The darts world is abuzz with excitement over the meteoric rise of young stars Josh Rock and Luke Littler, who are being heralded as the future of the sport. With their electrifying performances and relentless ambition, the duo is poised to dominate professional darts for years to come. However, world No. 1 Luke Humphries, a formidable rival, has vowed to remain a key part of this new era, setting the stage for an intense battle at the top.
A New Generation Takes Center Stage
Josh Rock, the 24-year-old Northern Irish sensation, and Luke Littler, the 18-year-old English prodigy, have captured the imagination of darts fans worldwide. Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke,” made history by winning the 2025 PDC World Championship at just 17 years and 347 days old, becoming the youngest world champion ever. His remarkable 2025 season also saw him claim the World Matchplay and Premier League titles, completing the prestigious PDC Triple Crown in just 19 months as a professional. Littler’s heavy scoring, with a tournament-record 64 maximum 180s at the 2025 World Matchplay, and his efficiency on double 10 have solidified his reputation as a generational talent.
Rock, meanwhile, has been steadily climbing the ranks, breaking into the world’s top 10 for the first time in 2025 after reaching back-to-back European Tour finals. His standout performances include a thrilling run to the 2025 World Matchplay semi-finals, where he pushed Littler to the limit in a 17-14 classic that featured a historic nine-darter from Littler and a 170 checkout from Rock. Rock’s victory at the 2024 World Cup of Darts alongside Daryl Gurney and his 2022 World Youth Championship title, where he posted a record-breaking 104.13 average, underline his immense potential.
Rock’s Bold Prediction
Rock has been vocal about his belief that he and Littler will dominate darts for decades. “I 100 per cent believe it. There is six years between me and Luke. We can have a very long career,” Rock said ahead of the 2025 World Masters. “I believe that me and him will dominate the sport, 100 per cent, yes.” His confidence stems from a solid 2024 season, where he climbed to No. 16 in the PDC Order of Merit, won the 2024 Dutch Darts Championship, and reached the UK Open final. Rock’s recent switch to Target Darts, joining Littler as a stablemate, has further boosted his game, with new equipment and a fresh mindset propelling him toward the elite.
Rock’s friendship with Littler adds a unique dynamic to their rivalry. “I am very close with Luke,” Rock shared. “I was texting him during the Worlds. He’s a good kid and what he has done for our sport is fantastic.” Their camaraderie off the oche contrasts with their fierce competition on it, as evidenced by their thrilling World Matchplay semi-final, where Littler’s nine-darter stole the show but Rock’s resilience kept him in contention until the end.
Humphries Aims to Keep Pace
World No. 1 Luke Humphries, the 2024 World Matchplay champion, is not content to let the youngsters steal the spotlight. After defeating Rock 8-5 in the 2025 Czech Open final, Humphries praised the duo’s potential but asserted his own ambitions. “He [Rock] is what I’d call the new generation now. Him and Luke Littler are two that are going to dominate the sport for many, many years. But I’m going to be a part of it as well,” Humphries declared. At 30, Humphries remains at the peak of his powers, blending clinical finishing with heavy scoring, as seen in his Prague victory where he outlasted Rock with a superior checkout rate.
Humphries’ determination to compete with Rock and Littler signals a new era of darts where established stars and emerging talents collide. His recent performances, including a win over Rock in Prague and a strong showing throughout the 2025 European Tour, prove he remains a formidable force.
A Bright Future for Darts
The rise of Rock and Littler, coupled with Humphries’ resolve, promises an exciting future for darts. Rock’s recent achievements, including victories over former world champion Michael van Gerwen at the Czech Open and a 153 checkout against Humphries, highlight his growing prowess. Littler’s unparalleled success at such a young age, with 17 PDC titles and £2 million in prize money in just 19 months, sets a new standard for excellence. Meanwhile, Humphries’ consistency and hunger ensure he won’t cede ground easily.
As the trio prepares for upcoming events like the Premier League and the World Grand Prix, fans can expect more high-stakes battles. Rock’s bold prediction of dominance alongside Littler, with Humphries vowing to join them, sets the stage for a thrilling chapter in darts history. With their youth, talent, and ambition, Rock and Littler are indeed the sport’s future—but Humphries is determined to make it a three-way fight for supremacy.
