The 2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts, scheduled to electrify the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt, Germany, from June 12-15, is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle. This unique pairs event, featuring 40 nations, promises high-stakes drama, with England emerging as the undisputed favorites. Spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, the defending champions are poised to claim a sixth title for their nation, with bookmakers listing them at an eye-watering 4/11 odds-on favorite. The stage is set for a clash of titans, but will England’s dream team live up to the hype, or will a dark horse upset the odds?
### England’s Lethal Lukes: A Formidable Pairing
England’s hopes rest on the shoulders of Luke Humphries, the world number one and reigning PDC World Champion, and Luke Littler, the teenage sensation dubbed “The Nuke.” This marks the first time the two have teamed up for the World Cup, a pairing that has darts fans buzzing with anticipation. Humphries, a seven-time PDC title winner, led England to victory in 2024 alongside Michael Smith, securing a record-breaking fifth World Cup triumph. Now, with Littler—world number two and the 2025 PDC World Champion—replacing Smith, England’s lineup appears even more formidable.
Littler, at just 18, has taken the darts world by storm. His 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular, with victories in the Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals. His meteoric rise has drawn comparisons to darts legends, and his ability to perform under pressure makes him a perfect complement to Humphries’ cool-headed precision. “The two best players in the world, a lot of pressure is going to be on our shoulders,” Humphries admitted, acknowledging the weight of expectations. “I think everybody is expecting us to win it and no one’s going to touch us.”
### The Competition: Strong Contenders Lurk
While England’s pairing is the one to beat, the field is stacked with talent. Wales, led by two-time champions Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, are hot on their heels at 7/2 odds. The Welsh duo, who lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2023, bring a wealth of experience and chemistry to the oche. Scotland’s Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, both legends in their own right, are priced at 14/1. Their veteran savvy makes them a serious threat, particularly in the unique pairs format where teamwork can trump individual brilliance. “There aren’t many nations who stand a real chance against them,” said former Dutch player Vincent van der Voort, speaking about England’s dominance, but he remains optimistic about his own nation’s chances.
The Netherlands, represented by Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen, are listed at 18/1, with Michael van Gerwen notably absent this year. Host nation Germany, with Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko, and Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock, both at 20/1, round out the top contenders. Van der Voort emphasized the importance of partnership over individual talent: “If both of them play well, they absolutely can beat England. It’s all pairs matches, after all, which is different to singles.” Belgium’s Mike De Decker, who stunned Humphries in the 2025 World Grand Prix final, could also prove to be a wildcard, adding intrigue to the tournament.
### Tournament Format and Prize Money
The World Cup of Darts kicks off with a group stage, where 36 nations are divided into 12 groups of three, with the top four seeds—England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—entering in the second round. The group winners advance to the last 16, setting the stage for a knockout frenzy culminating in the final on June 15. The total prize pot stands at £450,000, with £80,000 awarded to the winning pair—£40,000 each for Humphries and Littler if they triumph. Runners-up will pocket £50,000, a tidy sum for a few days of precision throwing.
### Betting Insights and Predictions
Bookmakers are rolling out the red carpet for this event, with BetVictor, the tournament’s title sponsor, offering competitive odds and specials. One tantalizing bet is the 9/1 odds for a nine-darter, a feat yet to be achieved in the World Cup’s history. England’s dominance is reflected in the betting markets, with some firms initially listing them at 4/6 before tightening to 4/11 as punters piled in. Analysts predict an all-UK quarter-final lineup, with Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland joining England as formidable forces. “We’ve never seen this level of consistent UK brilliance in the tournament before,” one betting expert noted, suggesting a historic showdown looms.
### England’s Challenge: Pressure and Expectations
Despite their overwhelming favoritism, Humphries remains grounded. “We’re fully aware that we’re going to be massive favorites and everyone’s going to expect us to win,” he said. “But I feel like we have to take away that pressure and just go out and enjoy it.” Littler, no stranger to the spotlight, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his pride in representing England. His debut at the senior level follows standout performances in youth internationals, including a streamed nine-darter at age 14. The “Lukes of Hazard” are ready to embrace the challenge, but they’ll need to navigate a field hungry for an upset.
### A Global Stage for Darts
The World Cup of Darts is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport’s global reach. From Australia’s Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock to Singapore’s iconic Paul Lim, now paired with Phuay Wei Tan, the event showcases a diverse array of talent. Germany’s home crowd will rally behind Schindler and Pietreczko, hoping for a fairy-tale run on their turf. As the darts fly in Frankfurt, all eyes will be on England’s superstar duo, but the beauty of this tournament lies in its unpredictability. Will Humphries and Littler cement their legacy, or will a new champion emerge? The oche awaits.
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