In a night filled with high stakes and intense competition, the 2025 Premier League Darts final at London’s O2 Arena was overshadowed by unruly crowd behavior that targeted teenage darts sensation Luke Littler. The 18-year-old world champion, known as “The Nuke,” was struck by a foam finger and narrowly dodged another flying object as he prepared for his semi-final match against Gerwyn Price. Despite the distractions, Littler showcased his resilience, staging a remarkable comeback to secure a 10-7 victory over Price. However, his hopes of retaining the Premier League title were dashed in a thrilling 11-8 loss to rival Luke Humphries in the final.
The atmosphere at the O2 Arena was electric, with 14,000 fans packing the iconic venue to witness the culmination of the 17-week Premier League season. Littler, who had dominated the league phase with a record-breaking six nightly wins, entered the night as the favorite to defend his 2024 crown. As he stepped onto the oche for his semi-final, the crowd’s enthusiasm took a sour turn. A foam finger struck Littler’s leg, and another unidentified object soared over his head, momentarily disrupting his focus. Gerwyn Price, his opponent, was also seen kicking an item off the stage, highlighting the chaotic environment. Littler, visibly unimpressed, scowled but pressed on, refusing to let the incident derail his performance.
In the semi-final, Price surged to a 6-4 lead, capitalizing on Littler’s early nerves. The Welshman, no stranger to hostile crowds, faced relentless boos but maintained his composure. However, Littler, fueled by determination, turned the match around after the mid-game break. He won six of the next seven legs, unleashing a barrage of 180s and sealing the victory with a precise double 16 finish. “Littler came out in a different zone,” observers noted, as he roared with defiance, proving his mettle under pressure.
The final pitted Littler against Luke Humphries, the world number one, in the 23rd chapter of their burgeoning rivalry. Littler had bested Humphries 13-9 in their previous encounters, including a memorable nine-darter in the 2024 final. This time, however, Humphries found his rhythm after a shaky start, overcoming Littler’s early 3-0 lead. The match was a rollercoaster, with both players trading blows in a display of darting brilliance. Humphries, reflecting on his victory, said, “The joy on my face was there for all to see. I was full of emotions.” His 11-8 win secured the £275,000 prize and the prestigious triple crown, joining legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
Amid the on-stage drama, Littler was supported by his new friend, Faith Millar, a 19-year-old eyelash beauty specialist from Wigan. Millar, spotted cheering in the stands, has become a close companion since Littler’s split from ex-girlfriend Eloise Milburn nine months ago. The pair, who met in February, have been described as “almost inseparable,” attending events like a BoohooMan Q&A in Manchester together. Despite speculation, sources emphasize that Littler and Millar are firm friends, not romantically involved. “Faith and Luke enjoy one another’s company a lot,” a source shared, noting their efforts to downplay romantic rumors.
The night wasn’t without broader controversy. Fans expressed outrage over the O2’s steep beer prices, with one posting on social media, “£9.80 a pint, too,” lamenting the lack of atmosphere in the cavernous venue. Earlier in the season, Nathan Aspinall had faced similar crowd misconduct when beer was thrown at him, prompting Littler to voice concerns about fan behavior. Despite these challenges, Littler’s focus remained on the game, and his performance underscored why he’s a generational talent.
Looking ahead, Littler and Humphries will set aside their rivalry to team up for England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt in June. “I cannot wait,” Littler told reporters, while Humphries added, “I love him. He’s a close friend of mine in darts.” Their camaraderie promises to make the event a highlight, as darts continues to ride the wave of their epic rivalry. For now, Littler’s loss stings, but his resilience in the face of adversity—both on and off the oche—cements his status as a star who thrives under pressure.
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