Teenager Luke Littler Crowned World Masters Champion: A New Darting Legend?
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, 19-year-old Luke Littler emerged victorious at the World Masters, dethroning the highly-rated Luke Humphries. This triumph marks Littler's first World Masters title, elevating him to the ranks of the PDC era's most successful players. With 11 major PDC titles now under his belt, Littler is now tied with James Wade, and just a few steps behind the legendary Michael van Gerwen (48) and Phil Taylor (79).
The final match was a nail-biter, with Humphries, the world number two, putting up a fierce fight. Littler, however, showcased his prowess, averaging 104.72, just a fraction behind Humphries' 105.51. He secured a 3-1 lead, hitting a 121 finish, but Humphries refused to concede, leveling the match. The pressure was on, and Littler's ability to 'dig deep' proved decisive.
Humphries, despite his loss, praised Littler's performance, stating, 'You look back on the whole game. It's hard to pick holes in it. It's only the three at double top [he missed]. That's the pressure he puts you under. He has shown that through class. He never folds under pressure.'
Littler's journey to the top was not without challenges. In the semi-finals, he faced Gerwyn Price, a match that went down to the wire. Price missed a match dart, allowing Littler to up his game and secure a 5-4 victory. This win set the stage for the final, where Littler's consistency and focus were on full display.
The tournament's high-quality finale saw 25 maximums thrown, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Littler's determination paid off, as he sealed the £100,000 first prize with a crucial double 10, marking his first World Masters title. This victory leaves the European Championship as the only major PDC title yet to be won by the two-time world champion.
As the 2026 Premier League approaches, all eyes will be on Littler and Humphries, who will undoubtedly continue to dominate the darting world. The question remains: can Littler maintain his winning streak and cement his place as one of the greatest darts players of all time?
