From June 12-15, the 2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts will return to Eissporthalle in Frankfurt, German, featuring 40 national teams in a doubles-only format. As defending champions, England return with a new look duo: world number one Luke Humphries, who recently won his maiden Premier League Darts title, will team up with Luke Littler, the youngest ever PDC World Champion. As a top-four seed, England receive a bye into Round 2, while the remaining 36 nations battle through 12 groups of three in best-of-7 legs doubles matches. With a £450,000 prize fund and £80,000 for the winners, and with BetVictor confirmed as the title sponsor, this will be another exciting edition of the World Cup of Darts.
Tournament Format
The World Cup of Darts continues, with the format having been successfully reintroduced in 2023. The top four seeds – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – enter in the second round, avoiding the group phase of the competition. As you would expect, several of these nations lead the 2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts betting odds, with England being the favourites.
The remaining 36 teams are split into 12 groups of three, playing best-of-7 legs doubles matches. Group winners then progress to the knockout stages, where match formats increase in length, culminating in a best-of-19 legs final.
The World Cup of Darts remains a standout event due to its doubles-only format. Unlike the other PDC events that focus on solo brilliance, this tournament demands communication and teamwork. In addition to being motivated by the £450,000 prize pool, which includes £80,000 for the winner, players are also driven by the honour of representing their country.
England’s Title Defence
While England head into the World Cup of Darts as defending champions and the top-seeded nation, their lineup looks markedly different from the one that lifted the trophy in 2024. That year, it was Luke Humphries and Michael Smith who delivered England their first title since 2016, defeating Austria in a composed and clinical final. However, for 2025, a generational shift has occurred, with Luke Littler now partnering world number one Luke Humphries.
Littler, 18, continues to enjoy a historic campaign. He won the 2025 PDC World Championship in January and has since delivered consistent, high-level performances across multiple events. His fearless approach, rapid scoring, and ability to produce clutch finishes under pressure have made him one of the sport’s most exciting talents. Joining forces with the composed and efficient Humphries – who won the 2024 World Championship and the 2025 Premier League – forms the most powerful pairing in the tournament. No wonder sports betting sites have them odds on.
It’s the contrast in styles that makes the pairing particularly fascinating. While Humphries has that balance, accuracy, and calm about his game, Littler brings raw explosiveness, aggression, and showmanship. While they’ve never played together in this sort of setting, they’re friends away from the oche, and they’re both proven winners, and this will go a long way towards them gelling as part of a team.
Leading Contenders and Key Pairings
While England may enter the tournament as the defending champions and overwhelming favourites, there are several elite nations poised to challenge in Frankfurt.
Wales – Gerwyn Price & Jonny Clayton
Wales remain England’s fiercest rivals at the World Cup of Darts, with the ever-reliable pairing of Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton flying the flag. The duo won the tournament in 2020 and continue to be a great team, with chemistry and consistency being their key attributes as a pair. Price, a former world champion and one of the sport’s most intense competitors matches well with Clayton, who has a smooth and fluent throwing style and a relaxed demeanour. Their experience as previous World Cup winners can’t be underestimated, and Price is seen, by many, as Luke Littler’s bogeyman.
Scotland – Peter Wright & Gary Anderson
Two-time champions Scotland bring plenty of pedigree to the table, along with experience in the form of Peter Wright and Gary Anderson. Although neither player is at the peak of their powers, they’ve shown themselves capable of raising their game when representing their country. Wright’s unpredictability and flair, coupled with Anderson’s smooth throw and tactical approach, make them dangerous when underestimated.
Northern Ireland – Josh Rock & Daryl Gurney
Northern Ireland head into the World Cup of Darts with a balanced pairing. Josh Rock, still considered somewhat of a rising star in the sport, teams up with Daryl Gurney, a player who seems to have been around forever. Their throwing styles work well together, and if they can replicate this as a team, then expect to see Northern Ireland in the latter stages of the competition.
Dark Horse Nations to Watch
While they may not be among the top seeds, there are teams capable of delivering surprises.
Germany – Martin Schindler & Ricardo Pietreczko
Germany, the hosts of the tournament, boast a powerful new duo. Martin Schindler, a three-time European Tour winner, brings top form into the competition. He is joined by Ricardo Pietreczko, who makes his debut in the competition following strong performances in 2024. Schindler’s consistency and Pietreczko’s flair, combined with home support, make Germany a threat. As a result, they’ll be one of the most sought-out teams in the early rounds, especially by those checking out the World Cup of Darts match betting markets.
Austria – Mensur Suljovic & Rusty-Jake Rodriguez
Continuing a solid run in recent years, Austria bring experience and synergy to the table in their pairing once again. Although the 2024 pair who made it to the final featured Rowby-John Rodriguez, in 2025, it’s Rusty-John Rodriguez who will partner veteran Mensur Suljovic. Austria always look to add some youthful exuberance in alongside Suljovic, and this pairing should work well together. They have plenty of tournament experience between them, and they will likely adopt an aggressive style, ideal for meeting the competition’s demands.
No Van Gerwen for the Netherlands
Michael van Gerwen, one of the stars of darts, will not be taking part in this year’s World Cup of Darts due to personal reasons. This will be a blow to The Netherlands as he’s the nation’s best player and one of the best in the world. The pairing will now feature Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen. Noppert won the 2022 UK Open and has vast experience at the top level. Van Veen is still an up-and-comer in the sport, but he has won the World Youth Championship and the Players’ Championship title.
Final Thoughts
Heading into the 2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts, England will rightfully feel they have their strongest pairing in a long time. In the two Lukes – Humphries and Littler – they have the two best players in the world, proven by darts betting odds online, where they are always favourites to win every tournament. If they get it right, there will be no stopping them. Some nations can and will challenge, but they will have to hope for a major slip-up or overconfidence from England if they’re to be successful.
