Luke Humphries and Luke Littler Honoured with MBE in 2025 King’s Birthday List

Two of darts’ brightest stars, Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, have been named among the recipients of the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours. The recognition highlights their outstanding contributions to the sport and their role in bringing darts to new heights of popularity across the United Kingdom and beyond.

Both players, who have taken the world of professional darts by storm in recent years, are set to represent England together at the upcoming BetVictor World Cup of Darts. This latest accolade underscores not just their individual success on the oche, but also their influence in elevating the game’s profile on a global scale.

Luke Humphries: From Youth Champion to World Number One

At 30 years old, Luke Humphries has already etched his name into darts history. His professional career began to gain traction after he was crowned the 2019 PDC World Youth Champion, a milestone that served as the springboard for what has become a stellar rise through the ranks.

Humphries claimed his first major PDC title at the 2023 World Grand Prix, but it was his remarkable run at the 2023/24 PDC World Darts Championship that cemented his legacy. Winning that tournament not only earned him the prestigious world title but also propelled him to the top of the global rankings.

Since then, his list of accomplishments has grown. He captured the World Cup of Darts title in 2024 and followed it up with another major victory in the 2025 Premier League, showcasing his consistency and dominance at the elite level of the sport.

In response to the MBE announcement, Humphries expressed deep gratitude:

“To be recognised by the King for what I’ve achieved in darts is beyond anything I ever imagined. This is an honour not just for me but for everyone who has supported me throughout my journey — especially my fiancée Kayley, and my parents. Visiting Buckingham Palace to receive this honour will be a memory I’ll hold dearly for life.”

Humphries added that he remains committed to being a positive figure in the world of darts and hopes to inspire the next generation of players.

Luke Littler: A Teenage Phenomenon Making History

Joining Humphries in receiving an MBE is 18-year-old Luke Littler, whose meteoric rise has captivated fans and stunned seasoned professionals. Littler made headlines worldwide after reaching the final of the 2023/24 World Darts Championship — a staggering feat for any debutant, let alone a 16-year-old.

That initial success was only the beginning. In January 2025, Littler went one step further by claiming the World Championship title, dethroning none other than Humphries. He followed that up by winning the 2024 Premier League and the Grand Slam of Darts, establishing himself as one of the sport’s top contenders.

Now ranked second in the PDC Order of Merit, Littler’s rapid ascent has coincided with a surge in global interest in darts, particularly among younger audiences. His social media presence and youthful charisma have brought a fresh energy to the sport, drawing in new fans from all corners of the globe.

Speaking about the honour, Littler said:

“It’s an incredible and unexpected moment in my life. Getting recognised in this way wasn’t something I ever dreamed about, but it feels amazing. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’m especially happy to be receiving this alongside Luke Humphries, who has been both a rival and a role model.”

A Growing Legacy for Darts as Luke Humphries and Luke Littler Honoured with MBE in 2025 King’s Birthday List

Humphries and Littler now join a distinguished group of darts legends who have been awarded MBEs, such as Fallon Sherrock and Keith Deller. Their honours follow in the footsteps of iconic players like Eric Bristow, John Lowe, and Trina Gulliver, who helped lay the foundation for the sport’s professional success.

Meanwhile, internationally, Dutch darts stars like Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen have received comparable honours from the Netherlands — the Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau — reflecting the sport’s growing prestige worldwide.

As Humphries and Littler prepare to team up for England in the World Cup of Darts, their recognition is not only a personal achievement but a milestone for the sport itself. Their MBEs serve as a testament to how darts has evolved — from pub pastime to a respected professional discipline — and to the athletes who continue to push its boundaries.