Teenage darts phenomenon Luke Littler has officially cemented his status as the best player on the planet, becoming the youngest-ever PDC world number one at just 18 years of age.
The Warrington-born star secured the historic top ranking with a commanding semi-final victory over Danny Noppert at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton. This monumental achievement caps an incredible ascent for Littler, who has taken the sport by storm since his record-breaking run to the World Championship final in 2024.
Historic Achievement Sealed in Wolverhampton
Littler's position at the summit of world darts was confirmed with a 16-9 win against Dutch opponent Danny Noppert. The match was a hard-fought affair, but the teenager eventually pulled away to secure his place in history and the tournament final.
This achievement sees him smash the previous record held by Michael van Gerwen, who was 24 when he first reached the pinnacle of the sport back in 2014. In less than two years on the professional tour, Littler has not only become a global star transcending the sport but has also amassed an astonishing £1.77 million in prize money.
The Rivalry Continues in Sunday's Final
Littler's first opportunity to celebrate his new status as world number one comes with an immediate test: a final showdown against the man he has just deposed, Luke Humphries.
Humphries booked his place in a third successive major final by defeating Gerwyn Price 16-13. The 30-year-old, who has enjoyed a stellar year himself with victories in the World Masters and Premier League, is already eyeing a way back to the top spot.
"When it gets to the worlds, I've got one opportunity to take it back from him," Humphries stated. "I'll be fighting hard, it's a war now."
A New Era in Darts
Speaking after his semi-final triumph, an elated Littler reflected on his rapid rise. "It's not even been two years, I have not even spent two years on tour and I am already world No 1," he said. "That is job done, now I am world No 1, but I have got a bigger match tonight."
The teenager added with confidence: "I am the best in the world. I have said it throughout the year. Luke Humphries has been the best in the world. It doesn't matter if you go out in the first round or second round, if you're No 1, you're the best in the world."
This latest chapter in the enthralling Littler-Humphries rivalry promises to be another classic encounter, showcasing the very best of modern darts as the sport's new superstar looks to cap his historic weekend with another trophy.
