As the darting world turns its gaze to Frankfurt, Germany, for the World Cup of Darts from June 12–15, 2025, England’s Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are preparing to unleash a spectacle. The reigning world No. 1 and the teenage sensation, dubbed the “Lukes of Hazard,” are poised to defend England’s title, a crown Humphries won alongside Michael Smith in 2024. With a fierce determination to dominate, Humphries has issued a bold warning to rivals, declaring that he and Littler will be “incredibly tough to beat.” Yet, the path to glory is fraught with challenges, as Humphries acknowledges the “banana skins” lurking in the form of formidable opponents ready to derail their quest.
Humphries, the 29-year-old “Cool Hand,” brings a wealth of experience, with seven major titles, including the 2024 World Championship and World Matchplay. His partner, 18-year-old Luke “The Nuke” Littler, is a prodigy whose meteoric rise has captivated fans. Littler’s 2025 World Championship victory over Michael van Gerwen cemented his status as a global star, and his 10 titles in his debut professional year, including the Premier League, showcase his fearless precision. Their recent Premier League clash in Aberdeen—a 6-3 Littler victory with 14 maximums and Humphries averaging 110—proved their ability to push each other to new heights. “I feel like the fans are going to enjoy watching us both play together,” Humphries told a darts podcast, his excitement palpable as he envisions the electric atmosphere awaiting them in Frankfurt.
England’s fifth World Cup triumph last year, secured by Humphries and Smith against Austria’s Mensur Suljovic and Rowby-John Rodriguez, marked their first victory since 2016. Now, with Littler replacing Smith, the duo are overwhelming favorites, but Humphries remains cautious. “There are great teams in there,” he warned, pinpointing potential upsets. Wales’ Gerwyn “Gezzy” Price and Jonny Clayton, a seasoned pair with major titles, are a “potential banana skin.” The Netherlands’ Gian van Veen and Danny Noppert, buoyed by van Veen’s rising form, pose another threat. Scotland’s Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, the latter resurgent after a strong 2025, could also spoil the party. “If me and Luke gel and everything goes well, it’s going to be an incredibly tough performance to beat us both,” Humphries added, balancing respect for rivals with unshakable confidence.
The World Cup’s unique doubles format, requiring seamless synergy, adds intrigue. Humphries, new to the format last year, thrived with Smith, and he believes Littler’s pre-PDC doubles experience will shine. “Luke’s got good doubles experience from when he used to play in tournaments before he joined the PDC,” he said, dismissing concerns about their compatibility. Littler’s participation was briefly in doubt after a hostile reception at the German Darts Grand Prix, prompting him to skip another German event. However, Humphries never wavered. “I saw Luke’s post and I knew straight away that he didn’t mean what he said,” he revealed. “When I asked him about it he said: ‘No, I’m definitely playing.’ Of course he is. No one’s going to turn down playing for England.” Littler echoed the sentiment, posting on Instagram: “Dream team confirmed, bring on the World Cup in June.”
Their partnership is more than a sporting alliance—it’s a celebration of darts’ new era. Humphries, who once worked as a roofer, and Littler, a teenage trailblazer, embody the sport’s grit and glamour. Their rivalry, marked by 14 clashes in 2024, including Littler’s 11-7 Premier League final win and Humphries’ Players Championship Finals revenge, is played in good spirit. “There’s nothing to dislike about him,” Humphries said of Littler, praising his humility. Off the oche, Humphries’ class shines through, as seen when he arranged for a bullied autistic teenager to meet the players at a Premier League event, a gesture that earned widespread admiration.
As Frankfurt beckons, the “Lukes of Hazard” carry England’s hopes and a target on their backs. With 32 nations competing, including powerhouses like the Netherlands and Wales, the road to a sixth title is treacherous. Yet, Humphries’ leadership and Littler’s audacity form a potent mix. “Luke will want to go back-to-back and obviously I want to win it for the first time,” Littler said, underscoring the personal stakes. For fans, the promise of maximums, clutch checkouts, and unyielding passion ensures a tournament to remember.
Leave a Reply