The electric atmosphere at London’s O2 Arena was palpable on May 29, 2025, as 15,000 darts fans packed the venue to witness a thrilling Premier League Darts final between world No. 1 Luke Humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler. Humphries, known as “Cool Hand Luke,” emerged victorious with an 11-8 win, denying Littler a second consecutive title and completing his own “Triple Crown” of darts alongside the World Championship and World Matchplay. Yet, while the on-stage action delivered a spectacle of high-flying darts, it was the eye-watering beer prices that left fans stunned, sparking a wave of frustration that nearly overshadowed the darting drama.
As fans donned colorful costumes and purple shirts in support of Littler, dubbed “The Nuke,” they were hit with a sobering reality at the bar. A pint of standard lager like Budweiser or Stella Artois cost a staggering £8.95, while premium options such as Camden Pale Ale and Camden Hells Lager reached £9.80. “The O2 is far too big for the Premier League Darts. Void of any true atmosphere, much like it is when there’s a gig there. £9.80 a pint, too,” one disgruntled fan posted on social media, capturing the sentiment of many. With no outside food or drink permitted, supporters felt trapped by the venue’s pricing, especially after shelling out for tickets—some resold for over £1,000—and travel to the Greenwich arena. Another fan vented, “Disgusting prices considering how everyone will chuck their pints in the air,” a nod to the raucous tradition of fans showering the crowd with beer during celebratory moments.
The match itself was a rollercoaster, with Littler storming to a 3-0 lead, fueled by a sensational 144 checkout that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Humphries, however, battled back, leveling the score at 5-5 by the break despite a disruptive breeze across the stage. “There has been a bit of a breeze up here, and it has been tough for all players,” Humphries noted, explaining his strategic shift to the left of the oche to compensate. His resilience paid off, as he capitalized on Littler’s missed doubles—hitting only 8 of 27 for a 29.6% checkout rate—to secure the £275,000 prize. “That one means the world to me. It’s the one I was missing,” Humphries told reporters, his voice brimming with pride. “I’ve done it now. If I don’t win another title, I’ll be happy, because I’ve won the three hardest ones now.”
Littler, despite the loss, remained defiant. “I had a little bit of a thing after the game—nobody likes losing—but I’m fine,” the 18-year-old said. “I am glad to say the Premier League is over—it’s been a tough 17 weeks. Happy it’s over, and I came runner-up, but I will be back next year.” His record-breaking season, with six nightly wins and a league-phase points tally of 45, cemented his status as a darting phenom. Yet, for many fans, the night’s sting came not from Littler’s defeat but from the bar tab. “Sickening,” one supporter called the prices, echoing a chorus of complaints about the venue’s atmosphere and costs.
The Premier League’s 17-week journey, spanning the UK, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands, has solidified darts’ soaring popularity, with sellout crowds and a new five-year Sky Sports deal doubling its previous broadcast contract. The O2, hosting stars like Kylie Minogue earlier that week, struggled to replicate the intimate energy of smaller venues, with fans noting a “void of true atmosphere.” Humphries’ victory, sealed with a clutch double 10, was a testament to his grit, but the night’s narrative extended beyond the oche. As fans chanted and waved signs, their frustration with the £9.80 pints highlighted a broader tension: the cost of enjoying a sport that thrives on its working-class roots. With Humphries and Littler set to team up for England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, the darting world looks forward, but fans hope future events won’t leave such a bitter taste.
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