Speaking back in October 2025 as he closed in on the summit, Littler made his stance clear. He said: “Obviously, until I get that world number one spot, I’ll never call myself the best in the world — whoever’s number one, they’re the best.”
The debate over who truly holds the edge between Littler and Humphries has raged ever since Littler burst onto the scene at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship. Humphries had held the world No. 1 ranking from January 2024 through to November 2025 before Littler eventually claimed top spot.
Despite recently playing second fiddle to his younger rival, Humphries reminded everyone of his quality by lifting the Belgian Darts Open title this week, defeating Jonny Clayton 8–6 in the final.
In the lead-up to that victory, the 31-year-old had come under fire from darts influencer Charlie Murphy, who suggested Humphries had been “giving in” to Littler during their recent clashes and lacked the same stage presence.
Littler’s shock third-round exit to Niels Zonneveld opened the door for Humphries to claim his ninth European Tour crown. After beating Clayton, “Cool Hand Luke” responded with a touch of sarcasm, joking that the win would at least help him hold onto his place as the “second-best” player in the world.
After collecting the £35,000 prize, Humphries said: “I’m just going to keep trying and keep pushing. Keep my aura levels up because I have to. Keep trying to be the second-best player in the world, apparently.”
Murphy later issued a public apology on X after Humphries appeared visibly hurt by the remarks during an interview at the Belgium-based event.
However, Humphries himself had previously paid Littler the ultimate compliment following their clash at the Winmau World Masters in February. He said: “I think he’s the greatest dart player that has ever lived.
“I said to him at the end: I don’t even think you have a heart! He never folds under pressure. You try your hardest to put him under it, and he just never folds.”
Staying true to his grounded nature, Littler brushed off the praise and instead pointed to Phil Taylor as the benchmark. He said: “I didn’t hear him say that. I heard the crowd cheer a few times when he was talking, but I couldn’t hear him. But no one will ever beat Phil. I won’t be the greatest ever, even if I do win more than what Phil won.”
Earlier this year, Littler doubled down on his belief that the rankings don’t lie when it comes to determining the best in the world. “I said throughout the year, whoever is number one is the best,” he explained. “Luke Humphries has been the best in the world. Now I’m number one, I am the best.”
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