In a dramatic showdown at London’s O2 Arena on May 29, 2025, world No. 1 Luke Humphries exacted sweet revenge on his teenage rival Luke Littler, clinching the Premier League Darts title with an 11-8 victory in a pulsating final. The 30-year-old, known as ‘Cool Hand Luke,’ not only secured his first Premier League crown but also completed darts’ coveted Triple Crown, joining legends Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson as one of only four players to win the World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League. The victory, which earned Humphries a £275,000 prize, marked a triumphant turnaround after his defeat to Littler in the 2024 final, cementing his status as a titan of the sport and highlighting the electrifying rivalry that continues to captivate darts fans worldwide.
The 2025 Premier League final was the 24th clash between Humphries and Littler in just 18 months, a testament to their dominance and the intensity of their burgeoning rivalry. Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy who topped the league phase with a record-breaking 45 points and six nightly wins, stormed to a 3-0 lead in the final, showcasing the fearless flair that saw him throw a nine-darter en route to the 2024 title. “I had a little bit of a thing after the game—nobody likes losing,” Littler admitted post-match, reflecting his competitive fire. Yet, Humphries, unfazed by early nerves and missed doubles, battled back, leveling the score at 3-3 with a stunning 130 checkout. “Honestly, that one means the world to me,” Humphries said, his voice brimming with emotion. “That was the one I was missing. I’ve done it now, if I don’t win another title, I’m happy because I have done the three hardest ones to do.”
The semi-finals set the stage for this epic encounter. Littler faced Gerwyn Price, who pushed him to the brink with two early breaks of throw, leading 6-4 at the mini-break. Littler, visibly frustrated, admitted to early nerves but roared back, winning six of the next seven legs to secure a 10-7 victory. “I just had to keep going,” he later reflected, showcasing the resilience that has made him a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Humphries faced Nathan Aspinall in a grueling semi-final, with both players averaging over 100. Aspinall’s brilliant 124 checkout on the bull kept the match level at 7-7, but Humphries’ relentless pressure secured a 10-7 win, setting up the anticipated final against Littler. “You know you have to be at your best to beat him,” Humphries had said earlier in the season, a nod to Littler’s ability to elevate any match.
The final itself was a rollercoaster. Both players struggled with nerves early on, with Humphries missing five darts at double but still managing to break back. After a tense 5-5 tie at the break, Humphries found his rhythm, unleashing a barrage of 11- and 12-dart legs to surge to an 8-6 lead. “I do seem to raise my performance against him,” he noted, highlighting how Littler’s presence pushes him to new heights. Littler held throw comfortably but couldn’t break Humphries’ serve, and a critical double 10 finish sealed the world No. 1’s victory. “I love Luke to bits,” Humphries said of his rival, revealing the mutual respect that underpins their fierce competition. “He’s one of my best mates on tour.”
For Littler, the loss stung, but his perspective remained forward-looking. “I am glad to say the Premier League is over—it’s been a tough 17 weeks,” he said. “I have set many records this season and I will be aiming to break them myself next year.” His campaign was nothing short of remarkable, with a 104 average against Price in the semi-finals and a nine-darter earlier in the season. Yet, Humphries’ triumph underscored his ability to seize critical moments, a skill honed through advice from 16-time world champion Phil Taylor, whom he credited post-match.
As the dust settles, both players look ahead to teaming up for England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt in June. “We won’t play like that, that’s for sure!” Humphries joked, while Littler added, “I cannot wait. He won it last year so hopefully he can lead me to victory.” Their partnership promises to be a formidable force, but for now, Humphries basks in the glory of a hard-fought Premier League title, a victory that not only avenged last year’s defeat but also solidified his legacy. As one observer noted, “It’s possibly better for the game of darts that it’s been shown that if you can keep your game together, it is possible that he can be beaten,” highlighting the competitive balance this rivalry brings to the sport.
# Luke Humphries Claims Premier League Darts Crown in Thrilling Revenge Victory Over Luke Littler
## A Historic Triumph
On May 29, 2025, Luke Humphries clinched his first Premier League Darts title, defeating Luke Littler 11-8 at London’s O2 Arena. The victory completed his Triple Crown, joining Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson as one of four players to win the World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League.
## The Rivalry Intensifies
The final marked the 24th clash between Humphries and Littler in 18 months. Littler, who dominated the league phase with 45 points, surged to a 3-0 lead, but Humphries leveled at 3-3 with a 130 checkout. “Honestly, that one means the world to me,” Humphries said. “I’ve done the three hardest ones to do.”
## Semi-Final Showdowns
Littler overcame Gerwyn Price 10-7, rallying from a 6-4 deficit with six of seven legs. “I just had to keep going,” he said. Humphries defeated Nathan Aspinall 10-7, surviving a 124 bullseye checkout. “You know you have to be at your best to beat him,” Humphries noted of Littler.
## A Final for the Ages
Both players showed early nerves, with Humphries missing five doubles but breaking back. Post-break, he fired 11- and 12-dart legs to lead 8-6, sealing the win on double 10. “I do seem to raise my performance against him,” he said. Littler reflected, “I am glad to say the Premier League is over—it’s been a tough 17 weeks.”
## Looking Ahead
Humphries and Littler will team up for England at the World Cup of Darts. “I cannot wait,” Littler said, while Humphries added, “If we connect we will have a great chance.” The victory, worth £275,000, avenged Humphries’ 2024 loss, cementing his legacy in a rivalry set to define darts.
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