World number one Luke Humphries was crowned the 2025 BetMGM Premier League champion after defeating last year’s winner, Luke Littler, 11–8 in front of 14,000 fans at London’s O2 Arena.
After the heartbreak of last year’s final loss to Littler, Cool Hand finally added the trophy he craved to his growing collection, emerging as the last man standing after a dramatic evening of tungsten-fuelled theatre. Many had predicted a Luke Derby final, and that’s exactly what they got – but only after both were pushed to their absolute limits in a pair of semi-finals, which they each came through 10–7.
The Nuke was the first to book his spot in the final, eventually overcoming Gerwyn Price to kick off the night. When Littler’s on fire, he only seems to operate at two speeds: sound and light. However, in the opening session against the Welshman, he was far off Mach I. Price, on the other hand was superb,, punished him early on and took a 6–4 lead into the interval thanks to his superiority on the doubles.
But darts – much like a dodgy kebab – can turn on you quickly. After the break, it was clear that Littler had found whatever gear he’d been missing – and then some. The Littler Express came roaring through and raced past the Iceman to go 8–7 up. Fast forward about five minutes, and it was game over. A match of two halves, if ever there was one. Price had been excellent, but Littler, after the interval, was borderline unplayable.
On to the second semi-final, and more of the same. Ten legs in, and nothing could separate them. Humphries, clearly trying to shake him off, found it easier said than done. Nathan Aspinall remains one of the most tenacious players in the sport – the kind of bloke who clings on like a randy Jack Russell. But the turning point came at 7–7, when Cool Hand finally broke free and reeled off the three decisive legs to book his place in the final.
It’s been a rough couple of years for the Stockport ace – plagued by injuries, more jabs than the Russian Olympic team and pumped so full of pain relief he could pass as a walking pharmacy – but he can leave London with his head held high.
And so, for the sixth time this Premier League season, the top two ranked players on the planet went head-to-head. Given their brilliance, it’s fair to say the opening session of the final was underwhelming, considering the high standards they had set themselves.
Littler stormed into a 3–0 lead and looked like he was in a rush to get back to his game of FIFA. No such luck, as the elder of the Lukes found his footing and brought the contest back to parity. It was then a case of you win two, I’ll win two, which took us into the interval nicely balanced at 5–5.
During the break, it seemed like someone reminded them just how good they were, and suddenly, they were firing on all cylinders. The averages climbed, the pace quickened, and the O2 woke up. A crucial early break from Humphries gave him the edge – and from there, the two traded holds in a nervy but high-quality contest.
Eventually, it reached the stage where Humphries led 10–8, and Littler had to hold, break, and hold again – or the crown would be passed over. The teenager was unable to do so, and a brilliant final leg against the darts sealed the deal and, with it, the magical triple crown: World Championship, World Matchplay, and now the Premier League title.
After the match, an ecstatic Humphries said: “That was the one that was missing. It means the world.”
This is a rivalry still in its infancy. There are many more chapters to be written – but for tonight, the story belongs to Luke Humphries.
RESULTS
Semi-Finals
Luke Littler 10-7 Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries 10-7 Nathan Aspinall
Final
Luke Littler 8-11 Luke Humphries
—–ENDS—–
Image Simon O’Connor / PDC
