#nathanlittler

The 2025 World Grand Prix in Leicester delivered a spectacular display of darts mastery as 18-year-old Nathan Littler demolished Luke Humphries 6-1 in the final. After a shaky debut last year, when Littler was knocked out in the first round of the ‘double-in, double-out’ tournament, the teenager has now firmly established himself as one of the sport’s rising stars.

Littler’s performance was clinical. Despite averaging slightly lower than Humphries in the final—92.15 to 93.61—he was ruthless when it mattered, winning five of his six sets in final-leg deciders. The £120,000 prize marks Littler’s seventh PDC major televised title, placing him joint seventh in the all-time list of major winners and tightening the race for the PDC world number one ranking.

The Rivalry Heating Up

The Littler-Humphries rivalry has intensified over the past two years, with both players dominating PDC major finals. Their head-to-head record in major finals is a compelling storyline:

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

“This is my time and I’ve just got to keep going,” Littler said after his victory. “Until I get that world number one spot, I will never call myself the best in the world. Whoever’s number one, they’re the best. But knowing I’m only £70,000 behind Luke and that he has to defend prize money from the Grand Prix, Players Championships, and the World Championship, I could be world number one before that World Championship. I just have to keep throwing and put as much pressure as I can on Luke.”

Humphries, meanwhile, remains determined to close the gap. “I have to dedicate everything to being a dart player and work even harder than I ever have,” he told Sky Sports. “If I don’t, he will just run away with everything. I want to match him.”

A Final Full of Drama

The opening set was nervy, with Littler taking 13 darts in the second leg to get in, and the pair exchanging breaks in legs three and four. Littler, who had already beaten four previous winners of the Grand Prix on his way to the final, eventually secured the early advantage.

Set two saw Littler finish with a 64 checkout after a brilliant 177 setup, while set three included an eight-dart attempt at a nine-darter in the opening leg. Humphries had opportunities to take control, particularly in set three, but missed four darts at double, allowing Littler to claim the set.

Set four went to Littler in another final-leg decider, and although Humphries fired back with a sensational 154 checkout in set five, Littler refused to be shaken. He won the next two sets decisively, sealing a commanding 6-1 victory. Despite Humphries averaging higher and hitting more 100-plus scores and 180s, Littler’s composure under pressure was the defining factor.

Two years ago, Humphries won his first major at this event, while Littler didn’t even have a tour card. Yet together, the pair have claimed 15 of the last 21 PDC major trophies, showcasing their dominance in the sport.

Littler Eyes World Youth Championship

Even after this huge win, Littler isn’t slowing down. He will compete in the World Youth Championship on Monday in Wigan. Having won the 2023 tournament, Littler skipped the 2024 edition to focus on the senior World Championship, where he finished as runner-up.

“I’ll go to the World Youth tomorrow and just have a bit of fun, see everyone,” Littler said on 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!”

The World Youth Championship begins with a group-stage format, moving to knockouts from the last-64 stage. The final is scheduled for 23 November in Minehead, coinciding with the final day of the Players Championship. This means Littler—or fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen, the 2024 winner—could potentially play the Youth final between the semi-finals and final of the senior event.

Prize Money and Rankings Drama

The win moves Littler closer to the top of the PDC world rankings. Currently, he trails Humphries by just over £70,000, setting up a thrilling battle for world number one heading into December's World Championship. With Humphries needing to defend prize money from multiple tournaments, Littler has an opportunity to overtake the 2024 world champion if he maintains this level of performance.

For fans following the sport on the Sports Channel, this rivalry offers high drama and intense competition. Littler’s aggressive style, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, has already made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent for Humphries.

The Future of Darts

Littler’s victory not only cements his status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents but also intensifies the conversation around the next generation of dart stars. His mix of youthful energy, composure, and ruthless decision-making in finals sets a new benchmark for emerging players.

As he continues to challenge Humphries and compete in both senior and youth events, the 2025 PDC season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Fans following coverage on the Sports Channel can expect nail-biting finishes, high-quality darts, and more head-to-head clashes between two of the game’s top performers.

Littler has shown he can handle the pressure of finals, and with the World Youth Championship and senior majors still ahead, there’s every chance he could end 2025 as the world number one—a remarkable rise for an 18-year-old who, just a few years ago, was making his debut in the sport’s top tier.