In a thrilling display of skill and resilience at the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters, teenage sensation Luke Littler solidified his dominance in the darts world by clinching the title with an electrifying 8-4 victory over world number one Luke Humphries in Auckland. The 18-year-old world champion, fresh off his triumph at the Australian Darts Masters, delivered a staggering performance, averaging an astonishing 115 to secure his second consecutive World Series title. However, it was Humphries’ fiery response to social media detractors that stole headlines, as he passionately addressed the criticism that followed his defeat.
The final at Spark Arena was a masterclass from Littler, who stormed to an early 3-0 lead, leaving Humphries scrambling to keep pace. Despite the defending champion narrowing the gap to two legs, Littler’s composure shone through, sealing the match with back-to-back 11-darters that left the crowd roaring. Humphries, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Littler’s brilliance, stating, “I played pretty well today, but when you run into a 115 average, there’s not much you can do. When Luke’s on it, he’s untouchable. I held in there and gave it my best, but he was just too good in the end.” Yet, it was the post-match narrative that added an extra layer of intrigue, as Humphries took aim at the online “haters” who questioned his form.
Humphries, who admitted to struggling in recent months, was candid about his performance in Auckland. His first-round win over New Zealand’s Haupai Puha was far from convincing, with a modest 89.47 average and no 180s, prompting him to describe his form as “depressing.” The criticism that followed on social media platforms only fueled his fire. “I see all the noise online, people saying I’m off my game or that I’m done,” Humphries remarked. “But I’m not going anywhere. I’m still the world number one, and I’ll keep fighting. Tonight, I lost to the better player, and I’m okay with that. The haters? I’ll shut them up by getting back to my best.”
Littler’s path to the final was equally compelling. The young star, who has taken the darts world by storm since his breakout at the 2023-24 World Darts Championship, faced a tough challenge in the first round against Mark Cleaver. Despite a shaky start and failing to hit a 180—ending a remarkable 222-match streak—Littler rallied to win 6-4. He then dispatched Mike De Decker 6-2 in the quarter-finals and Gerwyn Price 7-2 in the semi-finals, showcasing the relentless form that has made him a global phenomenon. Reflecting on his victory, Littler said, “I felt unbeatable up there. The crowd was brilliant, and the venue was incredible—it felt like a Premier League night. I’m playing very well at the moment, enjoying my darts, and hopefully, I can keep this winning streak going.”
The New Zealand Darts Masters highlighted the sport’s growing appeal, with Littler’s meteoric rise drawing new fans and inspiring younger players. His ability to handle pressure, both on the oche and from the media, has cemented his status as a superstar. “The media attention, it’s part of the deal,” Littler noted. “I cope with it really well.” Meanwhile, Humphries’ determination to silence his critics promises more intense battles ahead, as he aims to reclaim his top form in the upcoming World Series finals in Amsterdam from September 12-14.
For Humphries, the loss was a bitter pill, but his resolve remains unshaken. “I think if I’d won that sixth leg, it might have given me a glimmer of hope,” he admitted. “But the better player won for sure.” As Littler continues to redefine darts and Humphries vows to fight back, the sport is poised for an exhilarating future, driven by fierce competition and unyielding passion.
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