Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries – World Darts Championship final LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates as wonderkid eyes history

Does it get any better?

Nope. Candle is a lovely touch.

Bliss

So, what's the secret to success? It's playing Xbox and sleeping obviously!

Luke Littler left school last year to play darts full-time and… well... I'll just him explain an average day.

"I just wake up, play on my Xbox, have some food, have a chuck on the board and go to bed, that’s it," he said.

I have plenty of 30+ friends for whom this is both a dream and a reality. Hi Greg.

"I CAN’T SPAKE!"

Do I really need an excuse to post this? I watch this around 85% of the time it crops up on my timeline.

THE BIG 180

Paddy Power have done a tremendous job with this.

As you'll probably know, Paddy Power are donating £1,000 for every 180 thrown in the competition.

878 180s have been thrown to this point, which means their current donation to Prostate Cancer UK stands at a whopping £878,000.

Go on Lukes, fire in 122 more tonight for a cool mill...

Paton predicts

Sky Sports' queen of darts herself Emma Paton has delivered her verdict on tonight's showdown.

And though Paton fancies Luke Littler to do himself justice, she's backing Luke Humphries to win 7-6 at 7/1 with Paddy Power in a barnstormer of a final.

She said: "Luke Littler was brilliant in the semi-finals against Rob Cross. He’s just swatting aside the best players in the world.

"Luke Humphries saw that and came out with his own superb performance. He beat Scott Williams in a whitewash win while averaging 108.

"I hate to say it but I fancy Humphries to lift the trophy. He’s been there and done it. He’s won major titles and he’s on this winning streak of 18 matches in a row.

"I’m siding with Humphries’ experience over Littler’s fairytale run. Humphries to Win 7-6 is my pick."

Clarkson

That could be quite a pricey gesture, Jeremy.

Game's gone

But seriously, get me one.

Viewership

This is getting ridiculous - the darts has taken over!

Did you know the record viewership for darts was 1.65m for Phil Taylor vs Gary Anderson back in 2015.

Well, that's now been smashed to bits by last night's semi-final between Luke Littler and Rob Cross, which got an audience of 2.32m!

To put that in context, that's a bigger audience than The Ashes and the Ryder Cup!

Red Devils invite Littler to Spurs clash

Luke Littler has been invited to watch his beloved Manchester United after the PDC World Darts Championship final.

The teenage prodigy takes on Luke Humphries for the Sid Waddell trophy and £500,000 in prize money on Wednesday night.

Littler has enjoyed a meteoric rise after storming to the final on his Alexandra Palace debut.

He has now been rewarded with an offer from the Red Devils following his fairytale run.

The Daily Mail report that United have invited Littler to attend their match against Tottenham at Old Trafford on January 14.

Littler had already been planning to visit the Theatre of Dreams after the tournament.

He has also received good luck messages from United stars Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans during his fairytale run.

Luke the Nuke set for golden ticket into Prem

The PDC are set to hand Luke Littler a Golden Ticket into the Premier League – because they have safeguarding protocols in place.

Naming Littler as one of the eight players in the lucrative invitational event would be reward for his epic run to the Ally Pally final.

ast year’s Prem carried a top prize of £275,000 and is played across multiple cities in the British Isles, Ireland, Holland and Germany over 17 weeks between February and May.

An official announcement will be made on Sky Sports on Thursday afternoon.

PDC officials are confident they have everything in place to look after Littler – who is 17 later this month – off the oche and to ensure he avoids burnout with the scheduling.

Littler said after the quarter-final win over Brendan Dolan that he did not think he would be picked for the “brutal” event given the demands of the Euro Tours and ProTours.

But making the PDC World Darts Championship finale in such impressive style as well as causing record TV viewing figures means he is unlikely to miss out.

'Littler bigger for darts than The Power'

EXCLUSIVE: Dennis Priestley reckons Luke Littler is the biggest thing to happen to the sport since the infamous and bitter split 30 years ago, writes PHIL LANNING.

The Mexborough legend threw the first darts of the new World Darts Championship at the Circus Tavern and then beat Phil Taylor 6-1 in the inaugural final in 1994.

That followed years of legal wrangling and court cases between 14 breakaway stars and the stuck-in-their-ways BDO.

But ‘The Menace’, now 73, admits he has never seen anything quite like the sensational fairy tale of Kebab Kid Littler. 

He said: “Without a doubt, Luke Littler is the biggest thing to happen to the sport since the split and that first WDC World Championship.

“At such a tender age of 16 to do what he has done is remarkable. 

“Even when Phil Taylor had won his 16th title, he never got as much paper and TV coverage as Luke. He’s bigger news than even Phil was.

“I never envisaged a young lad coming through like this. Whether he keeps it going or not is another matter.”

Humphries hails nerveless' Littler

Luke Humphries accepts fans will be backing "nerveless" Luke Littler tonight - but doesn't expect to be booed like he was earlier in the tournament.

And the world No1 believes it's already time to stop highlighting Littler's youthfulness at just 16.

Humphries was jeered by a largely German crowd in his third-round win over Ricardo Pietreczko.

But he told SportsBoom.com: "It was completely different. I think the crowd obviously will be supporting Littler.

