During the Premier League Darts quarter-final in Aberdeen on May 15, 2025, Luke Littler’s cheeky showboating against Luke Humphries left commentator Wayne Mardle stunned, prompting him to question, “Why do that?” Trailing 2-1, Littler seized the moment after Humphries missed a 170 checkout (“big fish”) by failing to hit the bullseye following two treble 20s. Despite not being on a finish himself with 204 remaining, Littler audaciously hit two treble 20s and the bullseye, leaving 34 (double 17). This playful taunt, executed with a cheeky glance at the camera, fooled even the camera operators and drew gasps from the crowd. Mardle’s incredulous remark captured the moment’s audacity, reflecting both Littler’s confidence and the crowd’s disbelief, with fans on X calling it “outrageous” and “unreal peacockery.”[](
Humphries, unfazed, completed his next finish, and the two shared a knowing handshake, highlighting their mutual respect. Littler’s antics didn’t derail his performance; he won 6-3 with a stellar 115.96 average, securing the top spot in the Premier League table. The 170 stunt, while risky, showcased Littler’s flair and mental edge, with one fan noting, “He’s too good,” echoing the sentiment of his dominance. However, Mardle’s question also hinted at the potential recklessness of such theatrics in a high-stakes match, especially against the world No. 1. Littler’s ability to back up his bravado with a victory underscored his unique blend of skill and showmanship, though it risked provoking a seasoned rival like Humphries, who hit nine 180s in the match.[
This moment added to the narrative of their rivalry, with Littler later expressing excitement about teaming up with Humphries for the World Cup of Darts, captioning an Instagram post, “Dream team confirmed.” Despite the loss, Humphries’ resilience and their post-match camaraderie suggest the incident was taken in stride, but Mardle’s reaction highlighted the fine line between confidence and overconfidence in elite competition.
