Luke Littler capped off a remarkable weekend at the Winmau World Masters by lifting the trophy — and then immediately admitting he had made a memorable off-the-oche mistake involving his girlfriend’s birthday.
The teenage darts sensation produced another performance for the ages in Milton Keynes, edging out fellow superstar Luke Humphries in a gripping final that went right down to the wire. In a dramatic deciding set, Littler held his nerve to secure a 6–5 victory, sealing his first World Masters title and adding yet another major honour to his rapidly expanding collection.
At just 19, Littler’s rise continues to defy belief. The win marked his 11th major PDC title and moved him to within touching distance of completing darts’ coveted Career Slam — a feat few players in history have managed. The match itself was a showcase of elite-level darts, with both players trading blows in a tense, high-quality contest that had the packed arena hanging on every dart.
But while the trophy presentation was expected, it was Littler’s post-match confession that truly caught attention.
As celebrations got underway, Littler revealed he had completely forgotten to buy his girlfriend Faith a birthday present — a detail he shared with a grin that instantly endeared him even further to fans. “It is Faith’s birthday,” he admitted. “I didn’t get her anything, but at least I got the trophy. We can go shopping tomorrow. It’s going to go.”
The candid moment quickly became one of the talking points of the night, highlighting the balance Littler is still learning to strike between life as a global sporting star and the everyday realities of being a teenager. Faith has been a constant presence at Littler’s tournaments, supporting him through his meteoric rise, including his recent World Championship triumph that earned him a seven-figure payday.
Thankfully for Littler, the World Masters victory came with a £100,000 winner’s cheque — meaning he’ll have plenty of opportunity to make up for the birthday oversight.
On the dartboard, however, there were no signs of distraction. Littler showed trademark composure throughout the final, especially when momentum threatened to swing against him. At one stage, he admitted he felt completely drained but somehow found another level when it mattered most. “I had nothing left,” he said afterward, reflecting on the final moments of the match. “But I just dug deep and got over the line.”
His opponent, Luke Humphries, was gracious in defeat and full of praise for the young champion. Humphries acknowledged Littler’s ability to deliver under immense pressure, describing his rival’s consistency and mentality as extraordinary for someone so young. The performance sparked fresh debate within the darts community about Littler’s place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Littler himself was quick to pour cold water on any such talk. While appreciative of the compliments, he insisted that comparisons to legends of the game were premature. In his view, no player could ever be considered the greatest unless they surpassed the record and legacy of Phil Taylor, whose achievements still stand as the benchmark in professional darts.
The World Masters triumph also strengthens Littler’s position at the top of the sport heading into a packed schedule. With the Premier League season about to begin and major events like the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts on the horizon, the young star shows no signs of slowing down. “There’s plenty more to come,” he said, making it clear that his hunger for success remains undiminished.
For Littler, the night summed up everything that makes his story so compelling. He is a relentless competitor on the oche, capable of producing moments of brilliance under extreme pressure, yet still refreshingly honest and relatable away from it. Winning one of darts’ most prestigious titles while joking about a forgotten birthday gift only reinforced why fans have taken him to heart.
Another trophy, another milestone, and another reminder that Luke Littler is not just shaping the present of darts — he’s defining its future.
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