Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and reigning PDC World Champion, admitted to feeling “a bit angry” about hostile German crowds as he prepares to partner with world No. 1 Luke Humphries for England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, starting June 12, 2025, per GB News. Littler’s frustration stems from a frosty reception at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich in April 2025, where he faced boos after losing to Gian van Veen in the semi-finals, prompting a now-deleted Instagram post suggesting a six-month boycott of Germany, per The Mirror.
Reflecting on the incident, Littler clarified, “I wouldn’t say it’s upset me, but I was obviously a bit angry (at the way I played). I did what Gerwyn Price always does—go on Instagram, have a bit of a moan and take it down half an hour later,” per GB News. He acknowledged his massive social media following amplified the post’s reach, noting, “So many people see it before you delete it,” per Sky Sports. Despite past tensions, Littler insisted he never considered skipping the World Cup, saying, “No, I was always [going to play],” per The Mirror.
Humphries, who won the 2024 World Cup with Michael Smith, vowed to shield Littler from crowd hostility, stating, “I’ll be there to say: ‘Don’t worry about what they’re doing, focus on your game,’” per @Oche180. The duo, dubbed a “dream team,” are favorites to defend England’s title at the Eissporthalle, entering in the second round on June 14, per Sky Sports. Littler expressed excitement, saying, “Putting the shirt on for your country is one of the best feelings… I want to win it on debut,” per The Independent.
Rivals like Germany’s Martin Schindler and Wales’ Jonny Clayton believe the English pair are “beatable” in the pairs format, per Sky Sports. Posts on X, like @DartsNow_ quoting Willie O’Connor, suggested potential “egos” could derail them, per @DartsNow_. Littler, fresh off his January 2025 World Championship win over Michael van Gerwen, aims to channel his anger into a positive performance, per BBC.
