In a dazzling display of darting prowess, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler obliterated his own Premier League Darts record on the final night of the 2025 league phase in Sheffield, crushing Stephen Bunting 6-1 in a quarter-final showdown. The victory, marked by a staggering 114.37 average and a flawless 6/6 on doubles, propelled Littler to an unprecedented 42 points, cementing his status as the top seed heading into the Play-Offs at London’s O2 Arena on May 29, 2025. Known as ‘The Nuke,’ Littler’s performance was a masterclass in precision, leaving fans and rivals alike in awe of his meteoric rise.
The Sheffield Utilita Arena buzzed with anticipation as Littler, already guaranteed a Play-Off spot, took to the oche against Bunting, a seasoned competitor struggling at the bottom of the league table. From the outset, Littler was relentless, unleashing a barrage of high scores and clinical checkouts. His 127 finish to seal the match was a highlight, drawing roars from the crowd and cementing his reputation for delivering under pressure. “I’m very happy to get that fifth nightly win,” Littler reflected earlier this season, a sentiment that echoed his confidence in Sheffield as he broke the all-time Premier League points record he set in his debut campaign last year.
Littler’s path to this historic moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. The reigning world champion, who became the youngest PDC World Championship winner in January 2025 by defeating Michael van Gerwen, has dominated the 2025 Premier League season. His Sheffield triumph followed a record-breaking fifth nightly win in Birmingham earlier in May, where he edged out Van Gerwen 6-4 after tight battles against Bunting and Nathan Aspinall. “Once I got over the finish line against Stephen [in Birmingham], I was confident,” Littler said, highlighting his ability to thrive in high-stakes moments. His latest victory over Bunting, however, was a statement of intent, showcasing his unmatched scoring power and composure.
Bunting, nicknamed ‘The Bullet,’ has endured a challenging Premier League campaign, remaining winless in most weeks despite flashes of brilliance. In Sheffield, he stood little chance against Littler’s onslaught, managing just one leg as the teenager’s precision overwhelmed him. Bunting’s struggles were evident earlier in the season when Littler whitewashed him 6-0 in Newcastle, a match where Bunting posted a remarkable 102.15 average yet failed to win a leg. “I’m making myself so nervous because I care and want to perform to my best instead of just relaxing and letting it happen,” Bunting admitted on social media after an earlier defeat, a sentiment that underscores his ongoing battle to find form on the Premier League stage.
Littler’s record-breaking night in Sheffield wasn’t just about points. His performance included three ton-plus checkouts (96, 101, and 107), and his 114.37 average was a testament to his scoring consistency. Fans on social media erupted, with one post describing the display as “sensational,” noting Littler’s ability to “sweep Bunting with ease.” The victory further solidified his lead at the top of the standings, nine points clear of second-placed Luke Humphries, whom Littler has outshone this season. “Luke [Humphries] isn’t playing his best darts at the minute, so I’m gradually building that point advantage,” Littler noted after his Birmingham win, a gap that widened in Sheffield.
As the Premier League heads to the Play-Offs, Littler’s position as the table-topper ensures a favorable semi-final draw, giving him a strategic edge with a longer break before the final. His focus remains on surpassing his own records, having already become the first player to win five nights in a single season. “It’s something I’ve always thought in my head, playing the first semi-final is so crucial because there is not that big of a turnaround,” he said, emphasizing the importance of his top seed status. With a £275,000 prize at stake, Littler is the favorite to defend his Premier League title, a feat that would cap a remarkable year that also includes the UK Open and World Series Finals.
For Bunting, the season has been a test of resilience. Despite his Sheffield loss, his earlier heroics, including a nine-darter in practice during a Berlin win, show his potential. Littler, ever the sportsman, offered words of encouragement earlier in the season: “If I were Stephen, you’ve just got to relax. I’m sure once he gets that first win, he’ll go on.” As Littler prepares for the O2, the darting world watches in anticipation, wondering if anyone can stop the teenage prodigy from adding another chapter to his already legendary career.
# Luke Littler Shatters Premier League Darts Record with Dominant Victory Over Stephen Bunting
## A Record-Breaking Night in Sheffield
On the final night of the 2025 Premier League Darts league phase in Sheffield, 18-year-old Luke Littler delivered a breathtaking performance, defeating Stephen Bunting 6-1 to break his own record for the most points in a single Premier League season. With a remarkable 114.37 average and a perfect 6/6 on doubles, Littler secured 42 points, cementing his position as the top seed for the Play-Offs at London’s O2 Arena on May 29, 2025. His 127 checkout to clinch the match was a highlight, showcasing his flair for the dramatic.
## Littler’s Meteoric Rise
Littler, known as ‘The Nuke,’ has been a revelation in 2025. The youngest-ever PDC World Champion, having defeated Michael van Gerwen in January, Littler has dominated the Premier League, claiming a record five nightly wins earlier in Birmingham. “Once I got over the finish line against Stephen [in Birmingham], I was confident,” he said, a confidence that carried into Sheffield. His performance against Bunting featured three ton-plus checkouts (96, 101, 107), underlining his scoring power and precision.
## Bunting’s Struggles Continue
Stephen Bunting, ranked eighth in the league, faced an uphill battle against Littler’s onslaught. Despite a strong 102.15 average in a 6-0 loss to Littler in Newcastle earlier this season, Bunting has struggled to find consistency. “I’m making myself so nervous because I care and want to perform to my best,” he shared after an earlier defeat. In Sheffield, he managed just one leg, unable to counter Littler’s relentless attack.
## Play-Offs and Beyond
Littler’s Sheffield triumph extends his lead over Luke Humphries by nine points, securing a strategic advantage in the Play-Offs. “It’s something I’ve always thought in my head, playing the first semi-final is so crucial,” he noted, highlighting the importance of his top seed status. With the £275,000 prize in sight, Littler is favored to defend his Premier League title, adding to his 2025 accolades, including the UK Open and World Series Finals.
## A Bright Future
As Littler prepares for the O2, his dominance has sparked excitement across the darting world. Social media posts hailed his “sensational” performance, with fans marveling at his 114.37 average and flawless doubles. For Bunting, the season has been tough, but Littler’s earlier advice—“you’ve just got to relax”—offers hope for a resurgence. With the Play-Offs looming, Littler’s record-breaking campaign sets the stage for a thrilling climax to the 2025 Premier League season.
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