"That's just the way it is. I don't think that'll over-awe me.

"I don't think that I'll get the same number of boos as I did against Ricardo. I think they'll want a fair game, the crowd. They're going to want to see an amazing final, why wouldn't you?”.

And he revealed his admiration of Littler, adding: "I don't think there is any nerves coming from him.

"I think we need to stop referring to him as just a 16-year-old. He's just a good dart player."

Double open top? Luke eyes new car

Luke Littler is eyeing up a new car with the prize money he has already secured at the PDC World Darts Championship.

The 16-year-old sensation has shocked the world of darts with his incredible performances at the world championships.

After securing his place in tonight's final against Luke Humphries he has also ensured he will bank a minimum of £200,000 of prize money regardless of the result.

If he is to continue his meteoric rise and win the Sid Waddell Trophy then that prize money will more than double to a whopping £500,000.

When asked about what he might splash the cash on by TalkSPORT he revealed that he would be after a new set of wheels - despite not being old enough to drive yet.

While pointing at the Skoda sponsorship on his shirt, he said: "I've got a Skoda so I'm sure they can sort me out!"

'Jealous' parents blamed for trolling over Luke age

Luke Littler's family have claimed hurtful jibes over his age have been spread by "jealous parents" trying to put him off, write STEPHEN MOYES and JASON PHILLIPS.

The Warrington sensation, 16, could become the youngest PDC championship winner ever with victory over Luke Humphries tonight.

But with his large frame, full beard and incredible ability, some trolls have claimed - or joked - he’s much older.

But his loyal family yesterday set the record straight – revealing green-eyed mums and dads of his peers lied about his age.

Leanne Seddon, Luke’s mum’s cousin, said: "Some years ago when he was winning everything, other parents of young players started a rumour he was lying about his age.

"To enter a competition you have to give proof of age, but that didn’t stop them. It was pure jealousy and nastiness by adults attacking a young teenager on social media.

"To stop the hate his parents posted proof of his age back then.

"And yes again there are some who are saying they seriously think he’s lying.

"Whether they really believe that or not I don’t know. Some just like to say outlandish stuff on social media for attention, a laugh, or to cause trouble or hate."

One bunny head and 80!

Luke Littler's darts-playing best friend has shared amazing pictures from his journey to the World Darts final - including one of the whizkid in BUNNY EARS.

Eleanor Cairns - a women's world champion herself - has been supporting best pal Littler all the way during his underdog story.

And Cairns posted a video on TikTok documenting Littler's journey, including a picture of himself wearing bunny ears.

The pair are seen holding trophies and medals from their previous successes - but nothing would come close to beating Luke Humphries tonight.

And Cairns - who won the World Darts Federation trophy in 2022 - has been witness to Littler's rise from the start.

She told Sky Sports: "It's been incredible. It makes me so emotional.

"I know everyone's going on about his age but what he's achieved is just amazing."

Littler exempt from Ally Pally U-18s rule

Fans already know that Luke Littler is only 16 but a strict rule at Ally Pally underlines just how young he is.

The teen sensation has defied all odds and reached the PDC World Darts Championship final tonight where he faces new world No1 Luke Humphries.

While Littler who goes by "Luke the Nuke" is the World Youth champion this is his debut at Alexandra Palace entering the tournament ranked 164th in the world.

He is now the youngest-ever player to reach the World Championship final.

But a rule on the PDC's official website shows how incredible his achievement is as, "all attendees under the age of 18 must be joined by an adult".

Littler's family will be there but will be sat far from the teen sensation meaning he will be roaming Ally Pally unaccompanied by an adult.

The Cheshire star has been exempt from this rule as he is playing darts and not watching.

Darts has built a reputation over the years for its rowdiness as fans watch in the stands in fancy dress chugging beers from jugs. But Littler, who turns 17 on January 21, still has another year to wait until he can legally drink alcohol in a pub.

Littler 18/1 to win next three world titles

Luke Littler is 18/1 to win tonight's World Championship showdown AND the next two finals.

Luke the Nuke, 16, is also 8/13 on to earn a spot in the premier League.

Littler was 50/1 at the start of the tournament to lift this year's crown.

But his historic achievement in reaching this evening's final are reflected by amazing news of William Hill.

The Warrington whizkid is 9/2 to win the Matchplay and the same for the Grand Slam of Darts, plus 6/1 to triumph in the UK Open.

William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for Luke Littler and he could cap off an incredible run tonight by winning... which could be the start of a hat-trick of victories as we make him 18/1 to go back-to-back-to-back at the Alexandra Palace.

“Littler will no doubt be among the biggest names in darts for years to come and he will want to earn his stripes in the Premier League in which we expect him to make his debut appearance later this year.

He will certainly be eyeing up Major success in 2024, with his odds already plummeting for the World Matchplay, Grand Slam of Darts and UK Open.”

'Sky got no offers to make final free to air'

Sky Sports have received no offers from terrestrial broadcasters to make Luke Littler’s World Championship final free to watch.

The 16-year-old takes on Luke Humphries in the final of the World Darts Championship tonight.

