In a thrilling display of skill and composure, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler clinched the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters title in Auckland, defeating defending champion Luke Humphries in a commanding 8-4 final victory. The teenage sensation, fresh off his triumph at the Australian Darts Masters the previous week, showcased his dominance with an astonishing average of over 115, cementing his status as a formidable force in the sport. Humphries, the world number one, was gracious in defeat, lauding Littler’s exceptional performance and acknowledging the young star’s unstoppable form.
Littler’s journey to the title was not without its challenges. In the opening round, he faced a tough test against New Zealand’s Mark Cleaver. The world champion started strongly, racing to a 3-0 lead, but Cleaver fought back, leveling the score at 4-4 with tenacious play. Littler admitted to struggling with rhythm early on, noting, “It wasn’t easy up there. Mark’s not the quickest player, so I just tried to get into some sort of rhythm.” Despite the shaky start, Littler regained his focus, sealing a 6-4 victory with a crucial break of throw on double 10. This resilience set the tone for his dominant run through the tournament.
As the competition progressed, Littler found his stride. In the quarter-finals, he dispatched World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker 6-2, showcasing his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most. The semi-finals saw him overpower Welshman Gerwyn Price 7-2, a performance that underscored his growing confidence. By the time he reached the final, Littler was in scintillating form, describing the atmosphere as reminiscent of a Premier League night. “I felt unbeatable up there,” he said. “The crowd was brilliant, and the venue was incredible – it felt like a Premier League night – and I’m very happy to lift another title.”
Facing Humphries in the final, Littler asserted control early, storming to a 3-0 lead and extending his advantage to 6-2. Humphries, who had battled his own challenges throughout the tournament, managed to narrow the gap to two legs, but Littler’s precision was unrelenting. He closed out the match with successive 11-darters, leaving the crowd in awe and Humphries with little chance to mount a comeback. Reflecting on the match, Littler remarked, “It felt very much the same as last week. I had a shaky start in my opening game, but once you come into finals night, you know you have to switch it on, and that’s what I did again tonight.”
Humphries, despite his disappointment, was effusive in his praise for the young star. “I played pretty well today, but when you run into a 115 average, there’s not much you can do,” he admitted. “I think if I’d won that sixth leg, it might have given me a glimmer of hope, but the better player won for sure. When Luke’s on it, he’s untouchable. I held in there and I gave it my best, but he was just too good in the end.” Humphries’ words highlighted the respect and camaraderie between the two players, who have developed a compelling rivalry, with Littler holding a slight edge in their 23 career meetings, winning 13 to Humphries’ 10.
Humphries’ path to the final was no less impressive, though he admitted to struggling with his form in recent months. In the first round, he overcame local favorite Haupai Puha 6-3, despite averaging just 89.47 and failing to hit a 180. “I think the last two months it has been hard work,” Humphries confessed, describing his form as “depressing.” Yet, he showed his championship pedigree by defeating Damon Heta 6-2 in the quarter-finals and Chris Dobey 7-4 in the semi-finals, setting up the blockbuster final against Littler.
The New Zealand Darts Masters, held at Auckland’s Spark Arena, featured a star-studded field, with top players like Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, and Josh Rock also making strong showings. Bunting, the top seed, advanced past Ben Robb 6-3, while Price narrowly edged out Jonny Tata 6-4, missing a double 12 for a nine-darter. The tournament’s competitive depth and electric atmosphere underscored the growing global appeal of darts, with Littler’s performance stealing the spotlight.
Littler’s victory not only marked his second consecutive World Series title but also signaled his relentless pursuit of the world number one ranking, currently held by Humphries. “I’m playing very well at the moment, I’m enjoying my darts, and hopefully I can keep this winning streak going,” Littler said, exuding confidence. As the darts world looks ahead to upcoming events like the World Grand Prix, Littler’s meteoric rise continues to captivate fans, while Humphries remains determined to rediscover his top form. For now, the young champion from Warrington stands tall, proving that when he’s at his best, he’s truly untouchable.
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