The latest instalment in the compelling rivalry between Luke Humphries and Luke Littler will take place in Sunday’s BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix showpiece in Leicester.
The world’s top two have dominated the sport’s Premier events throughout the last 12 months, with Ritchie Edhouse – at last year’s European Championship - the last player not named Luke to win a televised ranking title.
Humphries has claimed World Masters and Premier League glory in 2025, while Littler has landed a hat-trick of big titles, following up his World Championship exploits with UK Open and World Matchplay success.
Humphries has won three of their five meetings in televised finals, although Littler won their most recent clash in August’s New Zealand Darts Masters, averaging almost 116 to triumph.
“Another Luke v Luke final. It doesn’t get boring,” insisted Littler, the odds-on favourite with title sponsor BOYLE Sports.
“I think it’s the biggest game in darts right now, whether it’s a final, a semi-final or a first round game, because we bring the best out of each other.
“We have both beaten each other in major finals, but it’s very different playing double-start, so I think whoever gets off first tomorrow wins.”
Littler kicked off his campaign with a sensational opening round victory over Gian van Veen, defying a tournament-record average from the Dutchman to run out a straight-sets winner.
Following his 3-0 demolition of reigning champion Mike De Decker, Littler then dumped out former champions Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, surviving multiple match darts against Price in the last eight.
"For me, it’s all new,” continued Littler, who dispatched 2021 champion Clayton 5-1 in the semi-finals.
“Last year I lost in the first round of the Matchplay and this year I won it. Last year here I lost in the first round… and now I am in the final.
“I definitely owe Luke one for the Premier League. That’s the last time we met in a big final apart from New Zealand.
“Luke has been here and done it before. He knows how to win the World Grand Prix, but I believe if I hit my doubles tomorrow, I’ll win.”
Humphries has already joined an exclusive club at the Mattioli Arena this week, following in the footsteps of Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen to become the third player to reach three successive World Grand Prix finals.
However, the world number one is now bidding to reclaim the crown he lifted in 2023, having lost out to De Decker in last year’s decider.
“It’s a great achievement for myself to match Michael and Phil, but I want to win it now,” insisted the 30-year-old.
“As much as Mike was brilliant and deserved to win the game, I missed an opportunity last year.
“You don’t want to make major finals and lose them, but I’ve won the last three major finals I’ve been in, so I’m feeling really confident.”
Humphries opened his title challenge with a 2-0 victory over 2022 runner-up Nathan Aspinall, before recording consecutive 3-1 wins against Krzysztof Ratajski and Cameron Menzies.
The 2023/24 World Champion then fended off a valiant fightback from Danny Noppert in a high-quality semi-final, and he’s relishing his latest showdown against his World Cup partner Littler.
“It’s going to be really tough for myself, but I’m going to make it tough for Luke,” declared top seed Humphries.
“I’m experienced enough to know that I can cope under pressure, and hopefully it goes my way.
“Some people question my mentality at times, but I can bounce back from difficult moments, and I’m proud of the resilience I’ve shown."
The BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
2025 BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix
Sunday October 12 (2000 BST)
Final
Luke Humphries v Luke Littler
Best of 11 sets