“I’m going to win the Worlds” - Luke Humphries declares war on Luke Littler after third straight final loss at Grand Slam of Darts 2025

Luke Humphries says he is “proud” of his Grand Slam of Darts campaign and insists he will come back stronger at the World Championship, despite falling 16–11 to Luke Littler in a high-quality 2025 final in Wolverhampton. The defeat means Littler not only claims the title but also replaces Humphries as world number one.

The final served up elite scoring and relentless pressure, but Littler’s surge in the closing stages proved decisive. Even so, Humphries’ response after the match underlined a player nowhere near done with winning majors.

Reflecting on his third consecutive televised major final defeat, Humphries chose resilience over frustration. "Of course I'm really proud, but that's three finals on the trot I've lost," he admitted with a wry smile to Sky Sports.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed to lose the last three finals, but I'm playing good," 'Cool Hand Luke added. "The tiredness just crept in at the end there. It could have 10-10, but that tiredness crept in."

Despite Littler’s current dominance, Humphries made it clear he has no intention of letting the 18-year-old run away with the biggest prize of all. “I am ready for the Worlds now. I am going to win the Worlds,” Humphries said. “I am declaring war."

“One game a day suits me. We are going to go to war," Humphries insisted with a smile. "World Championships, me and him in a final. We are going to see who is the number one there.”

It was a bold, headline-grabbing declaration that immediately set the tone for the biggest tournament of the year.

Humphries’ form throughout the Grand Slam, coupled with his public determination to strike back, ensures he remains one of the standout contenders heading into Ally Pally. His hunger for success is clearly undimmed, and his rivalry with Littler is becoming the defining storyline of the season.

The World Championship begins on 11 December and finishes on 3 January, with 128 players competing at Alexandra Palace for the first time.