World No. 1 Luke Humphries has tipped Northern Irish sensation Josh Rock as the next darts superstar poised to rival the dominance he and Luke Littler have established in the sport. Humphries, the 2024 World Champion, and Littler, the 2025 World Champion, have been the standout performers in recent years, but Humphries believes the 24-year-old Rock is ready to join them at the top, creating a thrilling three-way battle for darts supremacy.
The Rise of Humphries and Littler
Luke Humphries and Luke Littler have redefined darts with their remarkable achievements. Humphries, 30, enjoyed a breakout 2023, winning the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, Players Championship Finals, and the 2024 PDC World Championship, where he defeated Littler 7-4 in the final. His 2025 season included a World Matchplay title, a Premier League crown, and a World Cup of Darts victory with Michael Smith, cementing his status as world No. 1. Littler, just 18, has taken the sport by storm, becoming the youngest PDC World Champion in 2025 with a 7-3 win over Michael van Gerwen. His 2025 haul also featured the World Matchplay, Premier League, and Grand Slam of Darts titles, with a record-breaking 64 maximum 180s at the World Matchplay.
Together, Humphries and Littler have won eight of the last 10 PDC major titles, with their head-to-head record standing at 13-10 in Littler’s favor across 23 meetings since January 2024. Their friendly rivalry, marked by mutual respect, has been hailed as one that could define darts for years, with Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle noting, “These two could have darts sewn up.”
Josh Rock: The Rising Star
Josh Rock, nicknamed “Rocky,” has emerged as a formidable contender to challenge this duopoly. Humphries singled out the Northern Irishman after defeating him 8-5 in the 2025 Czech Darts Open final, stating, “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.”
Rock, ranked No. 16 in the PDC Order of Merit, had a breakout 2024 season, climbing into the world’s top 20 with a series of standout performances. He won the 2024 Dutch Darts Championship, reached the UK Open final, and made the semi-finals of the 2025 World Matchplay, where he pushed Littler to the brink in a 17-14 thriller that featured Littler’s nine-darter and Rock’s 170 checkout. His 2022 World Youth Championship title, where he posted a record 104.13 average, and his 2024 World Cup of Darts victory alongside Daryl Gurney highlight his potential to compete at the highest level.
Rock’s confidence in his future is palpable. Speaking ahead of the 2025 World Masters, he boldly predicted, “I 100 per cent believe it. There is six years between me and Luke. We can have a very long career. I believe that me and him will dominate the sport, 100 per cent, yes.” His recent switch to Target Darts, aligning him with Littler, has boosted his game, with new equipment contributing to victories over former world champion Michael van Gerwen at the Czech Open and a 153 checkout against Humphries.
A Three-Way Rivalry on the Horizon
Humphries’ endorsement of Rock underscores the Northern Irishman’s rapid rise. At 24, Rock is six years older than Littler but six years younger than Humphries, positioning him perfectly to bridge the generational gap. His heavy scoring, clinical finishing—evidenced by a 60% doubles success rate in recent European Tour events—and fearless mentality make him a genuine threat. Rock’s friendship with Littler adds a layer of intrigue, as he noted, “I am very close with Luke. He’s a good kid and what he has done for our sport is fantastic.” Yet, their competitive encounters, like the World Matchplay semi-final, show Rock’s ability to match Littler’s intensity.
Humphries, meanwhile, is determined to remain a central figure. His 2025 performances, including a 112.66 average in the German Darts Grand Prix final and a Players Championship Finals win over Littler, demonstrate his staying power. “I’m just happy when I nab one here and there,” Humphries said of his rivalry with Littler, adding, “I’m going to be a part of it as well” when discussing Rock’s potential.
The Future of Darts
The prospect of Rock joining Humphries and Littler at the pinnacle of darts promises an exciting era. Rock’s recent achievements, including back-to-back European Tour finals and a 2024 World Cup triumph, signal his readiness to compete for major titles. Littler’s unprecedented success at 18, with 17 PDC titles and £2 million in prize money in just 19 months, sets a high bar, while Humphries’ consistency ensures he remains a benchmark.
As the trio prepares for events like the 2026 Premier League and World Grand Prix, their rivalry could elevate darts to new heights. Rock’s bold prediction and Humphries’ acknowledgment of his potential suggest a three-way battle that will captivate fans. With Littler’s flair, Humphries’ precision, and Rock’s raw power, the sport is on the cusp of a golden age.
