In a thrilling climax to the 2025 Premier League Darts season, Luke Humphries emerged victorious, claiming his maiden title with an 11-8 win over teenage prodigy Luke Littler at London’s O2 Arena. The world No. 1’s triumph marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he joined an elite group of players—Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson—as the only ones to complete darts’ coveted Triple Crown, encompassing the World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League titles. Yet, it was Humphries’ heartfelt tribute to darts legend Phil Taylor immediately after his victory that captured the sport’s spirit, prompting a warm response from “The Power” himself, who revealed the personal support he provided to the champion.
Humphries, known as ‘Cool Hand Luke,’ battled through a grueling 17-week campaign to secure the £275,000 prize, overcoming a 3-0 deficit against Littler in a final that showcased their fierce rivalry. The 30-year-old’s emotional post-match speech resonated with the 14,000-strong crowd, as he credited Taylor’s guidance for his success. “Honestly, that one means the world to me. That was the one I was missing,” Humphries declared, his voice thick with emotion. “I must say to Phil Taylor a big ‘thank you’ because he’s been giving me a lot of support the past few weeks. It’s really helped me so Phil, if you’re watching, thank you. He’s given me a lot of advice and that extra boost.” Humphries kept the specifics of Taylor’s advice private, emphasizing its personal nature. “I’ll keep it private between me and Phil. He just gave me confidence and was supportive of me,” he said, noting that the endorsement from “the greatest dart player in the world” fueled his belief.
Taylor, a 16-time world champion and six-time Premier League winner, was touched by Humphries’ gesture. Speaking on talkSPORT, the retired icon, who was performing at a theatre in Portsmouth during the final, expressed surprise and gratitude. “That was nice, wasn’t it,” Taylor remarked, admitting he missed the live broadcast but was moved by Humphries’ words. “I haven’t actually seen that, you know, because I never got the chance to watch it.” The 64-year-old legend confirmed their ongoing communication, revealing, “We text each other,” a testament to their bond. Taylor’s mentorship, focused on bolstering Humphries’ self-belief rather than tactical strategies against Littler, proved instrumental. “It wasn’t anything to do with Luke. It was all about me,” Humphries clarified, underscoring Taylor’s role in reinforcing his mental resilience.
The final itself was a testament to Humphries’ grit. After defeating Nathan Aspinall 10-7 in the semi-finals, he faced Littler, the defending champion who had dominated the regular season with a record 27 victories. Despite a slow start and windy conditions on stage, Humphries rallied, turning a 5-3 deficit into a 7-5 lead with a four-leg surge. “It wasn’t our best game, but I’m really pleased with it,” he admitted, acknowledging the mutual respect between him and Littler. “I love Luke to bits. He’s one of my best mates on tour, and he’s so good,” Humphries said, predicting more epic battles in their ongoing saga, which has seen 24 clashes in 18 months.
Taylor also used the moment to praise both players, calling them “great for the game.” However, he issued a pointed challenge to Littler, who at 18 has already claimed a world title and a Premier League crown. “If he wants to carry on and win, beat my records, then he’s going to have to be dedicated,” Taylor warned. “And I mean dedicated for at least 25 years.” This advice reflects Taylor’s own storied career, marked by 16 World Matchplay titles and unmatched longevity, setting a high bar for the young star.
Humphries’ victory was not just a personal triumph but a milestone for darts, as he became only the fourth player to achieve the Triple Crown. “If I don’t win another title, I’m happy because I’ve done the three hardest ones to do,” he said, savoring his place among legends. As he and Littler prepare to team up for England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, their camaraderie and rivalry promise to elevate the sport further. “I cannot wait,” Littler enthused, hopeful that Humphries’ experience will lead them to victory. For now, Humphries basks in his hard-earned glory, with Taylor’s wisdom echoing as a guiding light in his ascent to darts immortality.
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