Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darts sensation, showed immense maturity and sportsmanship after falling short in the final of the Players’ Championship Finals on Sunday, losing 11-7 to the 29-year-old Luke Humphries. Despite the disappointment of not clinching the title, Littler’s reaction was a testament to his professionalism and respect for his opponent. The defeat marked a rare setback for “The Nuke,” who has been nothing short of sensational since turning professional just over a year ago, but his focus quickly shifted to the next major challenge: the World Championships next month.
Littler’s rise in the sport has been meteoric, and he has already cemented himself as one of the brightest stars in darts. Since making his professional debut at the UK Open in 2023, Littler has racked up some impressive achievements, including winning the Premier League, World Series, and Grand Slam of Darts titles. His success on the PDC circuit has turned heads, with many experts and fans believing he has the potential to dominate the sport for years to come. Heading into the Players’ Championship Finals, Littler was considered one of the favorites to take the title, having been in exceptional form leading up to the event. However, in the final, he found himself up against a determined Luke Humphries, who was in sublime form throughout the match.
Humphries, who is no stranger to high-pressure situations, came into the final with confidence after an impressive run to the championship match. On his way to the final at Minehead Butlins, Littler had dispatched a series of tough opponents, including Rob Cross, Ritchie Edhouse, Danny Noppert, Mike De Decker, and Ross Smith. Each of these victories was impressive in its own right, with Littler showing a level of composure and skill that belied his years. However, in the final, Humphries, known as “Cool Hand,” proved to be too much for Littler. The experienced Englishman powered through with a superb average of 103.69, outplaying Littler to secure his second consecutive Players’ Championship Finals title.
After the match, Humphries reflected on his triumph, acknowledging the challenge that Littler presented. “I’m really proud of that one because I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise,” Humphries said. “There’s something Luke does to you, he really drives me and makes me want to be a better player. I enjoy playing him.” These words were a sign of the growing rivalry and respect between the two players. Humphries’ victory was a demonstration of his mental toughness, particularly after he surged to a commanding 5-1 lead early on in the match. Littler, not one to back down, mounted a valiant comeback, closing the gap to just one leg at 6-5. However, despite his best efforts, Littler couldn’t seize the momentum, and Humphries quickly regained control, running out the winner with a dominant 11-7 scoreline.
Following the match, Littler took to Instagram to share his thoughts with his followers, displaying the poise and humility that have become his trademarks. “May not have won this one but proud to be in another final,” Littler wrote alongside photos of himself with Humphries. “Always know a match against @lukehumphries180 will be tough and congrats to him for defending the title. Next up worlds.” The post reflected Littler’s maturity and focus on the bigger picture. For a player so young, it is remarkable how quickly he has learned to deal with the highs and lows of competitive darts.
In a candid reflection on the final, Littler admitted that missing key doubles during the early stages of the match played a significant part in his defeat. “It was tough, I missed a few doubles,” he said. “If you don’t take chances early on, it takes a lot to come back. I didn’t have enough in the end.” This self-awareness and ability to learn from setbacks only adds to Littler’s growing reputation as a player with an exceptional mindset, something that will serve him well as he continues to develop his game at the highest level.
Despite the loss, Littler’s performance throughout the tournament was impressive, and he wasn’t left empty-handed. While Humphries claimed the lion’s share of the prize money, £120,000, Littler earned a respectable £60,000 for his runner-up finish. This amount further adds to Littler’s impressive earnings on the PDC circuit, which now stand at £618,500 over the past two years. Although he is currently in fourth place in the PDC order of merit, Littler is hot on the heels of the top three players—Humphries, Michael Smith, and Michael van Gerwen—and his earnings reflect his rapid rise through the ranks.
For Humphries, his second Players’ Championship Finals title further solidifies his position as one of the best players in the world. As the world number one in the PDC order of merit, Humphries has earned a staggering £1,804,250 over the past two years, demonstrating his dominance on the tour. He continues to be a formidable force, and his win on Sunday will only add to his confidence heading into the upcoming World Championships.
As for Littler, the World Championships at Alexandra Palace, scheduled from December 15, 2024, to January 3, 2025, represent the next major hurdle in his promising career. The competition is one of the most prestigious in the sport, and with Littler’s talent and resilience, he will undoubtedly be one of the players to watch. Although he has already achieved so much at a young age, Littler is not one to rest on his laurels. The World Championships will provide him with the perfect stage to prove that he is ready to take the next step in his career and perhaps even claim his first major title.
In the lead-up to the World Championships, the darts community is eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling tournament. With the likes of Humphries, Littler, Smith, and van Gerwen all vying for the title, the competition is sure to be fierce. Littler’s focus is now solely on the World Championships, and his mindset, built on resilience and continuous improvement, suggests that he will be a force to be reckoned with when the tournament kicks off next month. If his recent form is anything to go by, the next chapter of Littler’s career is bound to be one filled with even greater achievements and more incredible moments.