The World Cup of Darts is set to ignite in Frankfurt, Germany, from June 12-15, 2025, with the spotlight firmly on England’s powerhouse duo of world number one Luke Humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler. As defending champions—Humphries having lifted the trophy with Michael Smith the previous year—the pair aims to claim England’s record sixth title. Yet, a bold revelation from Humphries has fueled plenty of debate: the top-ranked stars have opted **not** to practice together before the event.
Humphries, fresh off his Premier League triumph and holding the world No. 1 spot, explained the choice matter-of-factly. “When you’ve got two of the best players in the world, we’re not going to need to start practising together,” he stated confidently. Drawing from his winning 2024 partnership with Smith—a 10-6 final victory over Austria—he stressed the value of individual excellence in doubles. “Michael was probably the best player I could have paired with last year… great scorer—and I’ll do the same with Luke this year.” This approach highlights his faith that their elite skills and natural chemistry will carry them through the doubles format without joint sessions.
For 18-year-old Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke” for his explosive rise, this tournament represents his World Cup debut. Having stormed to PDC World Darts Championship glory in early 2025, the young star is well-acquainted with high stakes. However, Germany has proven a tough venue for him in the past, with hostile crowds booing him at Premier League and Euro Tour events in Berlin and Munich. Humphries, taking on a protective “big brother” role, promised to support his teammate amid potential negativity in Frankfurt. “If we play against Germany, it’ll be really hostile,” he noted, adding that he’d let Littler throw first in their second-round opener on Saturday to help him settle in.
Their on-stage rivalry—one of darts’ most captivating—adds extra intrigue to the team-up. In the last 18 months, they’ve clashed 23 times, with Littler edging ahead 13-10, including two World Championship finals and consecutive Premier League finals. Humphries’ recent 11-8 win over Littler at London’s O2 Arena demonstrated how they elevate each other. “I love him. I think he’s a good kid,” Humphries said warmly, while Littler beamed with excitement: “I cannot wait. He won it last year, so hopefully he can lead me to victory.”
As overwhelming favorites, they face fresh hurdles. A key rule change means the entire 2025 event is doubles-only—no singles—placing greater emphasis on coordination. Rivals argue this could expose any lack of paired practice. Germany’s Martin Schindler acknowledged the English pair as a “formidable challenge” but insisted they’re beatable, pointing to the demands of doubles adaptation. Wales’ Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price—former champions in 2020 and 2023—are eager for a showdown. “All the headlines are the two Lukes,” Clayton remarked, “but Jonny and Gezzy will stop them if we meet them.”
Humphries brushed off the weight of expectations with characteristic swagger. “There’ll be pressure on our shoulders, of course. But what do you think me and Luke do?” he quipped. They draw inspiration from England’s golden era under Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis, who secured four titles from 2012-2016. With 40 nations vying at the Eissporthalle—including threats from Scotland’s Gary Anderson and Peter Wright—the road to victory is far from straightforward.
Broadcast live on Sky Sports, the tournament promises high drama. Will Humphries and Littler’s unconventional prep prove genius, or will opponents exploit it? Either way, this electrifying partnership is poised to deliver another unforgettable chapter in their riveting rivalry, chasing a lasting place in darts lore.