In a dazzling display of darts mastery, 18-year-old Luke Littler, the prodigious talent known as “The Nuke,” delivered a breathtaking performance to clinch the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters title, defeating world number one Luke Humphries in a thrilling final in Auckland. Averaging an astonishing 115.07, Littler’s victory marked his second World Series triumph in just seven days, following his dominant win at the Australian Darts Masters. The Globox Arena erupted as the young Englishman showcased why he’s the sport’s brightest star, cementing his meteoric rise with a performance that left fans and rivals alike in awe.
Littler’s path to the final was a showcase of his relentless form. After surviving a scare in the first round against local favorite Haupai Puha, winning 6-5, he found his rhythm in the quarter-finals, dispatching Belgium’s Mike De Decker 6-2 with a 98.69 average. The semi-finals saw him overpower another challenger, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown with Humphries, the reigning world champion who had been grappling with inconsistent form. Humphries, fresh off a hard-fought quarter-final win, admitted his struggles, saying, “I think the last two months it has been hard work. I am out of sorts, out of form, and struggling to find something.” Yet, he brought his A-game to the final, pushing Littler to the limit in a match that captivated the Auckland crowd.
The final was a masterclass from Littler, who unleashed a barrage of 180s—seven in total—and maintained a staggering three-dart average of 115.07, one of the highest ever recorded in a televised final. His clinical finishing, particularly on double 10, proved decisive as he surged to an 8-4 victory, leaving Humphries unable to counter his relentless scoring. “It feels very good. It’s another one I can tick off,” Littler said after his Australian triumph, a sentiment echoed in Auckland as he hoisted the New Zealand Darts Masters trophy. “I played very well tonight; I didn’t play so well last night, but tonight is when it really matters,” he added, reflecting on the fine margins that define his success.
Littler’s back-to-back World Series triumphs underscore his extraordinary 2025 season. At just 17 years and 347 days, he became the youngest PDC World Champion in January, adding the UK Open, Belgian Darts Open, World Matchplay, and Australian Darts Masters to his burgeoning trophy cabinet. His latest victory in New Zealand, part of the prestigious World Series circuit, highlights darts’ growing global appeal, with sell-out crowds chanting his name. “I can’t wait. We’ll have a good few days off, try and get some more sleep because us players don’t have it easy,” Littler quipped, acknowledging the grueling travel from Blackpool to Australia and now New Zealand.
Humphries, despite the loss, showed resilience, averaging over 100 in the final but falling short against Littler’s brilliance. “Luke is the best player in the world,” he had previously declared, a statement that rang true as Littler’s performance outshone even the world number one’s best efforts. Humphries, who described his recent form as “depressing,” remains a formidable force, but Littler’s dominance has intensified their rivalry, with the teenager now closing in on the top ranking. “I won’t hand the world number one spot to Littler,” Humphries vowed, setting the stage for a blockbuster rematch in the upcoming Premier League.
The New Zealand Darts Masters final wasn’t just a showcase of Littler’s technical prowess; it was a testament to his mental fortitude. Facing a seasoned champion like Humphries, who has navigated the pressures of the top spot, Littler remained unfazed, his youthful exuberance fueling his precision. His 64% checkout rate and ability to hit high-pressure doubles under scrutiny drew comparisons to darts legend Phil Taylor, who once said, “Darts has gone crazy. You wouldn’t believe the difference since young Luke came along.” Littler’s impact extends beyond the oche, inspiring a new generation of players and boosting darts’ global profile, from Auckland to Asia.
As Littler celebrated his victory, the darts world buzzed with anticipation for his next challenge. With the Premier League looming in Nottingham, where he’ll face Humphries again, and the 2026 PDC World Championship on the horizon, Littler’s trajectory seems limitless. His New Zealand triumph, marked by a historic 115 average, is a statement of intent—a reminder that “The Nuke” is not just a rising star but a force redefining the sport. For Humphries and the rest of the field, keeping pace with Littler’s explosive talent will be the ultimate test in the months ahead.
Leave a Reply