Luke Littler marked another milestone in darts when he claimed his first Winmau World Masters title with a dramatic 6-5 victory over defending champion Luke Humphries in Milton Keynes.
Littler defeated Josh Lock in straight sets in the quarter-finals and then out-matched Gerwyn Price’s match darts in a thrilling final leg to reach his first final at Arena MK, where he entered another eventful match with Humphries.
The back-to-back world champion went 3-1, 4-3 without dropping a set against Humphries, who dispatched Danny Knoppert and Jan van Veen earlier in the day, but saw ‘Cool Hand’ fight back and lead the next two sets.
Sunday night, Luke Littler defeated Price and Humphries in a final set thriller
Littler responded by running through the final two sets on straight legs to cap off another impressive victory. The 19-year-old is just one European Championship away from winning all PDC titles in his historic career.
The world No. 1 averaged 104.72 points and hit a high of 13 in the frenetic final, which saw Littler take home the £100,000 top prize after defeating Humphries in the TV final at last season’s World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts.
How Littler beat Humphries’ thriller
Humphries squandered a chance to take the first set with straight legs and won the decider with a 66, but Littler fought back with a stunning 153 checkout to equalize.
After an 11-dart break, Littler advanced with a double-double finish of 78, posting consecutive 121 checkouts (one close at the top and one at the bullseye) to take a two-set advantage.
Littler and Humphries will both pursue further success in the Premier League, with the season set to open on Thursday and be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Nuke broke again early in the fifth, but missed a set dart on D14 to extend his lead to another 121 and 4-1, before Humphries held and scored five consecutive leg runs to swing the momentum back in his favor.
Littler fought back with a three-leg burst of his own, but missed a set dart and regained a two-set buffer. Humphries scored an 81 checkout to win the eighth set and threatened to defend his title with a held throw in the ninth set that put him just one leg away from victory.
Luke Humphries aims to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen to win back-to-back World Masters titles
Littler raced through the 10th set with just 25 darts, seizing the deciding opportunity and then capitalizing on Humphries’ failure to take out D4 to win the next two legs and claim his 11th PDC major title.
“When we went into the final break 5-4 down, I told myself there was nothing left, but I managed to dig deep,” Littler told ITV. “I was completely focused and got the job done. It was definitely strange and difficult at times, but that’s why we compete in every game, every leg. I got the win.”
“Me and Luke are our first majors of the year and I’m sure it will continue throughout the year.”
What else happened on Sunday?
In their quarterfinal wins over Locke and Knoppert, Humphries dropped just one leg and Littler dropped two, Price defeated Chris Doby 4-2 and Van Veen edged out James Wade by the same margin.
Littler’s eventful semi-final against Price saw the Welshman come back from a set down four times to take chances, with the Iceman breaking after a sloppy finish from Littler but missing a match dart at the top and finishing on 107 in the next match.
Gerwyn Price advances to the semi-finals for the first time in five years
The teenager snuck a win in the deciding leg, with Humphries easily passing Van Veen with an average of 107.8, winning 10 of the 12 legs before finishing runner-up to Littler.
“When I look back at the game (against Littler), it’s hard to find holes because it was such a great darts game,” Humphries said. “The only hole is the double top three and that’s the kind of pressure he puts on you.
“You’ve got to make those shots or you’re not going to win the game. If I can make that shot, chances are I’ll keep winning the game. He showed that true class. I told him at the end, I don’t think he has heart. He never buckles under pressure.”
“I try my best to put him down, but he never folds. It may be premature, but I think he’s the best darts player of all time.”
What’s next?
Premier League Darts will resume for the new season on Thursday, with Newcastle hosting the opening game of the 17-week schedule at venues across the UK, Ireland and Europe, with live coverage on Sky Sports.
Littler will face Van Veen on opening night. In a reenactment of the World Darts Championship final, either Johnny Clayton or Lock awaits the winner, while Humphries will face fellow former world champion Price and Michael van Gerwen will take on Stephen Bunting.
Sky Sports will continue to be the home of the Premier League in 2026, with exclusive live coverage of the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and more every night. Stream darts and other top sports without a contract.
