Luke Humphries has issued a caution to darts enthusiasts, suggesting that Luke Littler might opt to leave the sport if they persist in booing him. Littler, who triumphed over Humphries to secure the Premier League title on Thursday night, tearfully disclosed his challenges with the audience. The 19-year-old confided in his girlfriend, Faith Millar, revealing his contemplation of quitting during the tournament’s demanding early stages.
Expressing his emotional turmoil, Littler recounted, “After Brighton and the incident in Manchester, I was at home telling Faith: ‘I don’t want to do it anymore, facing the crowd every week.’ ‘I’m down bad,’ I confessed to her.”
Throughout the 17-week competition, Littler faced boos from the audience following a clash with Gian van Veen in Manchester. The negative reception significantly impacted him, leading his defeated opponent, Humphries, to appeal to fans to desist.
Humphries emphasized the significance of Littler to the darts community, stating, “I think darts needs Luke Littler, Luke Littler doesn’t need darts. That’s the truth.” He shed light on Littler’s humanity, recognizing him as a genuine and talented individual striving to showcase his true self.
Describing the Premier League season as a “rollercoaster,” Littler acknowledged the unwavering support of his loved ones and girlfriend in a heartfelt Instagram post. After clinching victory against Humphries with a double 20 finish, Littler expressed his emotions, shedding tears during his post-match interview.
Reflecting on the emotional moment, Humphries remarked, “What he said there would have been emotion. We never put the darts down because you’re not going to do that. This is the reason why he is here, because he’s such a great darts player.” He empathized with Littler’s plight, having experienced similar challenges himself, emphasizing the toll of negative crowd reactions on a player’s psyche.
Accompanied by his family, girlfriend Faith, and friend Angry Ginge, Littler conquered The O2 in London, averaging 111.67 and securing 12 maximums to claim the championship title and a substantial prize of £350,000. This victory avenged his previous final defeat against Humphries in 2025.
By achieving this feat, the world No.1 has entered the elite ranks of darts legends such as Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson, becoming a multiple-time winner of the prestigious Premier League, following his triumph in 2024.