Luke Littler, the 18-year-old world darts champion, is approaching the Premier League Darts 2025 Finals Night on May 29 at London’s O2 Arena in a “relaxed” state, crediting a deliberate reduction in TV appearances. After topping the league phase with a record 45 points and six nightly wins, including a 6-3 Sheffield final victory over Luke Humphries, Littler faces Gerwyn Price in the first semi-final. Despite Price’s 7-2 head-to-head edge, including a 6-3 Nottingham final win, Littler’s confidence, bolstered by a 114.37 average against Stephen Bunting and a 170 checkout, positions him as a favorite. His relaxed mindset, likened to Alex de Minaur’s French Open resilience, contrasts with Price’s potential to capitalize on Littler’s earlier comment, mirroring Daniil Medvedev’s event-skipping threats.
Littler’s Relaxed Preparation and Dominance
Littler’s calm demeanor stems from cutting back on media commitments like The Jonathan Ross Show, unlike his high-profile 2024 season. This allowed focus on darts, yielding a historic six nightly wins, including Birmingham’s 6-4 triumph over Michael van Gerwen, averaging 102.5. His 45-point tally smashed the previous record, securing the top seed and a strategic first semi-final slot for a rest advantage. Littler’s comments to Sky Sports in Sheffield—“Just chill out, a little practice. I know what’s in store”—reflect confidence. Posts on X, like @SunSport’s note on his energy from reduced TV, affirm his refreshed state.
His form is formidable: a 122.96 average against Damon Heta at Players Championship 5, a nine-darter against Adam Hunt, and eight ton-plus finishes in Sheffield. Despite a 6-5 loss to Humphries in Leeds, where he averaged 99.89, Littler’s consistency shines. His withdrawal from the European Darts Grand Prix due to scheduling, not hostility, shows strategic prioritization, akin to de Minaur’s focus post-French Open outburst.
Challenge Against Gerwyn Price
Littler faces a tough semi-final against Price, who finished fourth with 13 match wins. Price’s 55% double success in Nottingham, despite a 94.1 average to Littler’s 103.39, highlights his clutch play. Price’s two nine-darters in 2025, including one against Littler in Manchester, and a 104.43 Liverpool average, make him dangerous. Jonny Clayton’s backing for Price to “spoil the party,” and Price’s 6-5 Players Championship win over Littler, add pressure. Littler’s earlier quip that Price “made a mistake” finishing fourth, could motivate Price, similar to Medvedev’s Djokovic jab.
Littler’s 6-3 Sheffield win over Humphries, and 6-4 Cardiff nine-darter against van Gerwen, show he can handle top rivals. However, Price’s 5-3 lead in their last eight meetings, and Littler’s missed doubles (10/13 in Nottingham), are concerns. Fans on X are optimistic, but Price’s experience could test him.
Conclusion
Luke Littler enters the Premier League Darts 2025 Finals “relaxed,” thanks to fewer TV appearances, and a record-breaking 45-point league phase with six nightly wins. Facing Gerwyn Price, who holds a 7-2 head-to-head edge and thrives under pressure, Littler’s 114.37 averages and 170 checkouts, make him a strong contender. His earlier comment about Price, risks spurring the Welshman, echoing Medvedev’s French Open jab or de Minaur’s emotional test. With a £275,000 prize at stake, Littler’s calm, backed by X buzz, could see him defend his title.
