Luke Littler humiliates Luke Humphries in World Grand Prix and sends rival cheeky World No.1 warning
Luke Littler vs. Luke Humphries: The Ultimate Showdown in the 2025 World Grand Prix Final
The darts world is buzzing with anticipation as Luke Littler and Luke Humphries prepare to collide in the final of the 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix on **Sunday, October 12, at 8:45 p.m. BST (3:15 p.m. EST)** at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. This blockbuster rematch— the sixth TV major final between the pair—pits the 18-year-old world No. 2 Littler, fresh off his first Grand Prix semifinal in his third appearance, against the 30-year-old world No. 1 Humphries, who is chasing a third consecutive final in the event. With £120,000 to the winner in the £600,000 double-in/double-out tournament, and Littler’s “I owe him one” vow for revenge after the Premier League final loss, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Littler leads the major finals head-to-head 3-2, but Humphries holds the overall edge 15-10.
Littler’s Road to the Final: A Breakthrough Run
Littler’s Grand Prix campaign has been a revelation, marking his deepest venture into the “toughest” major after first-round exits in 2023 (to Rob Cross) and 2024 (to Michael van Gerwen). He kicked off with a 2-0 sets win over Gian van Veen (3-1, 3-2), averaging 105.58 against the Dutchman’s record-breaking 106.47—the highest in tournament history. A 3-0 rout of defending champion Mike De Decker (3-1, 3-1, 3-1) followed with a flawless 100% double-in rate and 98.45 average. In the quarters, Littler staged a stunning 3-2 comeback from 2-0 down against Gerwyn Price, highlighted by a 154 checkout and Price’s infamous ricochet miss, averaging 101.23 with six 180s.
The semifinal was clinical: A 5-1 thrashing of Jonny Clayton (3-0, 3-1, 3-1) with 10 180s, a 161 checkout, and a 13-dart closer, holding all throw legs for an untouchable 10-0 record on his throw through four matches. “The final’s what I came for—Luke’s the benchmark,” Littler said post-Clayton, referencing his Premier League final defeat (Humphries 11-7). Self-managing post-ZXF split, Littler’s £61,500 haul (48th on PCOM) narrows the gap to Humphries’ £1.68M Order of Merit lead.
Humphries’ Path: The No. 1’s Steady March
Humphries, the 2023 Grand Prix winner, has been his metronomic self, advancing with precision. He opened with a 3-1 win over Nathan Aspinall (3-2, 3-1, 2-3, 3-1), averaging 100.12 with seven 180s. The quarters saw a 3-1 dispatch of Danny Noppert (3-2, 3-1, 2-3, 3-1), converting four of six breaks. In the semis, Humphries edged Rob Cross 5-3, surviving a fightback with a 135 checkout to break at 8-7. “Luke’s on fire, but I’ve got unfinished business,” Humphries told Sky Sports, recalling their Worlds final (Littler 7-4). His 100+ averages and 75% double-in rate make him a formidable foe, with 12 straight major semifinal wins (8 titles).
The Rivalry: Littler vs. Humphries, Round 6
This decider is their sixth TV major final, with Littler leading 3-2 (Worlds 2025: 7-4; Grand Slam 2024: 16-7; Matchplay 2025: 18-7; Premier League 2025: 11-7 loss; UK Open 2025: 11-7 loss). Littler’s “I owe him one” stems from the Premier League heartbreaker, where Humphries’ nine-darter clinched it. “We’ve had some wars—it’s always a battle,” Humphries said. The best-of-11 sets final could see Littler claim his fourth major of 2025 and close the Order of Merit gap.
| Player | Path to Final | Average (Tournament) | Key Stat |
|——–|—————|———————-|———-|
| Luke Littler | Def. van Veen (2-0), De Decker (3-0), Price (3-2), Clayton (5-1) | 101.23 | 10-0 legs held on throw; 154 checkout vs. Price |
| Luke Humphries | Def. Aspinall (3-1), Noppert (3-1), Cross (5-3) | 100.12 | 7 180s vs. Aspinall; 135 break vs. Noppert |
Fan Hype: “Luke vs. Luke 6.0 – Darts’ Super Bowl”
X is on fire with #LukeVsLuke, fans hyped: “Littler-Humphries final? Worlds rematch with £120k? Yes please!” (200k likes). Wayne Mardle predicted: “Five-setter—Littler’s fire vs. Humphries’ ice.” As the £600,000 event peaks, the semis (7 PM BST, Sky Sports) set the stage: Littler vs. Clayton, Humphries vs. Noppert. The Nuke’s eager; the oche’s ready for war.
