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Luke Littler Grand Slam of Darts 2025 Victory: Teenage Phenom Retains Title and Claims World No. 1 Spot in Epic Final

Luke Littler etched his name deeper into darts history on November 16, 2025, at the Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton, retaining the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts crown with a commanding 16-11 victory over reigning world No. 1 Luke Humphries. The 18-year-old sensation not only defended the title he won in 2024 but also ascended to the PDC world rankings summit hours earlier, becoming the youngest No. 1 in professional darts history at 18 years and 299 days—eclipsing Michael van Gerwen’s record set at 24 years and 251 days in 2014. In a final that showcased the sport’s razor-sharp rivalry, Littler’s clutch checkouts—including a pivotal 160 finish—and unyielding composure turned a seesaw battle into a statement of dominance, pocketing £150,000 and cementing his status as darts’ brightest young star.

Final Score and Key Stats

• Result: Luke Littler def. Luke Humphries 16-11
• Littler’s Averages: 100.61 (session highs: 107.23 first, 102.45 second)
• 180s: Littler 15, Humphries 12
• High Checkout: Littler 167 (break for 8-8)
• Prize Money: Littler £150,000 (total 2025 earnings: £1.85m); Humphries £70,000
• Attendance: 8,000 (sold out)

Littler’s triumph marks his eighth PDC major in under two pro years—a feat matched only by Phil Taylor and van Gerwen. Humphries, dethroned after 23 months at No. 1, fought valiantly but couldn’t stem the tide after Littler’s surge.

The Path to Glory: Littler’s Road to the Final

Littler’s weekend was a masterclass in resilience. The Warrington wonderkid entered as defending champion and semi-final favorite, but faced early tests. In the quarters, he edged Rob Cross 10-8, averaging 98.45 amid tense doubles. The semis pitted him against Danny Noppert, the Dutch powerhouse who trailed 8-6 before Littler unleashed 10 of the next 11 legs, sealing a 16-9 rout with a 102.62 average and flawless 13-darter finish.

That win clinched No. 1 status—Littler’s two-year Order of Merit haul hit £1,850,000, edging Humphries’ £1,769,000 (defending 2023 Grand Slam earnings). Littler: “Not even two years on tour—job done. I’m the best, no matter the result.”

Humphries, meanwhile, dismantled Gerwyn Price 16-13 in a semi-final thriller, landing a 280 in five darts and holding firm after Price’s 19-match-dart drama. The world No. 1 (pre-final) averaged 101.23, but fatigue crept in late.

Head-to-Head: Littler’s 4-3 edge in majors (including 2024 World Championship final win); Humphries leads overall 7-6. Their rivalry—16 of last 23 majors between them—defines modern darts.

Final Breakdown: From Seesaw to Surge

The showdown—fourth major final of 2025—delivered edge-of-seat drama over 27 legs. Humphries, chasing a third straight televised ranking final win, seized early momentum, but Littler’s clutch play flipped the script.

Session 1 (Legs 1-14: Littler 8-6): Littler opened 2-0 with 107+ averages, but Humphries reeled off four straight (3-2 lead via 280 in five darts). Breaks traded; Littler’s 167 checkout (leg 16) leveled 8-8. Humphries edged 9-8 at interval.

Session 2 (Legs 15-27: Littler 8-5): Pivotal leg 20: Humphries misses 170 bull, fluffs setup—Littler pounces with 160 for 10-9. Humphries holds for 10-10, but Littler’s 96 checkout (leg 22) restores lead. From 11-9, “The Nuke” wins 5 of 6, including 96 finisher for match point (leg 26). Humphries’ hold delayed joy, but Littler’s 13-darter sealed 16-11.

Humphries: “Three straight finals lost—disappointing, but playing well. War at Worlds—someone stop us!”

Littler: “Tough—Luke amazing. No bad spells; just brilliant talent.”

Post-match: Littler’s confetti-delayed trophy lift; Humphries gracious runner-up.

Littler’s Lightning Rise: From Teen Sensation to World No. 1

At 18 years and 299 days, Littler shatters records. Pro since January 2024 (World Championship runner-up at 16), he’s amassed 8 majors: 2024 World Championship, UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix; 2025 Premier League, Players Championship Finals, Australian/New Zealand Masters, Grand Slam repeat.

2025 haul: £1.85m earnings; unbeaten Grand Slam (14/14 matches). Van Gerwen record? Smashed. Taylor’s 8 majors in 2 years? Matched.

Littler: “Best in world—no matter round one exit. Humphries was No. 1; now me.”

Webster: “Relentless—youngest No. 1. Knows how to win.”

Humphries’ reign: 23 months, 7 majors (2023-24). “Proud—tiredness crept; ready for Worlds.”

Grand Slam Legacy: Littler’s Repeat Among Elites

Only fourth to retain: Phil Taylor (1999-2000), Scott Waites (2010-11), Humphries (2023-24). Littler joins immortals.

Event history: 2007 inaugural; £150k winner’s purse. 2025 field: 32 (16 seeds, 16 qualifiers). Littler topped group (4-0), whitewashed Gurney 5-1, edged Evans 10-9, routed Noppert 16-9.

Humphries: Group win (4-0), 10-3 van der Velde, 10-6 Schindler, 16-13 Price.

Prize pot: £600,000—Littler £150k, Humphries £70k.

Verdict: Littler’s No. 1 Era Dawns—Rivalry Fuels Darts’ Golden Age

Littler’s repeat and ascent mark darts’ new dawn. Humphries’ grace in defeat? Class act. Their battles—Alcaraz-Sinner tennis, Scheffler-McIlroy golf—elevate the sport.

Littler: “Keep winning—someone stop us.”

Worlds (December 15, Ally Pally): War declared. Darts’ future? Electric.