In a pulsating clash at London’s O2 Arena, Luke Humphries, the world’s top-ranked darts player, delivered a masterclass to defeat teenage prodigy Luke Littler 11-8, clinching the 2025 Premier League Darts title and a £275,000 prize. The victory marked Humphries’ first Premier League crown, completing his collection of darts’ coveted “Triple Crown” alongside the World Championship and World Matchplay titles. This triumph places him in an elite four-man club with legends Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson. However, the celebration was tinged with Humphries’ call for the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to reconsider the Premier League’s non-ranking status, a rule he believes unfairly limits its impact on players’ world rankings.
The final was a rollercoaster of skill and resilience, with 14,000 fans packing the O2 Arena to witness a rematch of the 2024 Premier League final, where Littler had prevailed. This time, Humphries turned the tables on the 18-year-old world champion, overcoming an early 3-0 deficit sparked by Littler’s blistering 144 checkout. “There has been a bit of a breeze up here, and it has been tough for all players,” Humphries noted, referencing the challenging conditions that disrupted both players’ rhythm. Despite the breeze and Littler’s early dominance, Humphries leveled the score at 5-5 by the break, showcasing his trademark composure. “I tried to move to the left in the final to compensate, and it worked,” he added, highlighting his adaptability.
Humphries’ path to victory was far from straightforward. After trailing, he surged ahead 7-5, capitalizing on Littler’s missed doubles, including a critical dart at double seven. With a clinical 52 checkout in the deciding leg, Humphries sealed the win, averaging 99 compared to Littler’s 102 but outshining him in clutch moments. “This one means the world to me, that was the one I was missing,” Humphries told reporters, his voice thick with emotion. “It was the one I wanted, I have done it now.” His journey to the final included a 10-7 semi-final win over Nathan Aspinall, while Littler dispatched Gerwyn Price by the same scoreline to set up the blockbuster showdown.
The Premier League’s non-ranking status, a rule tied to its exclusive eight-player format and wildcard selections, sparked Humphries’ post-match plea. Despite the £275,000 prize, the victory does not count toward the PDC Order of Merit, which calculates rankings based on prize money over a two-year period. Humphries, who holds a £574,000 lead over Littler in the rankings, argued that the Premier League’s grueling 17-week schedule and high stakes deserve recognition. “When you know you’re playing against Luke Littler, you know you’re not going to get away with mid-game performances,” he said, emphasizing the competition’s intensity. “It’s a shame it doesn’t reflect in the rankings because it’s such a tough tournament to win.”
Littler, gracious in defeat, acknowledged the marathon season’s toll. “I had a little bit of a thing after the game—nobody likes losing—but I’m fine,” he said. “I am glad to say the Premier League is over—it’s been a tough 17 weeks. I came runner-up, but I will be back next year.” The teenager, who topped the league phase with a record 45 points and six nightly wins, including a 6-3 victory over Humphries in Sheffield, remains a formidable force. His 2025 season featured a 155 and 170 checkout in Sheffield and a stunning 20 maximums in Exeter, cementing his status as a fan favorite and a darting phenomenon.
Humphries’ call for change resonates in a sport experiencing unprecedented growth, with darts now generating significant profits for promoters like Matchroom Sport. The Premier League’s global appeal, with stops in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands, draws sellout crowds and millions of viewers. Yet, the non-ranking rule, designed to preserve the event’s unique format, limits its impact on the Order of Merit, where Humphries’ £1.9 million and Littler’s £1.3 million reflect their dominance. “I love Luke to bits,” Humphries said of his rival, with whom he’ll partner at the 2025 World Cup of Darts. “We won’t play like that, that’s for sure! Hopefully, we can produce our best.”
The victory adds to Humphries’ stellar resume, which includes the 2024 World Championship, 2023 Players Championship Finals, and a televised nine-darter against Rob Cross. His Leeds United-inspired walk-on at Leeds’ First Direct Arena, where he won Night 14, fueled his momentum. “It is extra special to win in Leeds,” he said earlier in the season. “I feel at home here.” For Littler, the loss stings but fuels his ambition. “I have set many records this season, and I will be aiming to break them myself next year,” he vowed, eyeing the upcoming World Series and World Championship.
As Humphries and Littler prepare to team up for England at the World Cup in Frankfurt, their rivalry continues to elevate darts. Humphries’ plea to the PDC underscores a broader conversation about balancing tradition with the sport’s evolving demands. With the 2025 season far from over, fans eagerly await the next chapter in this gripping saga, where Cool Hand Luke and The Nuke are rewriting the record books.
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