On the electric evening of May 8, 2025, the First Direct Arena in Leeds erupted in a frenzy of cheers as hometown hero Luke Humphries, the world’s top-ranked darts player, clinched a heart-stopping 6-5 victory over teenage prodigy Luke Littler in the final of Night 14 of the BetMGM Premier League Darts. For Humphries, a lifelong Leeds United supporter, the win was more than just another nightly triumph—it was a deeply personal milestone, achieved in front of an adoring crowd that roared with every dart he threw. Decked out in a custom yellow Leeds United-inspired shirt, Humphries called the victory “extra special,” a moment that cemented his bond with his city and propelled him closer to the Premier League play-offs at London’s O2 Arena on May 29.
The road to the final was a gauntlet of high-stakes battles. Humphries, known as ‘Cool Hand Luke,’ began the night with a commanding 6-2 quarter-final win over Michael van Gerwen, the seven-time Premier League champion. His semi-final clash against Stephen Bunting was equally intense, with Humphries securing a 6-4 victory, averaging 99.47 and landing four 180s. “I knew it was on me. I knew if I lost, it would have been #LeedsAreFallingApartAgain online!” Humphries quipped post-match, reflecting on the pressure of performing on home soil. The Leeds crowd, fueled by the city’s recent Championship celebrations, was a sea of white, blue, and yellow, singing along to Humphries’ walk-on song, I Predict a Riot by Kaiser Chiefs, and creating an atmosphere he described as “one of my greatest experiences in darts.”
Littler, the 18-year-old reigning Premier League champion, posed a formidable challenge in the final. Fresh off a semi-final rout of Nathan Aspinall, where he averaged 103.38, Littler entered the match as the table leader, nine points ahead of Humphries. The final was a rollercoaster, with Humphries surging to a 2-0 lead before Littler fought back, leveling the score at 3-3. The tension peaked as Humphries moved 5-3 ahead, only for Littler to claw back to 5-5, forcing a last-leg decider. “The crowd were fantastic. It is what dreams are made of,” Humphries said, crediting the fans for pushing him to land the decisive double top with his final dart, sealing his third nightly win of the 2025 season and his second consecutive Leeds triumph.
Littler, despite the loss, remained gracious, acknowledging the crowd’s influence. “It’s tough when the whole arena is behind your opponent, but that’s darts,” he said, reflecting on his performance. His path to the final included a 6-2 quarter-final win over Michael Smith, showcasing the blistering form that has made him a global sensation. Yet, Humphries’ resilience and clinical finishing—averaging 97.62 in the final—proved the difference in a match that captivated fans worldwide.
The significance of the win extended beyond the scoreboard. Humphries, who has already secured his play-off spot alongside Littler and van Gerwen, now trails Littler by just six points with two nights remaining. A table-topping finish remains within reach, though it would require Littler to falter in Sheffield or Aberdeen. “I have played really well tonight, but it is how you peak on night 17 – being Premier League champion is something that would mean a lot to me,” Humphries noted, his eyes set on the ultimate prize.
The night also highlighted the fierce competition for the final play-off spot, with Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall locked in a tight race. Price’s 6-4 quarter-final loss to Aspinall kept the battle alive, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the league phase. For Humphries, however, Leeds was a night to savor—a celebration of his roots, his skill, and the unwavering support of a city that has embraced him as its own. As he prepares for Night 15 in Sheffield, where he faces Price, Humphries carries the momentum of a victory that will linger in Leeds’ darts lore for years to come.
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