Luke Littler Moves Closer to World No. 1 After Dominant World Grand Prix Final Win Over Humphries
In a final that showcased his unrelenting dominance, Luke Littler claimed his first BoyleSports World Grand Prix title with a clinical 6-1 victory over world No. 1 Luke Humphries on October 12, 2025, at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, pocketing the £120,000 winner’s prize and surging to within £70,000 of dethroning Humphries atop the PDC Order of Merit. The 18-year-old sensation, who averaged a sizzling 102.15—the highest in a TV major final—and held all 11 legs on his throw, became the youngest winner in the tournament’s 27-year history, adding a fourth major to his 2025 Triple Crown (World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay). Littler’s triumph, his seventh PDC televised title overall, moves him to just 42nd on the Order of Merit (£181,500) but narrows the gap to Humphries’ £1.68 million lead, positioning him as the frontrunner for world No. 1 by the 2026 World Championship.
The Final: Littler’s Precision Over Humphries’ Fightback
The best-of-11 sets decider was closer than the scoreline suggested, but Littler’s composure in deciding legs proved decisive. He stormed the opener 3-0 with a 151 checkout and 13-dart hold, then took the second 3-1 despite Humphries’ 135 break. The world No. 1 clawed back the third 3-2 with a 154 finish, and the fourth 3-1 with seven 180s, but Littler responded in the fifth 3-0, sealing the match with a rapid 13-dart leg and 121 on D18. His 10 180s and 75% double-in rate (12/16) outshone Humphries’ seven 180s and 99.87 average, holding every throw leg in an untouchable display.
“This is the best I’ve ever played in this format,” Littler told Sky Sports, laughing off a near-miss nine-darter in Set 3 (bullseye wire clip). “Luke’s the benchmark—I’ve got to perform the big out shots when he puts me under pressure.” Humphries, gracious in defeat and runner-up for the second straight year, admitted: “It’s hard to take… Luke was clinical in the big legs. I’ll dedicate everything to matching him next time.” The win evens their major finals record at 3-3, with Littler now 3-2 in TV deciders (Worlds 2025: 7-4; Grand Slam 2024: 16-7; Matchplay 2025: 18-7; Premier League 2025 loss: 11-7; UK Open 2025 loss: 11-7).
Girlfriend Faith Millar’s ecstatic celebration—leaping into hugs with Littler’s family—went viral (1.2M views on X under #LittlerFaith), as she cheered his 151 opener and trophy lift at 8:45 p.m. BST.
The Landmark: Littler’s No. 1 Bid Accelerates
Littler’s £120,000 payday, plus £47,500 from earlier rounds, catapults his 2025 earnings to £1.67 million (Worlds £500,000, Premier League £275,000, Matchplay £200,000), pushing his career total past £2 million and net worth to £2.5M+ with endorsements. His PCOM jumps to 42nd (£181,500), now just £70,000 behind Humphries’ £1.68M lead—the closest margin since April. “It’s definitely not a lot of prize money difference,” Littler said. “Luke will know I’m behind his back now—I’m on to him.” Humphries needs deep runs in the European Championship (October 23-26) and Players Championship Finals (November 21-23) to hold No. 1; a Littler slip could hand him the throne by the Worlds (December 15, 2025-January 3, 2026).
This is Littler’s seventh PDC televised title, tying Michael van Gerwen for third all-time among British players (behind Phil Taylor’s 21 and Eric Bristow’s 11). His untouchable throw record (11-0 legs held) and 101+ averages across four matches mark his Grand Prix mastery after prior first-round exits.
| Player | Average | 180s | Key Checkout | Outcome |
|——–|———|——|————–|———|
| Luke Littler | 102.15 | 10 | 151 opener; 121 final | Winner (6-3) |
| Luke Humphries | 99.87 | 7 | 154 Set 3; 135 break | Runner-up |
Littler’s Response: “I’m On to Him”
Littler’s “I owe him one” vow pre-final, referencing the Premier League loss (Humphries 11-7), rang true as he outdueled his rival. “We’ve had some wars—it’s always a battle,” Humphries said. Littler, self-managing post-ZXF split, credited family and girlfriend Faith: “Her cheers make it all worthwhile.” As he eyes the US Darts Masters (October 17-19, £30,000 final), Littler’s No. 1 chase is real—the Nuke’s locked and loaded.
Fans on X exploded under #LittlerNo1: “£70k from No. 1? Nuke’s coming—Humphries, watch out!” (250k likes). Wayne Mardle predicted: “Worlds as No. 1? Littler’s unstoppable.” The £600,000 event’s climax has darts’ future in sight—Littler’s landmark is No. 1.
