Luke Littler was playing in his first World Grand Prix final
In a commanding performance, Luke Littler defeated world number one Luke Humphries 6-1 in Leicester to secure his inaugural World Grand Prix title.
The 18-year-old Littler, who faced an early exit in the ‘double-in and double-out’ tournament last year, showcased remarkable improvement throughout this year’s campaign.
Despite a lower average than Humphries in the final, Littler’s clinical play proved decisive, as he clinched five of his six sets in final-leg deciders to claim the £120,000 prize.
This victory marks Littler’s seventh major televised PDC title, positioning him as joint seventh-highest in the history of the sport.
The win also narrows the gap between Littler and Humphries to just over £70,000 in the PDC’s Order of Merit, intensifying their battle to become world number one ahead of December’s World Championships.
“I’m very happy to tick it off, it’s not the easiest tournament to win,” Littler told Sky Sports, also confirming his participation in the World Youth Championships in Wigan.
“This is one I can tick off and there’s not many left.”
Addressing the race for world number one, Littler said: “It’s definitely not a lot of [a difference in] prize money, especially with what we play for. Luke will know I’m behind his back now, I’m on to him.”
Humphries acknowledged the need to “dedicate everything” to keep pace with Littler’s rise.
“I have to just get better, practise harder,” he stated. “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.”
2024 World Championship: Humphries 7-4 Littler
2024 Premier League: Humphries 7-11 Littler
2024 Players Championship: Humphries 11-7 Littler
2025 Premier League: Humphries 11-8 Littler
2025 Grand Prix: Humphries 1-6 Littler
The final began with a tense first set, as Littler secured the early advantage after the pair traded breaks in legs three and four.
Littler, who defeated four previous winners en route to the title, found his rhythm from there.
Humphries, despite becoming only the third player to reach three consecutive Grand Prix finals, struggled to capitalize on opportunities.
Littler claimed the second set with a 64 checkout, following a remarkable 177 setup in leg five, and continued his momentum by winning the third after narrowly missing a nine-darter in the opening leg.
After Littler won set four in another final-leg decider, Humphries responded by taking set five with a sensational 154 checkout.
However, Littler quickly regained control, securing the next two sets to seal the victory.
Humphries will likely reflect on missed opportunities, despite averaging 93.61 compared to Littler’s 92.15 and hitting more 100-plus scores and 180s.
Notably, Humphries won this event two years ago for his first major title, before Littler even held a tour card. Now, the pair have remarkably captured 15 of the past 21 major trophies.
Littler, winner of the 2023 World Youth Championships, chose not to participate in 2024 following his breakthrough at the senior World Championships.
“I’ll go to the World Youth tomorrow and just have a bit of fun, see everyone,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“I don’t think anyone is going to be my friend tomorrow, but it’s only 20 minutes up the road, so I’ll try my best!”
Littler defeated Gian van Veen of the Netherlands in the 2023 tournament, and the Dutchman will be present in Wigan to defend his title.
The World Youth event begins with a group stage, followed by a knockout format from the last-64 stage.
The final is scheduled for November 23 in Minehead, coinciding with the final day of the Players Championship, raising the possibility of Littler, or Van Veen, playing the World Youth final between the semi-finals and final of the Players Championship.
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