In a display of darting brilliance that left Auckland’s Eventfinda Stadium buzzing, 18-year-old Luke Littler, known as ‘The Nuke,’ delivered a performance for the ages to claim the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters title. Averaging a staggering 115.02—the third-highest ever in a World Series of Darts match—he dismantled world No. 1 Luke Humphries 8-4 in the final, securing his second consecutive World Series crown just a week after triumphing at the Australian Darts Masters. This victory, following his World Matchplay win last month, marks a sensational run for the young star, silencing critics who questioned his form earlier this year.
Littler’s journey to the title was not without its challenges. On the opening night, he faced a spirited challenge from New Zealand’s Mark Cleaver, scraping through 6-4 with a modest 95.60 average and, remarkably, no 180s—a rare feat for a player who had hit a maximum in his previous 222 competitive matches. “I had a shaky start in my opening game,” Littler admitted, reflecting on his early struggles. “But once you come into finals night, you know you have to switch it on, and that’s what I did again tonight.” His ability to regroup was evident as he progressed, dominating Mike De Decker 6-2 in the quarter-finals with a 100.03 average and then dismantling Gerwyn Price 7-2 in the semi-finals, averaging 108.81 with five 180s and a 140 checkout.
The final against Humphries was a spectacle of precision and power. Littler unleashed seven 180s and converted 50% of his doubles, cruising to a 6-3 lead before sealing the match with back-to-back 11-dart legs, including an 81 checkout. “I felt unbeatable up there,” he said, crediting a practice nine-darter during the interval for boosting his confidence. “That’s when I felt like no one could beat me. I knew the trebles were going in. I think in the last two legs there, I had like four or five 140s on the bounce.” The record-breaking crowd in Auckland, which Littler compared to a Premier League night, roared their approval. “The crowd was brilliant and the venue was incredible,” he added, savoring the electric atmosphere.
Humphries, despite a strong tournament that saw him average 102 in the final with seven 180s, was gracious in defeat. “I played pretty well today, but when you run into a 115 average, there’s not much you can do,” he conceded. “The better player won for sure. When Luke’s on it, he’s untouchable.” Humphries had battled through a 6-2 quarter-final win over Damon Heta and a 7-4 semi-final victory against Chris Dobey, who earlier edged Stephen Bunting 6-3 in a match featuring a stunning 167 checkout.
Littler’s path to glory showcased his growing dominance. Against De Decker, he overwhelmed the Belgian with relentless scoring, and in the semi-final, he limited Price—a former world champion—to just four double attempts. “Everything was going in—even the doubles, for a change, they were very good,” Littler noted, highlighting his 15 total 180s on finals night. His performance not only secured the £30,000 top prize but also cemented his status as a global darts phenomenon.
This triumph adds to Littler’s overflowing 2025 trophy cabinet, which includes the World Championship, World Matchplay, and UK Open. Fresh off his Australian success, where he silenced hecklers with an 8-4 win over De Decker, Littler’s New Zealand masterclass signals his readiness for the upcoming World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam from September 12-14. “I’m playing very well at the moment, I’m enjoying my darts, and hopefully I can keep this winning streak going,” he said, already eyeing further silverware.
As Littler prepares to return home as a back-to-back champion, his meteoric rise continues to captivate fans and intimidate rivals. With major tournaments looming, the teenager’s blend of raw talent, unshakable confidence, and relentless scoring makes one thing clear: when ‘The Nuke’ is on form, the darting world had better brace for impact.
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