Darts fans have erupted on social media, calling for an immediate rule change after Luke Littler defeated Luke Humphries in a dramatic Grand Slam of Darts final. The highly anticipated showdown between the sport’s two biggest stars delivered everything fans hoped for—explosive scoring, momentum swings, and nerveless finishing—but it also reignited a long-standing debate about one particular rule that many viewers say is now “outdated” and “unfair.”
The controversy centres around the tournament’s set play and throw-order structure, which critics argue gives too much advantage to the player who throws first in the deciding leg. With both Littler and Humphries locked in a breathtaking battle, several legs came down to last-dart finishes, adding pressure to a rule that has frustrated fans for years.
Following Littler’s victory, thousands of darts followers took to online platforms insisting that the PDC must rethink its approach. Many argued that in high-stakes matches—especially finals—the throw advantage can be decisive, particularly when two elite-level scorers are involved.
One fan wrote, “These two are so close in level that the throw is basically the tiebreaker. We need a fairer way to decide legs that go down to the wire.” Another added, “Great final, but the rule is outdated. With players as good as Littler and Humphries, last-leg throw is too big of an edge.”
Some supporters demanded the introduction of a sudden-death bull-off, similar to other formats used historically in darts. Others suggested alternating throw each leg, regardless of who wins the previous one. A sizable number pushed for a full set-based final, insisting that a match of this magnitude deserves a format that reduces the impact of a single lost throw.
Despite the debate, Littler’s victory was widely praised. The 18-year-old sensation produced another fearless performance, showcasing the same composure and ruthless scoring that have made him one of the sport’s biggest attractions. Humphries, meanwhile, was applauded for pushing Littler to his limit in what many consider one of the best Grand Slam finals in recent memory.
While the PDC has made no indication of an imminent rule review, the noise surrounding this issue is louder than ever. With the sport experiencing a boom in global interest—fuelled heavily by the rivalry between Littler and Humphries—many believe now is the perfect time for the organisation to modernise key aspects of its match format.
Whether the calls lead to real change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: after another electrifying Littler–Humphries classic, darts fans are more vocal than ever about wanting a fairer, more balanced structure at the highest level of the game.
