In a dazzling display of darts under London’s open skies, world No. 1 Luke Humphries clinched victory over teenage prodigy Luke Littler in the inaugural Hyde Park Darts Championship final on July 8, 2025, securing a 6-4 win that enthralled thousands of spectators. The event, part of Hyde Park’s Open House summer festival, was a star-studded spectacle featuring top players like Nathan Aspinall and Fallon Sherrock, alongside celebrities such as Olly Murs, Roman Kemp, and Dion Dublin in a Pro-Am doubles tournament. However, the outdoor setting sparked fierce criticism from fans due to gusty winds disrupting play, prompting Humphries to address the controversy with unwavering resolve.
The final between Humphries and Littler, two of darts’ brightest stars, was a gripping yet unconventional battle. Humphries, the reigning World Matchplay champion, struggled to hit double six in the closing stages, missing the board entirely with all three darts in one visit. Littler, aiming for triple 20, managed only a score of 22, a moment that left both players visibly frustrated. “Look at how the darts are going in the board,” one fan remarked on social media, highlighting the wind’s impact on dart trajectories. Another labeled the event “ridiculous,” frustrated by the outdoor setup’s effect on precision. Humphries, however, remained unfazed, emphasizing the event’s unique appeal. “It’s been such a lovely experience to be able to do stuff like this and call it my job,” he said, clutching the trophy he planned to show his children. “I get to go home with the trophy, my kids are going to love this.”
The Hyde Park event served as a lively prelude to the upcoming World Matchplay in Blackpool, where Humphries will defend his title from July 19-27. The 30-year-old, fresh off his 2023-24 World Darts Championship and 2025 Premier League triumphs, viewed the tournament as a chance to engage fans in a festive atmosphere. “We knew it was going to be tough with the wind, but it’s about giving the crowd a show,” he said, acknowledging the thousands who braved the elements to watch. The four-player singles tournament saw Humphries first overcome Fallon Sherrock before facing Littler, the 18-year-old world champion who has taken darts by storm. Littler’s semifinal win over Nathan Aspinall set up the blockbuster final, but the windy conditions leveled the playing field, testing both players’ adaptability.
Fans were quick to voice their discontent, with some calling the outdoor format “a joke” for a sport that thrives on precision. “Darts is meant for the oche, not open air,” read one social media post, reflecting the sentiment that the PDC’s bold experiment compromised the game’s integrity. Yet, Humphries defended the event’s spirit, emphasizing its role in bringing darts to new audiences. “You don’t get to play in places like Hyde Park every day,” he said, praising the festival vibe that included music and celebrity appearances. The Pro-Am doubles, where pros paired with stars like Murs, added a playful element, with Humphries relishing the “fun” of the day despite the challenging conditions.
Littler, gracious in defeat, showed signs of frustration. The 2025 World Darts Championship winner has faced scrutiny for his shot selection, with fans noting his apparent shift away from his trademark double 10. “Littler playing class as always, acted a bit weird today tho, can only assume he was having a bad day on tops and D10,” one observer commented. Littler’s Hyde Park performance, though not his finest, showcased his resilience, as he pushed Humphries to a tight 6-4 scoreline despite the wind. His earlier 120-checkout with three double tops at the US Darts Masters in New York highlighted his flair, but Hyde Park’s conditions stifled such moments.
The event also fueled discussions about Humphries and Littler’s rivalry, often compared to boxers Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn for its intensity. Their competitive history, marked by Humphries’ 11-8 comeback in the 2025 Premier League final—where Littler led 5-2 before faltering—continues to captivate. “I was fuming,” Littler admitted about that loss, noting Humphries’ ability to “up his game” post-break. Despite their rivalry, Humphries has consistently defended Littler, as seen after their World Cup of Darts exit to Germany. “We was very up for it and felt great as a team,” Humphries said, refuting claims of discord.
As the darts world turns to Blackpool, Humphries rides high after his US Darts Masters win over Nathan Aspinall in New York. Littler remains a formidable force, with his £1 million in earnings this year silencing critics. The Hyde Park event, despite its flaws, underscored their star power and darts’ growing appeal. “It’s great for the game,” Rob Cross said of their rise, a view echoed by the roaring Hyde Park crowd. While fans debate the outdoor experiment, Humphries and Littler’s clash proved their rivalry thrives, wind or no wind, setting the stage for more epic battles at the Winter Gardens.
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