In a stunning turn of events in the world of professional darts, Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock has claimed the coveted top spot in the latest PDC Form Guide, a ranking system that evaluates players based on their performance over the last 200 legs in official matches. This seismic shift comes as reigning world champion Luke Littler, who has dominated headlines and leaderboards throughout 2025, is conspicuously absent from the updated list, sending shockwaves through the darts community.
Rock, a 24-year-old prodigy known for his electrifying presence on the oche, has been on a meteoric rise this season. His ascent to the pinnacle of the Form Guide is a testament to his relentless scoring power and clinical finishing. Over his recent matches, Rock has averaged an impressive 98.5, with a checkout success rate hovering around 42%. His ability to deliver under pressure was on full display at Players Championship 10, where he clinched his first PDC title of 2025 with an 8-4 victory over Cameron Menzies in the final. “I’m racking them up,” Rock declared after the win, his eyes set on major titles. “I’m not here for money, I’m here to win titles.” His blistering 110.34 average in a 6-1 demolition of Martin Schindler during that tournament underscored why he’s now the man to beat.
The PDC Form Guide, a performance-driven metric, paints a vivid picture of the current state of play. Rock’s 92 maximums (180s) place him among the elite in power scoring, though he trails the absent Littler, who has set a high bar with his staggering tally of maximums this year. Rock’s consistency, however, has given him the edge, particularly in high-stakes moments. His 150 checkout against Schindler was a highlight reel moment, showcasing the flair and precision that have propelled him to the top.
Meanwhile, Luke Littler’s absence from the Form Guide has raised eyebrows. The 18-year-old sensation, dubbed “The Nuke,” has been a dominant force in 2025, securing the World Darts Championship title in January and racking up four nightly wins in the Premier League. His nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen in Cardiff was a masterclass in darting perfection, and his 26-point lead in the Premier League table seemed unassailable. Yet, recent stumbles have cost him. Early exits in Players Championships 9, 10, and 11—capped by a 6-3 loss to Dylan Slevin and a 6-4 defeat to Scott Williams—exposed rare vulnerabilities. Littler’s average dipped to 97.82 in his quarter-final loss at Players Championship 10, a far cry from his usual triple-digit brilliance. Despite these setbacks, Littler remains a formidable contender, with fans eagerly awaiting his response in upcoming events.
The Form Guide also highlights other movers and shakers. Stephen Bunting, fresh off a European Tour triumph, has climbed to second with a 98.37 average, surpassing Michael van Gerwen for the first time. Bunting’s 92 maximums and 41% treble 20 accuracy have made him a genuine threat. Gian van Veen, the 22-year-old Dutchman, holds third with a 100.19 average, while veterans like Gary Anderson and Gerwyn Price continue to lurk dangerously in the top ten. Anderson’s recent 112 average against James Wade was a reminder of his enduring class.
As the PDC season barrels toward its climax, all eyes are on Rock to maintain his scintillating form. For Littler, the challenge is clear: rediscover the magic that made him a global phenomenon. With the World Darts Championship looming, where a £1 million prize awaits the winner, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The darts world is buzzing, and the battle for supremacy is far from over.