Fresh off the back of his World Darts Championship triumph, it’s hard to look past Luke Littler at this year’s Bahrain Darts Masters. The Nuke’s ever-growing stardom hit new heights earlier this month when he became the youngest ever player to claim the World Darts Championship title. The teenage sensation stormed his way to a maiden world crown with relative ease, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at the Alexandra Palace.

Littler’s heroics were made all the more impressive by the fact that he averaged a whopping 102.27 across the event, crashing in a combined total of 76 180s on his way to glory. If the Warrington wonder kid can replicate that type of form when he returns to action in the Middle East, then he will take some stopping in his quest for more silverware.

Littler also has the added incentive of being the defending champion at this event, with last year’s success seeing him secure his first-ever PDC senior title. A further 10 titles have followed since then – including the Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts and the aforementioned world title – making Littler the rightful favourite to reign supreme for the second year running in Bahrain.

Luke Humphries may feel that he has a point to prove at this year’s Bahrain Darts Masters. Tipped by many to join an elite group of players that have won back-to-back world titles, ‘Cool Hand Luke’ suffered a shock 4th round exit at the Alexandra Palace when going up against Peter Wright. Despite that setback, Humphries remains one of the best players on the planet, and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back at the first time of asking by taking top honours in Bahrain.

Despite being dethroned as world champion, Humphries still enjoyed a very impressive 2024. He became only the second player to win the World Championship and the World Matchplay in the same year – a feat only previously achieved by Phil Taylor. On top of that, the Newbury ace also successfully defended his Players Championship Finals title, defeating Luke Littler in the final.

Furthermore, only Luke Littler (99.32) and Gary Anderson (99.51) posted a higher average than Humphries (98.60) across 2024, not to mention ‘Cool Hand’ racked up 681 180s along the way. Thus, Humphries very much remains a force to be reckoned with and he warrants support for success in Bahrain.

Peter Wright sent out a timely reminder to everyone at the 2025 World Darts Championships of just how formidable a force he can be. ‘Snakebite’ rolled back the years to produce a vintage display to bring Luke Humphries’ reign as world champion to an end at the Alexandra Palace. Prior to that victory, the Scotsman also impressed when seeing off a much-fancied Jermaine Wattimena in round 3.

While Wright would eventually fall at the quarter-final hurdle when going up against Stephen Bunting, he will draw huge confidence from his displays after enduring a difficult 2024. Moreover, Wright wasn’t initially included as one of the 8 PDC representatives for this event, having replaced Michael van Gerwen who had to withdraw due to family commitments.

Thus, Wright should be able to head out to Bahrain with a relaxed attitude. He finds himself in a situation where he can view this as a free hit and an ideal opportunity to get his hands on a trophy. With confidence restored, ‘Snakebite’ should ease himself into the tournament with a win over one of the Asian arrowsmiths. Thereafter, a rejuvenated Wright could give punters a good run for their money at big odds in Bahrain.