Luke Humphries has warned darts fans that Luke Littler could walk away from the sport if they continue to boo him. Littler broke down in tears after beating Humphries to win the Premier League on Thursday night, revealing his struggles with the crowd.
The 19-year-old said he told girlfriend Faith Millar that he considered throwing in the towel during difficult earlier weeks of the competition. “After Brighton and the incident in Manchester, I was sat at home saying to Faith: 'I don't want to do it anymore, just the crowd every week.' I said to her: 'I'm down bad',” Littler said.
Littler was booed by crowds during the 17-week competition after clashing with Gian van Veen in Manchester. His beaten rival Humphries urged fans to stop. “I think darts needs Luke Littler, Luke Littler doesn't need darts. That's the truth,” Humphries told SportsBoom. “I think everyone thinks he's a robot. He's not, he is a normal person, a good kid as well.”
Littler described the Premier League season as a “rollercoaster” and credited his family, friends and girlfriend for sticking by him. He wrote on Instagram: “This Premier League has been one of the toughest tests for me and wouldn't have this without everyone by my side. We did it.”
Humphries reflected on Littler's emotional outburst: “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.” Littler averaged 111.67 and threw 12 maximums to claim the trophy and £350,000 in prize money, avenging his 2025 final defeat by Humphries.
