In the electrifying world of professional darts, where precision meets passion, Luke Littler has once again proven he’s as sharp with his words as he is with his darts. The 18-year-old darts prodigy, a fervent Manchester United supporter, couldn’t resist a playful jab at rival Luke Humphries, a lifelong Leeds United fan, following Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League for the 2025-26 season. The quip, delivered with a grin, came after Littler discussed Leeds’ Championship title win with Humphries, setting the stage for a renewed football rivalry that mirrors their intense battles on the oche.
Leeds United secured their return to the top flight on May 3, 2025, clinching the Championship crown with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle, thanks to a late winner from Manor Solomon. The triumph marked the end of a two-year stint in the second tier, reigniting anticipation for their storied clashes with Manchester United, a rivalry dormant since Leeds’ last Premier League appearance in 2023. For Littler, the opportunity to needle Humphries, the world No. 1 and reigning PDC World Champion, was too good to pass up. “He’s been chuffed to bits with them coming back up,” Littler said with a laugh, recounting their conversation. “I just said to him, ‘you’re going back down next year mate, enjoy it while you can’.” The cheeky remark, laced with the confidence of a Manchester United fan, underscores the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define their relationship, both on and off the dartboard.
Littler and Humphries, dubbed the “battle of the Lukes,” share a rivalry that extends beyond darts to their football allegiances. Humphries, 30, hails from Berkshire but inherited his love for Leeds from his father, who named him Luke as an acronym for “[L]eeds [U]nited [K]ings of [E]urope.” His devotion runs deep, evidenced by visits to Elland Road and a memorable meeting with Leeds manager Daniel Farke, who requested a photo for his darts-loving son. Littler, meanwhile, wears his Manchester United pride on his sleeve, a passion that fuels his banter with Humphries. Their football-fueled exchanges add a layer of intrigue to their darts encounters, with Leeds’ promotion ensuring their teams will lock horns in the Premier League for the first time since 2023.
The context of Leeds’ promotion amplifies the significance of Littler’s dig. Under Daniel Farke’s stewardship, Leeds amassed 94 points in the Championship, edging out Burnley and Sunderland. The decisive Plymouth match showcased their resilience, with Solomon’s 87th-minute goal sparking wild celebrations at Elland Road. For Humphries, the victory was a moment of pride, but Littler’s skepticism reflects a broader narrative: Leeds face a daunting challenge to stay afloat in a competitive Premier League. Manchester United, despite their own struggles, sitting mid-table in 2024-25, remain a formidable foe, with a historical edge over Leeds, who haven’t beaten them since a 2010 FA Cup upset.
Littler’s confidence in Leeds’ potential relegation isn’t unfounded. The Premier League’s intensity, coupled with the loss of key loanee Crysencio Summerville to West Ham, poses challenges for Farke’s squad. Yet, Leeds’ cohesive unit, bolstered by players like Wilfried Gnonto and Pascal Struijk, has pundits optimistic. Humphries, speaking after a 2024 match, expressed similar faith, saying, “I think with Leeds’ team, they’ve got a great team unit and stand a great chance to get back up.” Littler, however, sees an opportunity for Manchester United to capitalize, especially given their historical dominance in the rivalry, with five wins in the last six meetings.
This football banter comes amid a stellar year for both darts stars. Littler, the defending Premier League champion, has dominated 2025, winning four nightly events and leading the standings with 26 points after crushing Humphries 6-1 on Night Eight. Humphries, despite the loss, remains a titan, with 21 career PDC titles and a 2024 World Championship win over Littler. Their rivalry, fueled by mutual respect and playful jabs, promises more fireworks, especially in Leeds, where Humphries’ walk-on to Kaiser Chiefs’ “I Predict a Riot” electrifies the crowd.
As the Premier League season approaches, Littler’s dig sets the tone for a rivalry that transcends darts. With Manchester United and Leeds United set to clash, and Littler and Humphries likely to face off in darts’ biggest arenas, their friendly feud adds spice to both sports. For now, Littler’s words linger as a challenge to Humphries: enjoy the Premier League while it lasts.
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