Luke Littler and Luke Humphries plan to carry their growing rivalry from the Players Championship Finals straight into next month’s World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. The pair have separated themselves from the field recently and both are hoping for another high‑stakes meeting on the big stage.
Littler, who reclaimed world No.1 and beat Humphries in the Grand Slam of Darts final earlier this month, says the rivalry has sharpened both players. He described their contests as an ongoing battle that will only raise standards and produce more memorable encounters. Littler added that, with many years ahead for both of them, they will keep turning up in finals unless someone else steps up — and that their matches are a show fans want to see, even if some on social media disagree.
Humphries, who lost the world title to Littler at the start of the year and has slipped to world No.2, says the setbacks have given him extra motivation. He acknowledged three recent final defeats but insists the run fuels his determination to return to the top. Reclaiming the World Championship is his primary aim: he wants to join the select group of players who have won the title more than once and to rebuild the legacy he held two years ago.
Littler, meanwhile, is targeting consecutive World Championship victories. He’s confident from defending the Grand Slam and believes he can handle the longer, 32‑player World Championship format despite the added nerves of being reigning champion. He noted it’s been a decade since anyone won back‑to‑back Worlds and that the standard across the sport keeps rising, but he’s aiming to become the next player to do it.
Despite Littler’s recent dominance, Humphries remains positive. He says his confidence is intact, he’s playing good darts, and with two majors plus the World Championship still to come this season, he believes he can challenge Littler again and reclaim the top spot.