“One of the best Premier League finals of all time” – Emma Paton hails Littler-Humphries O2 Arena epic

Luke Littler and Luke Humphries have already established themselves as the defining rivalry of modern darts. After their latest showdown at London’s O2 Arena, there is a growing belief they may also have produced the greatest Premier League Darts final ever seen.

Littler reclaimed the Premier League crown with a dramatic 11-10 victory over Humphries, capping off the 2026 campaign with a contest that delivered elite quality from start to finish. The teenage sensation averaged a remarkable 111.67 and crashed in 14 maximums, while Humphries responded with a 105.60 average and a barrage of huge finishes that kept the title race alive until the final dart.

For Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton, the final instantly entered the conversation among the competition’s greatest matches.

“It’s got to be up there as one of the best Premier League finals of all time,” Paton said on the Love The Darts podcast.

“The level we saw here was unbelievably high.”

The Premier League has produced plenty of memorable finals over the years, but commentator Stuart Pyke believes this clash stood above the rest because of the combination of drama, pressure and relentless quality.

“When you look back, Gary Anderson winning his first title was special, and Michael van Gerwen beating Phil Taylor was hugely significant,” said Pyke.

“There was heartbreak for Peter Wright and Joe Cullen after they missed match darts in finals, but for sheer drama and quality throughout the match, this has to be the best.”

Humphries appeared to seize control before the break. The defending champion produced a stunning spell, taking out 134, 112 and 121 in consecutive legs to establish a 6-3 lead.

Yet every time Humphries threatened to pull away, Littler responded.

The world No.1 stayed within touching distance with an 81 checkout in an 11-dart leg before levelling the contest at 7-7 with an 84 finish for another 11-darter.

As the tension rose, so did the standard. Littler then fired seven perfect darts in pursuit of a nine-darter before breaking throw with a blistering 10-dart leg to move within one leg of the title at 10-9.

Even then, Humphries refused to surrender.

After Littler narrowly missed a match dart at double 20, Humphries punished the mistake by taking out 68 in two darts to force a deciding leg.

With the throw in the final leg, Humphries looked well placed to complete a remarkable escape. But after failing to leave a finish from 156, Littler stepped in and calmly pinned tops to complete a 54 checkout and seal the championship.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge was equally emphatic in his praise.

The broadcaster acknowledged that Littler and Humphries have produced so many high-quality encounters that comparing them is becoming increasingly difficult, but he had no hesitation when it came to ranking this final.

“They play each other all the time and perhaps they’ve even had better matches in other tournaments,” Bridge said.

“But if we’re talking specifically about Premier League finals, then in terms of standard this was absolutely sensational. It’s the best Premier League final I’ve ever seen.”

Their rivalry has now delivered three unforgettable Premier League finals in as many years.

Littler triumphed in 2024, famously hitting a nine-darter during the contest. Humphries gained revenge in 2025. This year’s edition went all the way to a deciding leg, adding another chapter to what is quickly becoming one of darts’ greatest rivalries.

Both men had already come through dramatic semi-finals before reaching the final. Littler survived a stunning fightback from Gerwyn Price to win 10-9 after leading 9-4, while Humphries edged past Jonny Clayton by the same scoreline after surviving a match dart.

By the time they met for the title, both had already been pushed to their limits. Somehow, they still found another level.

The argument for this final being the greatest is not based solely on its dramatic conclusion. It had everything: world-class averages, relentless scoring, huge checkouts, a missed match dart, a deciding leg and two players refusing to allow the pressure of the occasion to affect their standards.

For Littler, the victory secured a second Premier League title and placed him alongside Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson as only the fourth player to win the competition more than once.

For Humphries, defeat was painful, but it further underlined his role in a rivalry that is currently setting the benchmark for elite darts.

Debates over the greatest Premier League final of all time will continue. But after 21 breathtaking legs between the sport’s two biggest stars, many believe the standard has now been set.

The Premier League may have found its new gold standard.