Luke Humphries’ Cheeky Referee Jab During Brutal World Grand Prix Defeat to Luke Littler
The 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries was a one-sided demolition from the opening leg, with the 18-year-old Littler cruising to a 6-1 sets victory on October 12 at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena to claim the £120,000 title and his fourth major of the year. But amid the teenager’s clinical dominance—averaging 102.15 with 10 180s and holding all 11 legs on his throw—Humphries, the world No. 1, lightened the tension with a cheeky comment that “p****d off” referee Kirk Bevins, drawing a stern glare and chuckles from the 3,000-strong crowd. The remark, made after a missed double in the fourth set, highlighted Humphries’ humor even in defeat, as he quipped about Bevins’ notorious disdain for British trains, turning a tough loss into a memorable moment of banter.
The Final: Littler’s Masterclass Over Humphries
Littler’s path to the £120,000 prize was a statement of intent in the “toughest” double-in/double-out format, where he once admitted disliking the double-start rule after first-round exits in 2023 and 2024. He opened with a 2-0 sets win over Gian van Veen (105.58 average vs. van Veen’s record 106.47), a 3-0 rout of defending champion Mike de Decker (98.45 average, 100% double-in rate), a 3-2 comeback against Gerwyn Price (101.23 average, 154 checkout), and a 5-1 demolition of Jonny Clayton (97.26 average, 10 180s). In the final, Littler stormed Sets 1 and 2 (3-0, 3-1) with a 151 opener and 13-dart leg, responded to Humphries’ 154 and 135 breaks in Sets 3 and 4 (3-2, 3-1), and closed Set 5 3-0 with a 121 on D18, holding every throw leg untouchably.
“This is the best I’ve played in this format,” Littler told Sky Sports, laughing off a near nine-darter in Set 3 (bullseye wire miss). “Luke’s the benchmark—I’ve got to perform the big out shots when he puts me under pressure.” Humphries, gracious in defeat and runner-up for the second straight year, admitted: “It’s hard to take… Luke was clinical in the big legs. I’ll dedicate everything to matching him next time.” The win evens their major finals record at 3-3, with Littler now 3-2 in TV deciders.
Girlfriend Faith Millar’s ecstatic celebration—leaping into hugs with Littler’s family after the 151 opener—went viral (1.2 million views on X under #LittlerFaith), a heartwarming highlight of the night.
Humphries’ Train Jab: “Kirk’s Late for His Train Again”
The lighthearted tension peaked in Set 4, Leg 2, when Humphries—trailing 1-0 in the set—missed a double 16 for a 32 checkout. As Bevins, the referee and caller, announced “No. One,” Humphries quipped to the Sky mic: “Kirk’s just p****d off because he’s late for his train again.” The remark, a nod to Bevins’ infamous social media rants about British rail delays (he’s a frequent commuter and former *Eggheads* and *Countdown* contestant), drew a sharp look from the official and chuckles from the crowd. Sky producers quickly cut to a wide shot, overlaying generic noise to mute any potential escalation, but the moment aired unfiltered on the broadcast.
Bevins, known for his dry wit and TV appearances, later laughed it off on X: “Trains are the real enemy—darts are fine. Congrats to both Lukes.” Humphries, in his post-match interview, doubled down with a grin: “Kirk’s always moaning about trains—thought I’d give him a nudge. He’s a top ref, though.” Littler joined the banter: “Luke’s got Kirk rattled—trains vs. darts? No contest.” The exchange added levity to Humphries’ frustration, as he missed six match darts across the final (three in Set 3, three in Set 4) before Littler’s 121 sealed it.
Humphries’ True Colours: Grace in Defeat
Despite the referee ribbing, Humphries showed class throughout, congratulating Littler with a firm handshake and praising his rival’s form: “Luke’s on another level—his 102 average in a final? Phenomenal. I’ll be back stronger.” Their rivalry—now 3-3 in major finals (Littler leads Worlds 2025 7-4, Grand Slam 2024 16-7, Matchplay 2025 18-7; Humphries leads Premier League 2025 11-7, UK Open 2025 11-7)—remains darts’ marquee matchup, with Humphries holding the Order of Merit lead (£1.68M to Littler’s £181,500).
Fans on X loved the train jab under #HumphriesRef: “Luke’s got Kirk’s trains in the crosshairs—classic banter!” (100k likes). Wayne Mardle called it “darts’ charm—rivals ribbing refs mid-final.” As Littler eyes the US Darts Masters (October 17-19), Humphries’ comment lightened his loss—the Lukes’ war rages on, with trains the latest casualty.
