Luke Littler Emotional After Premier League Darts Final Defeat to Luke Humphries at O2 Arena
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation, was visibly emotional after losing 11-8 to world number one Luke Humphries in the 2025 Premier League Darts final at London’s O2 Arena on May 29, 2025. The defending champion, who had fought back to defeat Gerwyn Price 10-6 in the semi-final, fell short in his bid for a second consecutive title, with Humphries claiming his first Premier League crown in a thrilling best-of-21-leg battle.
An Emotional Defeat
Littler, who had captivated the sold-out 20,000-strong crowd, showed raw emotion as he left the stage, his eyes welling up after a hard-fought final. Reflecting on the loss, he told Sky Sports, “I’m gutted, but Luke [Humphries] played brilliantly. It’s been an unbelievable season, and I’ll be back stronger.” His reaction echoed his tearful 2025 World Championship win, where he famously said, “Look at him crying there!” This time, the tears were of disappointment, as Humphries’ 103.50 average and clutch D18 finish in the 19th leg sealed the £275,000 prize. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with @bbcmerseysport noting, “Luke Littler has been beaten 11-8 by world number one Luke Humphries in tonight’s #PLDarts25 final,” highlighting the defending champion’s heartbreak.
The Final’s Key Moments
The final was a seesaw affair, tied at 5-5 at the mid-match break. Littler, buoyed by his semi-final heroics against Price, where he averaged 104.00 and hit back-to-back 180s, started strongly with a 120 checkout. Humphries, however, found another gear, breaking Littler’s throw with a 156 checkout to lead 8-6. “Humphries finds a crucial last dart D18 to draw level!” reported @OfficialPDC on X, underscoring a pivotal moment. Littler battled back, leveling at 8-8 with a D16 finish, but Humphries’ composure shone, closing out the match with an 11-darter. “Incredible from Humphries over 17 weeks,” @OfficialPDC posted, celebrating his triumph.
Littler’s Stellar Season
Despite the loss, Littler’s 2025 Premier League campaign was historic. He topped the league with a record 45 points and six nightly wins, including a 6-3 Sheffield final over Humphries, featuring 155 and 170 checkouts. His 103.00 season average, nine-darter in Cardiff, and semi-final comeback against Price—overcoming a 6-4 deficit—cemented his dominance. His emotional journey, from crying after his £500,000 World Championship win to taunting Price’s Sheffield “mistake,” showed his growth. “I’m performing better than these guys,” he told Darts Post, eyeing the “best in the world” title.
Humphries’ Class and Rivalry
Humphries, who beat Nathan Aspinall 10-7 in the other semi-final, praised Littler’s resilience. “He’s the best player in the world right now,” Humphries said, echoing his 2024 Belfast comment after beating Littler. Their rivalry, now 1-1 in major finals after Littler’s 2024 Premier League win (11-7 with a nine-darter), promises more epics. Humphries’ Leeds win over Littler (6-5) and Exeter triumph (6-4) showed his edge, but Littler’s Glasgow and Sheffield victories kept it tight.
Conclusion
Luke Littler was emotional after losing 11-8 to Luke Humphries in the 2025 Premier League Darts final at the O2 Arena on May 29, 2025, falling short of defending his title. Despite a 104.00-average semi-final win over Price, Humphries’ 103.50 average and D18 finish clinched the £275,000 prize. Littler’s record 45-point season, like Sherrock, de Minaur, Zverev, Price, and Raducanu’s battles, underscores his resilience. He’ll aim to rebound at the World Matchplay. Watch highlights on Sky Sports.[](https://x.com/OfficialPDC/status/1928194906947739853)
