In the thrilling world of Premier League Darts, Luke Humphries recently made headlines by asserting that Luke Littler remains the top player to beat in the 2025 season. Humphries passionately described Littler’s recent match against the legendary Michael van Gerwen as “one of the best games” in the history of the Premier League. This claim came after Humphries secured a resounding victory over Chris Dobey with a stunning 6-1 win during the opening night of the 2025 Premier League Darts in Belfast. Just four days prior, Humphries clinched the Winmau World Masters title, showcasing a triumphant return to form.
## A Rivalry Ignites: Humphries vs. Littler
Since ascending to the title of world champion a month ago, Littler has faced setbacks at recent events, failing to reach the final at the two World Series events, the World Masters, and notably succumbing to van Gerwen in a fiercely contested Premier League match. Humphries, in awe of Littler’s exceptional performance, lauded him as one of the greatest darts players he has encountered throughout his career. The seasoned player acknowledged the immense talent of the young prodigy, emphasizing Littler’s remarkable skill in navigating the dartboard with unmatched precision and speed.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Humphries drew parallels between Littler’s journey and his own, highlighting the challenges of maintaining supremacy in the realm of darts. As the defending world champion, Littler has inevitably become a target for his competitors, a status that Humphries understands all too well. The seasoned player emphasized the relentless pursuit of excellence required to compete at the highest level, recognizing Littler’s unparalleled prowess while remaining confident in his own abilities to secure victories on the grand stage.
## The Unyielding Spirit of Competition
In the backdrop of their shared dominance in 2024, with both players clinching a total of six major PDC titles, Humphries and Littler currently occupy the top spots in the Order of Merit. Despite van Gerwen ranking third in the standings, the seasoned player did not secure a title last year, setting the stage for an intense showdown in the 2025 Premier League Darts. Humphries reiterated his admiration for Littler’s exceptional performance, acknowledging the pressure that comes with being the reigning world champion and the relentless pursuit of victory that defines the competitive landscape of professional darts.
In a thrilling turn of events on the opening night of the Premier League Darts, Humphries’ victory over Dobey nearly paled in comparison to van Gerwen’s epic quarter-final triumph over Littler. The young prodigy displayed exceptional skill, averaging an impressive 113.91 – marking the second-highest losing average in Premier League Darts history – against van Gerwen’s formidable 105.91. Despite the intense competition and the challenges faced by Littler, Humphries expressed his anticipation for future encounters with the rising star, emphasizing the need to bring his A-game to each match to stay competitive in the fierce world of darts.
## Navigating the Hardest Premier League
Looking ahead to the upcoming weeks of the Premier League Darts season, Humphries acknowledged the formidable lineup of competitors and the intense battles that lay ahead. Reflecting on the level of competition in the current season, the seasoned player emphasized the exceptional talent of players like Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Price, Rob Cross, and Chris Dobey, highlighting the tough competition that awaits in the coming weeks. With the top four players in the league set to battle it out in the Play-Offs for the coveted title, Humphries remains optimistic about his chances while acknowledging the steep challenges that lie ahead in the rigorous world of professional darts.
As the Premier League Darts season unfolds, fans can expect an exhilarating display of skill, precision, and unwavering determination from the top players in the sport. With each match unfolding as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the unyielding spirit of competition, the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling showcase of darts mastery at its finest.
