unlike past rivalries marked by animosity, their competition is defined by camaraderie off the stage and relentless battles on it. Littler’s rise has brought unprecedented attention to darts, with his branded dartboards selling over 100,000 units and a nomination for BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. Humphries, meanwhile, has quietly amassed a fortune, surpassing £2 million in prize money. Together, they’ve won 17 titles in the past 18 months, sharing £2.5 million in earnings, a testament to their dominance.
As Littler prepares for his quarter-final against Gilding on Friday, July 25, 2025, the darts world buzzes with anticipation. A potential semi-final clash with Gerwyn Price or Josh Rock looms, but Littler’s focus remains clear: adding the World Matchplay title to his growing collection. “I want to add this title to my collection,” he declared, his eyes fixed on the prize. With Humphries out of the running, Littler’s path to glory seems clearer, but his bold claim has added a new layer of intrigue to their rivalry. Will “The Nuke” continue to outshine “Cool Hand,” or will Humphries respond at the next major? For now, Littler’s words have set the stage for an even more thrilling chapter in darts’ most captivating rivalry.
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