Luke Humphries, the world No. 1 darts player, paid heartfelt tribute to his World Cup of Darts teammate Luke Littler after both were awarded MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025, announced on June 13, for their services to darts, per Warrington Guardian. Humphries, speaking to Sky Sports on June 13 in Frankfurt, where the duo are competing for England at the BetVictor World Cup of Darts, said, “Luke’s changed the game forever… His impact at such a young age is unreal, and I’m so proud to share this honour with him,” per Sky Sports.
Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion, became the youngest world champion in January 2025, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3, sparking the “Littler effect” that boosted darts’ popularity, per BBC. Humphries, 30, the 2024 World Cup winner with Michael Smith, called the MBE “the greatest moment of my career off the oche,” adding, “To be recognised alongside Luke shows how far darts has come,” per The Mirror. Littler echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m shocked and grateful… It’s unbelievable for our sport,” per Warrington Guardian.
The honours, celebrated by posts on X like @OfficialPDC, also recognized Deta Hedman (OBE) and Sir David Beckham (knighted), per Daily Star, Express. Humphries noted their World Cup timing, saying, “It’s extra motivation to win for England,” as the top-seeded pair face their last-16 match on June 14, per The Standard. Despite rivals’ jabs about “egos,” Humphries praised Littler’s maturity, stating, “He handles everything so well… He’s a superstar,” per SPORTbible. Their MBEs cement their legacy in darts’ golden era.
