In a dazzling display of precision and poise, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler has solidified his status as a generational talent, clinching the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay title in Blackpool on July 27, 2025. The teenage sensation, nicknamed “The Nuke,” outshone James Wade in an 18-13 thriller at the Winter Gardens, firing a 107.24 average and a record-breaking 64 maximum 180s to claim the £200,000 top prize. This victory, Littler’s second major of the year following his PDC World Championship triumph in January, has propelled him closer to overtaking world No. 1 Luke Humphries in the PDC Order of Merit. Yet, Littler remains grounded, acknowledging the challenge ahead. “Wouldn’t surprise me if he went and defended all the prize money,” Littler said of Humphries, recognizing the reigning No. 1’s tenacity. “I’ve looked at the rankings provisionally. I’m No. 1 for the Worlds if Luke doesn’t defend all that prize money—and obviously I don’t want him to.”
Littler’s meteoric rise continues to captivate the darts world. His World Matchplay win marked the completion of the prestigious PDC Triple Crown—World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—at an unprecedented age, joining legends like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Humphries in this elite club. Starting the final trailing Wade by five legs, Littler showcased his resilience, clawing back with a nine-darter against Josh Rock in the semifinals still fresh in fans’ minds. “I played a lot of legs throughout the Matchplay, so it’s no surprise that I’ve broken the 180 record,” he noted, reflecting on his tournament dominance. His £200,000 prize boosted his two-year earnings to £1,500,500, narrowing the gap to Humphries, who holds £1,797,750 as of July 28, 2025. With Humphries defending over £400,000 from his 2023 successes, including the World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals, Littler’s fresh earnings give him a strategic edge in the rankings race.
Humphries, however, is no stranger to pressure. The 30-year-old, dubbed “Cool Hand,” suffered a first-round exit in Blackpool, losing £40,000 from his 2023 semi-final haul, but his 2023 hot streak—capped by a World Championship title—keeps him atop the rankings. Littler’s respect for his rival shines through, as he avoids claiming superiority despite his recent dominance. “I’m a world champion for a reason, I find these gears when I need it,” Littler said after a comeback win earlier in the tournament, emphasizing his clutch mentality. Yet, he surprised many by naming Nathan Aspinall as the player with the sport’s best mindset, a nod to Aspinall’s relentless comebacks, rather than himself or Humphries.
The rivalry between Littler and Humphries, marked by mutual respect, has electrified darts. Their 2024 World Championship final, where Humphries edged a 16-year-old Littler 7-4, sparked “Littlermania,” and their battles since—including Littler’s 2024 Premier League triumph over Humphries—have drawn record audiences. Humphries, who recently hinted at a £1 million prize for the 2026 World Championship, remains a formidable foe. “There’s something Luke does to you, he really drives me and makes me want to be a better player,” Humphries said after defeating Littler in the 2024 Players Championship Finals. Their head-to-head record, with Littler leading 8-6 in 2024, promises more epic clashes, potentially in the 2025 World Championship semifinals at Alexandra Palace, starting December 11.
Littler’s journey from a 66/1 outsider at the 2024 World Championship to the sport’s biggest star is remarkable. His debut season saw him win 10 titles, including the Grand Slam of Darts, and amass over £2 million in career earnings. Off the oche, Littler’s youth shines through—celebrating in Benidorm with family and idolizing Manchester United stars like Wayne Rooney. Yet, his maturity under pressure, honed in grueling matches like his 13-11 World Matchplay win over Jermaine Wattimena, sets him apart. As he prepares for the World Grand Prix in October and his World Championship title defense, Littler’s focus is clear: add more prize money and chase Humphries’ No. 1 spot. With darts’ prize funds soaring, fueled by a new Sky Sports TV deal, the stage is set for Littler to cement his legacy as the sport’s next icon.
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