In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Luke Humphries emerged victorious in the Night 14 final of Premier League Darts, defeating his great rival Luke Littler 6-5 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on May 8, 2025. This victory marked Humphries' second consecutive win in Leeds and ended a 10-week wait for a Premier League nightly victory.
Humphries, the world number one, showcased his talent by coming back from a 2-0 deficit in the match. Wearing a Leeds United-inspired shirt, he was buoyed by the recent promotion of his beloved football team back to the Premier League. The atmosphere was electric as fans celebrated both the darts and the football team's success, following their dramatic 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle that secured them the Championship title.
The match was a nail-biter, with both players exchanging leads throughout. Littler, who is just 18 years old, started strong, taking an early 2-0 lead after hitting a 140 and finishing with a double 19. However, Humphries quickly found his rhythm, winning three consecutive legs to take a 3-2 lead. The contest saw both players displaying their prowess, with Humphries hitting four 180s and averaging 100.96, while Littler kept pace with an impressive average of 99.89.
As the match progressed, Littler fought back, tying the game at 5-5, pushing it to a final-leg decider. In a dramatic finish, both players missed crucial darts for 100-plus checkouts, but it was Humphries who maintained his composure, hitting double 10 to seal the victory and secure his place in the upcoming Play-Offs.
“When you know you're playing against Luke Littler, you know you're not going to get away with mid-game performances. You need to be at your best to beat him,” Humphries told Sky Sports after the match. “We weren't at our best, but it was a decent final, and I do seem to raise my performance against him.”
Humphries' victory not only solidified his status as a top contender in the Premier League but also added another layer of significance as he celebrated the win in a city that holds a special place in his heart. “It is extra special to win in Leeds. I feel at home here,” he continued. “I won here last year, and it gave me extra confidence for the finals night and hopefully it does again.”
Earlier in the evening, Humphries defeated Stephen Bunting 6-4 in the semi-finals, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. He had previously secured his spot in the finals night at the O2 Arena on May 29, 2025, with a quarter-final win over Michael van Gerwen.
Meanwhile, Littler, who had been on a hot streak, reached his eighth final of the season after overcoming Gerwyn Price 6-3 in the semi-finals. The defending champion had a strong showing, coming back from a 2-0 deficit against Price to secure his place in the final.
The competition remains fierce, with the Premier League table showing Littler leading with 38 points, followed by Humphries with 31 and Gerwyn Price with 24. The upcoming matches are crucial as players vie for the top four spots to qualify for the Play-Offs.
Looking ahead, the Premier League Darts will continue in Aberdeen on May 15, 2025, where the matchups are set to be exciting. Michael van Gerwen will face Nathan Aspinall in a pivotal clash, while Humphries will once again meet Littler, promising another thrilling encounter.
As the competition heats up, the stakes are high. Van Gerwen and Aspinall, currently in fourth and fifth place respectively, will be looking to capitalize on their opportunities to secure their spots in the Play-Offs. Only one point separates the two, making their upcoming match a potential turning point in the race for the final positions.
With the atmosphere in Leeds still buzzing from Humphries' victory and the football team's promotion, fans are eager for the next round of matches. The excitement surrounding the Premier League Darts continues to grow as players prepare for the final weeks of the season.
In conclusion, Luke Humphries' thrilling win over Luke Littler not only marked a significant moment in his career but also kept the celebrations alive in Leeds. As he aims for the elusive Premier League crown, all eyes will be on him and his competitors as they head into the final stretch of the tournament.
