Teenage darts phenomenon Luke Littler has rewritten the history books once again, officially becoming the youngest ever world number one in the sport at just 18 years old.
A New King of the Oche
The Warrington-born star confirmed his ascension to the top of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) rankings by reaching the final of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton on Sunday 16th November 2025. Littler's new status was sealed with a 16-9 semi-final victory over Dutchman Danny Noppert, a result that saw him overhaul his great rival, Luke Humphries, at the summit.
Littler's rise to the pinnacle of world darts has been nothing short of meteoric. Since his record-breaking run to the final of the 2024 World Championship, his position as the future world number one seemed inevitable. He cemented his superstar status by becoming the youngest ever world champion a year later, a feat that propelled him to global fame and transcended the sport itself.
Smashing Records and Rivalries
In claiming the top spot, Littler smashes the record previously held by Michael van Gerwen, who was a relatively senior 24 years old when he first became world number one in 2014. Littler's achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact he has spent less than two years on the professional tour.
"It's not even been two years, I have not even spent two years on tour and I am already world number one," Littler remarked after his semi-final win. "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."
The stage was set for a dramatic celebration of his new ranking, with a final against Humphries scheduled for later that same evening. This latest chapter in their enthralling rivalry, which has gripped darts for the past two years, offered Littler the chance to defeat the man he had just deposed.
The Battle for Supremacy Continues
Humphries, who secured his place in a third successive major final by beating Gerwyn Price 16-13, was philosophical about relinquishing the number one spot. The 30-year-old, who has won the World Masters and the Premier League this year, acknowledged the shift in power but vowed to continue the fight.
"This is the last day as number one I've been so happy and proud of myself," Humphries said in an 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."
Littler's financial success mirrors his sporting dominance, having amassed an astonishing £1.77 million in prize money in under two years. His rapid ascent and ongoing duel with Humphries signal a thrilling new era for darts, with a teenage prodigy now officially its leading man.
