Luke Littler becomes youngest PDC world No 1 on way to Grand Slam of Darts final

Luke Littler made more history as he became the youngest ever PDC world No 1. The 18-year-old’s position at the top of the rankings has seemingly been a foregone conclusion ever since he burst on to the scene with his record-breaking run to the final of the 2024 PDC world championship.

He became the youngest ever world champion a year later and has gone on to become a global star, transcending the sport.

He is now officially the best player in the world, overhauling great rival Luke Humphries at the summit. Littler beats the record of previous youngest Michael van Gerwen, who was 24 when he first topped the rankings in 2014.

The Warrington-born player confirmed his position by beating Dutchman Danny Noppert in the semi-final of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

Littler will get the chance to celebrate his new status by beating Humphries in the final later on Sunday evening, the pair’s next instalment of their enthralling rivalry which has gripped the sport over the last two years.

Littler said: “It’s not even been two years, I have not even spent two years on tour and I am already world No 1. That is job done, now I am world No 1, but I have got a bigger match tonight.

“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.

Littler, who has amassed £1.77m in prize money in less than two years, was made to work hard against Noppert, but eventually ran away with an 16-9 victory.

Humphries, who beat Gerwyn Price 16-13 to book his place in a third successive major final, is hoping for a second crown in Wolverhampton. The 30-year-old has won the World Masters and the Premier League this year, and has his eye on regaining the top spot.

“When it gets to the worlds, I’ve got one opportunity to take it back from him. I’ll be fighting hard, it’s a war now.”