Luke Humphries produced a brilliant surge to defeat World Champion Luke Littler and clinch his maiden BetMGM Premier League title on a thrilling night at The O2, London on Thursday.
World number one Humphries was beaten by Littler in last year’s showpiece, but he avenged that result on his return to the capital, closing out an 11-8 victory to lift the iconic title.
The 30-year-old defied a 100.29 average and ten maximums from Littler to secure his second televised title of 2025, having also celebrated World Masters glory in February.
“Honestly, this title means the world to me,” reflected an emotional Humphries, who overturned 3-0 and 5-3 deficits to become the ninth player to join the illustrious Premier League roll of honour.
“This was the big title missing from my CV, and I’ve done it now. I’ve won three of the biggest titles in the sport.
“I’ve joined that exclusive club of Gary [Anderson], Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in winning the World Championship, World Matchplay and Premier League, which is a very proud moment.”
Humphries made a sluggish start to Thursday’s showpiece, but having trailed 3-0, a brilliant 130 checkout in leg six saw him restore parity at three apiece.
Littler responded with an 11-darter in leg eight to lead 5-3, although he was unable to pull away, missing darts in each of the next two legs as Humphries hit back once more to level.
The world number one then took control with legs of 11, 12 and 11 darts to move 8-6 ahead, and Littler was unable to recover.
The teenage superstar later missed a dart at double seven to reduce the deficit to 9-10, which prompted Humphries to step in and pin double ten to seal Premier League glory with a 14-darter.
“I love Luke to bits. He’s one of my best mates on tour. He’s so good,” Humphries continued.
“Luke wasn’t at his best tonight, but neither was I. Fortunately I managed to get in front of him, and I’m really, really pleased to win.
“I learnt a lot from last year. When it was 5-5 against Luke in last year’s final, I felt I was a bit negative.
“Tonight I was much more positive and in those last seven to eight legs, I was back to my best.”
Littler was bidding to join Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in becoming only the third player to retain the Premier League crown, but he was unable to go back-to-back on his return to The O2.
“Nobody likes losing, but I’ll be back next year,” insisted the Warrington wonderkid.
“It’s been a really tough 17 weeks, but I’ve set many records, and personally I don’t think they will be broken.
“I’m going to try and break my own records next year though, and I’m looking forward to having a little bit of a break now.”
Earlier in the night, Humphries overcame 2020 runner-up Nathan Aspinall in the semi-finals, averaging 105.81 and crashing in seven 180s to complete an impressive 10-7 success.
There was nothing to separate the pair for much of the contest, with a tenacious Aspinall converting 64, 86, 107 and 124 checkouts to threaten a famous victory.
However, Humphries turned on the style in the closing stages, reeling off three consecutive legs and sealing his progress with an 11-darter.
In the evening’s opening semi-final, Littler produced a terrific comeback to defeat 2023 runner-up Gerwyn Price 10-7.
Price had won six of the pair’s previous eight meetings, and the Welshman led 6-4 at the interval, producing a champagne 132 checkout along the way.
However, Littler hit back in devastating fashion, winning six of the last seven legs to triumph with a 104.64 average and six maximums.
Despite losing out in his bid for a maiden Premier League crown, Price’s hat-trick of nightly wins throughout the season boosted his £85,000 prize money to £115,000.
Aspinall, meanwhile, earned £105,000 following his nightly wins in Manchester and Aberdeen, after featuring in the Play-Offs for the first time since 2021.
Click here for match stats & results.
2025 BetMGM Premier League
Play-Offs, London, The O2
Thursday May 29
Semi-Finals
Luke Littler 10-7 Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries 10-7 Nathan Aspinall
Final
Luke Humphries 11-8 Luke Littler