Luke Humphries dethrones Luke Littler to clinch Premier League Darts crown

Luke Humphries dethroned rival Luke Littler to secure his first Premier League Darts title at The O2 in London on Thursday.

The world number one produced a timely late surge to seal an 11-8 victory in the final and dash Littler’s hopes of retaining the crown.

Humphries was beaten by Littler in last year’s final, but he avenged that result on his return to the capital to clinch a prestigious career Triple Crown.

The 30-year-old defied a 100.3 average and ten 180s from Littler to secure his second TV title of 2025, having also claimed World Masters glory in February.

“Honestly, this title means the world to me,” reflected an emotional Humphries, who overturned 3-0 and 5-3 deficits to become the ninth player to join the Premier League roll of honour.

“This was the big title missing from my CV, and I’ve done it now. I’ve won three of the biggest titles in the sport.

“I’ve joined that exclusive club of Gary [Anderson], Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in winning the World Championship, World Matchplay and Premier League, which is a very proud moment.”

Humphries made a sluggish start to the final, but having trailed 3-0, a brilliant 130 checkout in leg six saw him restore parity at three apiece.

Littler responded with an 11-darter in leg eight to lead 5-3, though he was unable to pull clear, missing darts in each of the next two legs as Humphries hit back once more to draw level.

The 2024 World Champion then took control with legs of 11, 12 and 11 darts to move 8-6 ahead, and Littler was unable to recover, missing a dart at double seven to reduce the deficit to 10-9, which prompted Humphries to step in and pin double ten to seal glory with a 14-darter.

“I love Luke to bits. He’s one of my best mates on tour. He’s so good,” Humphries added.

“Luke wasn’t at his best tonight, but neither was I. Fortunately I managed to get in front of him, and I’m really, really pleased to win.

“I learnt a lot from last year. When it was 5-5 against Luke in last year’s final, I felt I was a bit negative.

“Tonight I was much more positive and in those last seven to eight legs, I was back to my best.”

Littler was bidding to join Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in becoming only the third player to retain the Premier League title, but he was unable to go back-to-back on his return to The O2.

“Nobody likes losing, but I’ll be back next year,” insisted Littler.

“It’s been a really tough 17 weeks, but I’ve set many records, and personally I don’t think they will be broken.

“I’m going to try and break my own records next year though, and I’m looking forward to having a little bit of a break now.”

Earlier in the night, Humphries overcame 2020 runner-up Nathan Aspinall in the semi-finals, averaging 105.8 and crashing in seven 180s to complete an impressive 10-7 success.

There was nothing to separate the pair for much of the contest, with a tenacious Aspinall landing checkouts of 64, 86, 107 and 124 to threaten a famous victory.

However, Humphries turned on the style in the closing stages, reeling off three consecutive legs and sealing his progress with an 11-darter.

In the evening’s opening semi-final, Littler produced a terrific comeback to defeat 2023 runner-up Gerwyn Price 10-7.

Price had won six of the pair’s previous eight meetings, and the Welshman led 6-4 at the interval, producing a champagne 132 checkout along the way.

However, Littler hit back in devastating fashion, winning six of the last seven legs to triumph with a 104.6 average and six 180s.

Humphries scoops the £275,000 top prize, in addition to £30,000 in nightly win bonuses, while Littler pockets £125,000 alongside a further £60,000 in nightly win bonuses.

Premier League Darts 2025 Play-Offs Results

Thursday May 29

Semi-Finals
Luke Littler 10-7 Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries 10-7 Nathan Aspinall

Final
Luke Humphries 11-8 Luke Littler