Luke Littler makes more darts history by becoming youngest world number one
By Jonathan Veal, PA
Luke Littler made more history as he became the youngest ever world number one.
The 18-year-old’s position at the top of the rankings has seemingly been a foregone conclusion ever since he burst on to the scene with his record-breaking run to the final of the 2024 World Championship.
He became the youngest ever world champion a year later and has gone on to become a global star, transcending the sport.
LITTLER INTO THE FINAL! ☢️
Luke Littler wins ten of the last 11 legs to defeat Danny Noppert 16-9 and book his place in tonight's Grand Slam final!
That win also confirms Littler will become the new world number one following the conclusion of the tournament!#GSOD | SF pic.twitter.com/GuiXw2psjp— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 16, 2025
He is now officially the best player in the world, overhauling great rival Luke Humphries at the summit.
Littler beats the record of previous youngest Michael van Gerwen, who was a relatively senior 24 when he first topped the rankings in 2014.
He confirmed his position by beating Dutchman Danny Noppert in the semi-final of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.
The Warrington-born star will get the chance to celebrate his new status by beating Humphries in the final later on Sunday evening, with the pair’s next instalment of their enthralling rivalry which has gripped the sport over the last two years.
Littler said: “It’s not even been two years, I have not even spent two years on tour and I am already world number one.
“That is job done, now I am world number one, but I have got a bigger match tonight.
“I am the best in the world. I have said it throughout the year. Luke Humphries has been the best in the world. It doesn’t matter if you go out in the first round or second round, if you’re number one, you’re the best in the world.
“It’s another Luke-Luke final, some people like it, some people don’t.”
Littler, who has amassed £1.77million in prize money in less than two years, was made to work hard against Noppert, but eventually ran away with an 16-9 victory.
That set up yet another contest with Humphries, who has been the only man able to compete with the teenager.
Luke Littler is the new World No.1 👏🤩 pic.twitter.com/aagSMmctrS
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) November 16, 2025
Humphries, who beat Gerwyn Price 16-13 to book his place in a third successive major final, is hoping for a second crown in Wolverhampton.
The 30-year-old has won the World Masters and the Premier League this year, and he has waged war on his rival to regain the number one spot.
“This is the last day as number one I’ve been so happy and proud of myself,” Humphries said in his on-stage interview.
“For me it’s not about that tonight. It’s about picking up this trophy.
“When it gets to the Worlds, I’ve got one opportunity to take it back from him. I’ll be fighting hard, it’s a war now.”
