In a night of electrifying darts at London’s O2 Arena, 18-year-old Luke Littler cemented his status as a generational talent, defeating Gerwyn Price 10-7 in the Premier League Darts semi-final on May 29, 2025, to secure his place in the final. The world champion, affectionately dubbed “The Nuke,” let his emotions spill over as he roared to the ecstatic crowd, one step closer to defending his 2024 Premier League title. With a showdown against either Luke Humphries or Nathan Aspinall awaiting, Littler’s performance was a testament to his skill, resilience, and unyielding passion for the sport.
The semi-final clash was a spectacle of high drama and precision. Gerwyn Price, the 2021 world champion known as “The Iceman,” came out swinging, breaking Littler’s throw early and surging to a 6-4 lead with clinical finishes, particularly on double 10. “You can see Gerwyn Price thinks his A-game is good enough to beat Luke Littler tonight,” one commentator observed, capturing Price’s confidence as he capitalized on Littler’s early misses. Price’s double-five finish to extend his lead prompted Littler to briefly leave the stage, a moment he later described: “When he hit the double five to go 6-4 up, I took myself straight off stage. I needed to get myself up for it.” That reset proved pivotal.
What followed was a breathtaking display of darts mastery. Littler, with a steely focus, unleashed a barrage of high-scoring visits, averaging 104.6 and winning six of the final seven legs. His comeback was punctuated by a 41 checkout to break Price’s throw, sealed with a double 16 that sparked wild celebrations. “Vintage Littler,” a pundit exclaimed, as the teenager’s clutch performance left the O2 crowd roaring. A near-miss on double five, where his first dart blocked the bed, only added to the tension, but Littler’s second dart found the top corner of double 16, clinching the match. His six darts at 127, setting up double 20, showcased his precision under pressure, a hallmark of his meteoric rise.
Littler’s journey to the final has been a story of dominance and record-breaking feats. The Warrington prodigy, who became the youngest-ever world champion in January 2025 at just 17 years and 347 days, has owned the 2025 Premier League season. With six nightly wins and a record 45 points, he secured top seeding weeks before the play-offs. His victory over Price, who had won six of their previous encounters, marked a turning point in their rivalry, with Littler now claiming the last three meetings. “The dazzling world champion is looking a million dollars,” one observer noted, reflecting the sport’s awe at his relentless form.
Price, a formidable force with nightly wins in Dublin, Nottingham, and Liverpool, brought his trademark intensity. His nine-dart finish in Aberdeen earlier this season underscored his pedigree, but Littler’s late surge proved insurmountable. “Gerwyn Price has to break Luke Littler twice now,” an analyst remarked as the match tilted decisively in Littler’s favor. Despite Price’s efforts, Littler’s emotional outpouring at the match’s end—fist pumps and a roar to the crowd—signaled his hunger for the title.
As Littler prepares for the final, the darts world is abuzz with anticipation. He faces either Luke Humphries, the world number one with whom he’s traded epic battles, or Nathan Aspinall, a tenacious play-off qualifier chasing his first Premier League crown. Littler’s 2024 final win over Humphries cemented his status as a prodigy, and now, at the O2, he’s poised to etch his name further into darts history. His ability to thrive under pressure, honed by facing hostile crowds like those in Leeds earlier this season, makes him a formidable contender.
The O2 Arena, a cauldron of darts fervor, is set for a thrilling finale. Littler’s blend of youth, talent, and mental fortitude has captivated fans and pundits alike. Whether he faces Humphries’ precision or Aspinall’s grit, Littler’s emotional investment and raw skill make him the man to beat. As he reflected on his semi-final triumph, Littler’s passion was clear: “I needed to get myself up for it.” That fire, combined with his unmatched ability, sets the stage for a final that could redefine darts’ future.
# Luke Littler Roars into Premier League Darts Final
## Match Highlights
On May 29, 2025, at London’s O2 Arena, Luke Littler clinched a 10-7 victory over Gerwyn Price in the Premier League Darts semi-final, earning his spot in the final. Trailing 6-4 after Price’s double-five finish, Littler staged a stunning comeback, winning six of the last seven legs with a 104.6 average. A 41 checkout on double 16 sealed the win, with Littler’s emotional celebration electrifying the crowd. “When he hit the double five to go 6-4 up, I took myself straight off stage. I needed to get myself up for it,” Littler said.
## Turning Point
Price’s early breaks and precise double 10 finishes gave him the edge, with one commentator noting, “You can see Gerwyn Price thinks his A-game is good enough to beat Luke Littler tonight.” However, Littler’s reset off-stage sparked a dominant run, with a 180 and double 20 finish narrowing the gap. “Vintage Littler,” pundits declared as he clinched the match with a clutch double 16.
## Littler’s Dominance
The 18-year-old world champion, crowned in January 2025 at 17 years and 347 days, has dominated the 2025 Premier League with six nightly wins and 45 points. His win over Price, a former rival who led their head-to-head 6-3, marks Littler’s third straight victory over the Iceman. “The dazzling world champion is looking a million dollars,” an observer enthused.
## The Final Awaits
Littler now faces either Luke Humphries or Nathan Aspinall in the final. With a history of thrilling clashes against Humphries and Aspinall’s play-off tenacity, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown. The O2 Arena, alive with passion, awaits Littler’s bid to defend his 2024 title and further his legacy as darts’ brightest star.
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