Luke Littler faced a challenging atmosphere during Premier League Darts night 14 on May 8, 2025, at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, where he was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd. The 18-year-old, an avid Manchester United supporter, was not welcomed warmly in a city celebrating the promotion of its local football club, Leeds United. Despite the hostile reception, Littler showcased his talent by defeating Nathan Aspinall 6-4 in the quarter-finals and Gerwyn Price 6-3 in the semi-finals.
However, the night ended in disappointment for Littler as he lost 6-5 to fellow competitor Luke Humphries in a gripping final. Humphries, a Leeds supporter, received overwhelming support from the crowd, which further complicated Littler's efforts to secure a victory. The match was intense, with Humphries clinching the win in a final-leg decider after Littler missed a crucial shot at bullseye.
During his quarter-final match against Aspinall, Littler made headlines by responding to heckles from the crowd with a playful "cry-baby" gesture, which only intensified the boos directed at him. Despite the negative reception, he managed to maintain his composure and focus on the game, showing the poise of a seasoned competitor.
After the match, Littler took to social media to reflect on his performance, posting several photographs with the caption, "Wanna get the win when you make a final, especially when it comes to a last leg decider, but another 3 points towards my total for the prem season." His statement highlighted his determination to keep pushing forward in the Premier League standings, where he currently leads with 38 points.
Humphries, who had previously defeated Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in the quarter-finals, expressed his delight at winning in Leeds. "It is extra special to win in Leeds. I feel at home here, I know it isn’t my hometown but it does feel extra special. I won here last year and it gave me extra confidence for the finals night and hopefully it does again - and I can get that elusive Premier League crown that I’ve always dreamed of," he told Sky Sports.
As the Premier League season progresses, Littler's performance remains impressive. He became the youngest-ever world champion earlier in January and is keen on breaking the points record before the season concludes. The play-offs are set to take place at London's O2 Arena on May 29, 2025, and Littler is determined to defend his title.
Despite the ups and downs of the night, Littler's journey in the Premier League has been remarkable. He has shown resilience in the face of adversity and continues to be a prominent figure in the darts community. His ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as he heads into the final weeks of the tournament.
Humphries' victory at the First Direct Arena not only solidified his place in the playoffs but also served as a reminder of the intense rivalry and excitement that the Premier League Darts brings. With the final matches approaching, fans can expect thrilling performances as players vie for the championship title.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Littler and Humphries, who have both proven their capabilities on the big stage. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for both players as they aim to secure their legacies in the sport.
