Luke Littler has set himself an unusual new goal after winning his first World Grand Prix title with a victory over Luke Humphries. The young darts star, known as “The Nuke,” made a strong impression in this year’s competition, showcasing his talent and determination.
Littler had previously been knocked out in the first round during his maiden appearance in the competition last year, but he was at his very best this time around. In the final, he faced a familiar opponent, World No.1 Luke Humphries, but proved far too strong, securing a 6-1 victory to claim his seventh major title in just under two years as a professional.
Despite very little separating the players in terms of averages, it was Littler who took control early on, racing into a four-set lead thanks to some exceptional darts in crucial moments. Humphries managed to get one set on the board, bringing the score to 4-1, but the 2023 champion never came close to making a comeback as Littler won the next two sets to clinch the match and the £120,000 prize.
Reflecting on his victory, Littler shared his thoughts with Sky Sports: “Very happy to tick it off, it’s not the easiest tournament to win. This week has been so tough. Now I’ve picked the trophy up, this is one I can tick off and there’s not many left.”
He continued, “That’s what I’ve learned in the past from the Matchplay, I have got to perform the big out shots and the big scores when Luke does put me under pressure. I think I played very well tonight. Luke was always behind me, I couldn’t step off the gas. I’m just very happy to win.”
Littler’s latest trophy further closes the gap between himself and Humphries at the top of the world rankings, with just over £70,000 in prize money now separating the top two. With several big events like the European Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts on the horizon, Littler sent a playful warning to the current No.1.
“It’s definitely not a lot of prize money, especially what we guys play for,” he said. “Luke will know I’m behind his back now, I’m onto him.”
For now, however, Littler has a different goal in mind. The 18-year-old revealed he plans to enter the World Youth Championships, which kicks off on Monday. Littler has previously won the tournament, open to all qualified players aged between 18-23, in 2023, but did not compete in the competition last year.
However, he now has his sights set on a second appearance in the final, which would be held later in the year during the Players Championship Finals. “I’ll go to the World Youths tomorrow and just have a bit of fun,” he said. “I don’t think anyone is going to be my friend tomorrow, but it’s 20 minutes up the road, and I’ll try my best.”
Meanwhile, Humphries, who also finished runner-up in the Grand Prix in 2024, praised Littler’s clinical early finishing, which ultimately left him with too much of a mountain to climb later on in the match.
“It’s one of them games. It’s hard work. He’s so clinical,” he said. “The first four sets, I missed darts to get in. Double 16 has been my friend for the last three years. Tonight, it wasn’t.”
“It’s very unfortunate. When I was 4-0 down, I just wanted to give the crowd something. I wasn’t playing for myself any more, I was playing for the crowd. I felt like it had got away from me. It’s hard to take. It’s disappointing because I felt like I was going to give him a lot better game than I did, but he was clinical in the big legs. Fair play to him, he was really good.”
“Unfortunately, doubling in wasn’t very good tonight. I have to just get better, practice harder. If I don’t, he will just run away with everything. I have to dedicate everything to being a dart player and work even harder than I ever have. I want to match him.”
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