Luke Littler’s Emotional Outpouring After 2025 Premier League Darts Final Loss to Luke Humphries
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts phenomenon, let his emotions spill over after a heartbreaking 11-8 defeat to world No. 1 Luke Humphries in the 2025 Premier League Darts final at London’s O2 Arena on May 29, 2025. The loss, which ended Littler’s title defense and cost him the £275,000 prize, left him tearful but proud of his historic season, as he opened up about the grueling 17-week campaign.
**Tears and Reflection Post-Final**
Littler, who had battled through a semi-final win against Gerwyn Price (10-6), was overcome with emotion as he left the O2 stage. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, “I’m gutted, but Luke [Humphries] played brilliantly. It’s been a tough 17 weeks, and I’m glad the Premier League’s over. I’ll be back stronger.” His tears echoed his 2025 World Championship win, where he quipped, “Look at him crying there!” after beating Michael van Gerwen. This time, the emotion stemmed from disappointment, as Humphries’ 103.50 average and clutch 130 checkout (T20, T20, D5) sealed victory. “Humphries with a classy 130! That will settle him!” Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge exclaimed, per @SkySportsDarts, marking a turning point at 7-6.
**Key Moments in the Final**
The best-of-21-leg final was level at 5-5 before Humphries broke Littler’s throw with the 130 finish. Littler, buoyed by a 120 checkout, fought back to 8-8 with a D16, but Humphries’ 11-darter and 75% checkout rate on big finishes proved decisive. Littler’s 70% double accuracy faltered, notably missing a D15 in the 15th leg, per The Telegraph. The match was further overshadowed by a pre-semi-final incident where a foam finger struck Littler and he dodged another object thrown from the crowd, yet he stayed focused, averaging 104.00 against Price.
**Littler’s Stellar 2025 Season**
Despite the loss, Littler’s season was extraordinary, topping the Premier League with a record 45 points and six nightly wins, including Sheffield’s 6-3 over Humphries with 155 and 170 checkouts. His 103.00 average, Cardiff nine-darter, and £125,000 runner-up prize pushed his PDC Order of Merit earnings to £1.3 million, trailing Humphries’ £1.873 million. “I’m performing better than these guys,” Littler told Darts Post, eyeing the top spot. His resilience shone through crowd hostility, like Liverpool boos for his Manchester United fandom and objects thrown at the O2, as he noted, “This crowd got me over the line” against Price.
**Humphries’ Praise and Rivalry**
Humphries, who beat Nathan Aspinall 10-7 in the semi-final, lauded Littler: “He’s the best player in the world right now.” Their rivalry, now tied 1-1 in major finals after Littler’s 2024 Premier League win (11-7, with a nine-darter), promises more battles. Humphries’ 2025 wins in Leeds (6-5) and Exeter (6-4) over Littler underscored his edge, but Littler’s Glasgow and Sheffield triumphs kept it close.
**Parallels in Sports**
Littler’s emotional release mirrors Katie Boulter’s support for Alex de Minaur post-French Open loss, Novak Djokovic’s apology after a toe blister scare, and Fallon Sherrock’s health-driven resolve. Like Gerwyn Price’s crowd defiance and Alexander Zverev’s watch wager, Littler’s grit amid adversity—objects thrown, emotional loss—recalls his 2024 tears for a friend’s late father.
**Conclusion**
Luke Littler let his emotions flow after losing 11-8 to Luke Humphries in the 2025 Premier League Darts final on May 29, 2025, missing the £275,000 prize. Humphries’ 130 checkout and 103.50 average outshone Littler’s fightback, leaving him tearful but proud. His 45-point season, like Boulter, Djokovic, Sherrock, Price, and Zverev’s battles, defines his rise. Littler eyes the World Matchplay next, live on Sky Sports