The eyes of the country will be on Aly Pally as Littler tries to win the £500,000 jackpot on his debut.

MP's have urged Sky to broadcast the final for free as it will allow the public to enjoy Littler’s attempts at becoming the youngest champion in WDC history.

But the teen’s incredible attempt at darts’ top prize is not available to watch for free.

Industry sources confirmed terrestrial broadcasters like Channel 4 did not request to have rights for the final tonight from Sky Sports.

Around 2.3million tuned into his semi-final against Rob Cross on Tuesday and is shattering previous records for darts on Sky Sports.

The viewing peak for Littler's semi-final doubled the previous record from December 2017 when Phil Taylor was making his last WDC appearance after winning 16 titles.

Final will take some Beating

Ex-world champ Steve Beaton has predicted a ‘tremendous fight” for the title between the two Lukes.

Littler, 16, takes on world No1 Humphries, 28, in this evening's all-English final.

Beaton told GB News: “For the youngsters watching this now, it’s so unbelievable. It's a dream come true for Luke, to get to the final now. 

“But fair play to him, he qualified through his own steam, he did well in the development tour, it's all on merit and it's going to be an interesting final tonight. I'm looking forward to it.”

“He's got great support behind him. His family's been brilliant and that's what you need as a youngster in any sport.

“It's still unbelievable. He's only 16 and he's got to the point now where he can be number one in the world.”

“This final is going to be really, really good. I think we're in for a tremendous fight.”

Premier League would do Littler 'no good'

Oche legend Dennis Priestley has urged tonight's record-breaking Ally Pally finalist Luke Littler to snub darts' Premier League for at least another year.

The two-time world champ, 73, believes the "hectic" Prem schedule would do the 16-year-old "no good" at such a young age.

Priestley, 73, told BoyleSports: "Obviously, it's a certainty that the PDC will want Luke in the Premier League.

"But if I was his manager, I'd wait another year. I've played in it myself and the schedule is so hectic. 

"You travel to the venue on Wednesday, play on Thursday, then they want you on tour on the Friday.

"It's consistent and it won't do him any good. I think Luke would take the offer, obviously. But in the long run, he'd be better off turning it down for a year or so."

Ref Bray bows out with historic final

Leading referee Russ Bray has hung up his main stage mic after three decades on the oche.

But he reckons his famous rasping voice was down to years of heavy smoking, having started when he was TEN.

Bray, 66, will take charge of the Luke Littler versus Luke Humphries Ally Pally finale and he is pleased to go out on the top.

The Essex-born official has become a PDC ambassador and will continue working on the Asian Tour and in World Series events but his days in UK TV events are over.

Asked about THAT voice – so recognisable when he calls out 180s – Bray replied: “It individualises me. It’s all natural.

“I was born in the 50s. In the 60s, everyone smoked. My mum and dad smoked, so did my granddad. Watch an advert on TV and everyone had a cigarette in their hand. It was fashionable.

“I packed up at 53 on October 17, 2010, and I haven’t had a cigarette since. Never touched one in 13 years and my voice hasn’t changed.

“People say you must smoke and drink whisky. I do neither. Buy me a drink and it’s vodka.”

Littler heads for pre-match omelette

Luke Littler has tucked into a ham and cheese omelette with his girlfriend ahead of the PDC World Darts Championship final.

The 16-year-old sensation and partner Eloise headed for the pre-match meal on Wednesday.

They visited the Cafe Millennium in Angel just hours before Littler's clash with Luke Humphries at Alexandra Palace.

Littler revealed earlier this week he would be sticking with his now-traditional pre-match routine.

He said: "I will just do what I have been doing. In the morning, I will go for my ham-and-cheese omelette. Then for lunch, I will have my pizza.

"I will practice on the board. That’s what I have done every day."

Littler earns more followers than Messi in 24 hours

Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler earned more Instagram followers in 24 hours than football icon Lionel Messi, statistics suggest.

With his follower count jumping by over 100k in under 24 hours, it seems that Luke "The Nuke" Littler is proving immensely popular with the general public both on and offline.

With 474,951 followers, he is now the most followed darts player on Instagram, with Michael van Gerwen, who has 411,065, sitting in second place.

Such a swift rise in public awareness isn’t unusual for sports stars, but only the best in the world can boast such an increase in online engagement over such a short span of time.

On January 2nd, Littler gained 107,096 followers, which is more than Barcelona legend Lionel Messi managed in the same period: 60,758, according to AltIndex.

Davies heaps praise on Littler

Sky Sports reporter Abigail Davies has heaped praise on Luke Littler ahead of tonight's World Darts Championship final.

Davies has interviewed Littler on stage a number of times after his victories at Ally Pally.

And she took to social media to say: "Luke Littler has produced high averages, taken out big finishes, shown maturity beyond his years & board management is superb but the thing I love most is that when you speak to him, you can tell he's a really massive darts fan like the rest of us. Hope he never loses that joy."

Littler's incredible rise to superstardom

Luke Littler has captured the hearts of the British fans across the last month.

SunSport has taken a deep dive into his rise from an 18-year-old nappy-wearing toddler to the world championship final.

Read all about the teenage sensation with our in-depth look here.