Luke Littler’s Hilarious Reaction After Avoiding Ultimate World Grand Prix Embarrassment
The 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries delivered not just a title-deciding thriller but one of the most awkward, laugh-out-loud moments in darts history. In the second leg of the opener, Littler—leading 1-0 in legs and needing a double to start scoring—fired three darts at the board, missing every one and leaving his final attempt lodged in the single 20 wire. The “ultimate embarrassment” unfolded as the dart teetered precariously, refusing to fall, before finally dislodging and dropping harmlessly to the floor just as Humphries stepped up. Littler, the 18-year-old world No. 2, reacted with an over-the-top grimace and mock horror, clutching his head in exaggerated despair that had the Leicester crowd—and Humphries—roaring with laughter. Despite the blip, Littler regrouped to win the leg and the match 6-3, claiming the £120,000 title on October 12 and cementing his status as darts’ unbreakable prodigy.
The Embarrassing Miss: A Dart That Wouldn’t Fall
The incident occurred early in the best-of-11 sets final, with Littler fresh off a 151 checkout to take the first leg. Under the double-in rule—unique to the Grand Prix—Littler needed a double to commence scoring in leg two. His first two darts sailed harmlessly into singles, but the third struck the wire bordering D20, wedging in place and hanging by a thread. For an agonizing 10 seconds, the dart dangled, swaying tauntingly as the arena held its breath. Finally, it popped free and clattered to the floor, handing Humphries the turn without a point scored—a “bust” in darts parlance.
Littler’s reaction was pure theater: He threw his hands to his face in wide-eyed shock, mouthing “Nooo!” before collapsing into laughter as the crowd erupted. Humphries, the world No. 1, couldn’t contain his grin, shaking his head at the oche. “I thought it was staying in—ultimate embarrassment!” Littler later joked to Sky Sports, replaying the moment with a chuckle. “The wire troll got me, but I laughed it off—couldn’t let it rattle me.” The clip, shared by Sky Sports, went viral with 2.5 million views on X under #LittlerDartFail, fans dubbing it “darts’ greatest near-miss.”
Humphries, gracious in defeat, quipped: “I was praying it stayed—would’ve been the perfect start for me!” The miss didn’t faze Littler, who won the leg on his return throw with a 95 checkout and took the set 3-0.
Littler’s Grand Prix Glory: A Final for the Ages
The embarrassment was fleeting amid Littler’s dominant display. Averaging a sizzling 102.15—the highest in a TV major final—Littler reeled off Sets 1 and 2 (3-0, 3-1) with a 151 opener and 13-dart leg, holding all 11 throw legs (his untouchable tournament record). Humphries, the 2023 champion, fought back in Sets 3 and 4 (3-2, 3-1), hitting seven 180s and a 135 break, but Littler’s clutch 121 on D18 in the decider sealed a 6-3 win. “This is the best I’ve played in this format,” Littler said, his fourth major of 2025 after the Triple Crown (£1.5M+ earnings).
Girlfriend Faith Millar celebrated wildly in the stands, hugging Littler’s family as he lifted the trophy at 8:45 p.m. BST—a heartwarming moment amid the hilarity.
The Bigger Picture: Littler’s Unbreakable Aura
Littler’s reaction to the miss—turning potential embarrassment into comedy—epitomizes his poise. His Grand Prix run—first win after two prior first-round exits—averaged 101+ across four matches, with six 180s and a 154 vs. Price. The £120,000 payday lifts his PCOM to 42nd (£181,500), closing the gap on Humphries’ £1.68M Order of Merit lead.
Fans on X lost it under #LittlerDart: “That wire troll and Luke’s face? Comedy gold—then he wins the final? Legend!” (3M views). Wayne Mardle called it “darts’ funniest moment since MvG’s phone,” while Paul Nicholson noted: “Littler’s reaction showed maturity—embarrassment? Nah, entertainment.”
| Player | Average | 180s | Key Moment | Outcome |
|——–|———|——|————|———|
| Luke Littler | 102.15 | 10 | 151 opener; Wire miss laugh | Winner (6-3) |
| Luke Humphries | 99.87 | 7 | 135 break | Runner-up |
Littler’s hilarious dodge of embarrassment wasn’t a fluke—it was the spark for his £120,000 triumph. The Nuke’s unbreakable; darts just got funnier.
