The darts world is buzzing with anticipation as the **2025 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals** approaches this weekend in Minehead, England. This high-stakes tournament, running from Friday November 21 to Sunday November 23, features the top 64 players from the season’s Players Championship events and could deliver another blockbuster chapter in the sport’s most captivating rivalry: Luke Littler versus Luke Humphries.
The two Lukes — the phenomenal teenage sensation and the cool-headed reigning world number two — have dominated headlines throughout 2025. Fresh off a thrilling Grand Slam of Darts final where the 18-year-old Littler dethroned Humphries to claim the world number one ranking for the first time, fans are already dreaming of a repeat showdown. Their head-to-head battles have become must-watch events, blending raw talent, mental fortitude, and dramatic finishes that have redefined modern darts.
What makes this weekend particularly exciting is the tournament draw. Unlike most PDC events that seed players based on the main Order of Merit, the Players Championship Finals uses a separate ranking from the 34 floor tournaments held throughout the year. This unique system has created some intriguing mismatches, including unusually low seeds for both stars. Littler enters as the 36th seed and opens against Sweden’s Jeffrey de Graaf, while Humphries — the two-time defending champion — is shockingly seeded 58th and faces a daunting first-round clash with seventh seed Gian van Veen, the man who stunned him in the recent European Championship final.
Crucially, the bracket has placed the pair on completely separated. Littler sits in the top half, while Humphries occupies the bottom half. That means they cannot cross paths until the showpiece final on Sunday evening. “We’re always going to meet in the final if we get past our opponents and we’ll make it continue,” Littler recently declared after overtaking the top spot, adding fuel to the fire with his bold claim of being “the best in the world right now.” Humphries, never one to back down, responded by “declaring war,” insisting the rivalry pushes both to greater heights and predicting more epic finals ahead, including at the upcoming World Championship.
For Humphries, the road to a potential third straight title looks treacherous from the outset. Even if he navigates past the in-form van Veen, a host of dangerous floaters like Nathan Aspinall, Josh Rock, or Gerwyn Price lurk in his section. Littler, meanwhile, has a kinder opening but could face seasoned campaigners such as Ross Smith, Gary Anderson, or Chris Dobey as he progresses through his half.
This setup guarantees maximum drama. A Littler-Humphries final would be their seventh major final meeting in less than two years — a remarkable feat that underscores how these two have pulled away from the pack. Humphries holds fond memories of this event, having lifted the trophy in both 2023 (beating Michael van Gerwen) and last year (defeating Littler 11-7), but the newly-crowned world number one arrives in scorching form after his Grand Slam triumph and is hungry to avenge those previous Minehead heartbreak.
The Players Championship Finals also serves as the final significant ranking event before the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace next month, adding extra importance. Strong runs here could solidify seeding positions and build vital momentum heading into the biggest show on the calendar. With £600,000 in prize money on the line and the Butlin’s Minehead Resort set to be packed with passionate fans, the stage is perfectly set for more magic.
Whether it’s Littler continuing his ascent or Humphries reclaiming dominance, one thing is certain: if both men bring their A-game through the rounds, Sunday’s final could be another instant classic in a fitting crescendo to an unforgettable year of darts rivalry. The oche awaits — and the darts world can’t wait to see if these two giants collide once more under the brightest lights.
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