Luke Littler Praised as 'Greatest Darts Player' Following World Masters Victory
Luke Humphries described Luke Littler as "the greatest darts player who has ever lived" after the 19-year-old secured his first World Masters title, elevating him to joint-third on the list of most successful players in the PDC era.
Littler defeated world number two Humphries 6-5, bringing his total major PDC titles to 11. This achievement places him level with James Wade and behind only Michael van Gerwen, who has 48 titles, and Phil Taylor, who leads with 79.
Final Match Highlights and Player Reactions
Following the final, Humphries shared his admiration for Littler's performance during an ITV4 interview:
"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.
I think he's the greatest darts player who has ever lived."
Littler's victory came after a compelling semi-final win against Gerwyn Price, where he triumphed 5-4 in a closely contested match. This win leaves the European Championship as the only major televised PDC title not yet claimed by the two-time world champion.
Match Details and Statistics
The final was a high-caliber contest featuring 25 maximum 180s, with the lead exchanging hands multiple times. Littler ultimately clinched the title by hitting his favored double 10 to secure the £100,000 first prize.
After Price missed a match dart in the semi-final, Littler elevated his game from the outset. A remarkable 153 checkout set the tone against Humphries, who entered the final on the back of a dominant 5-0 semi-final victory over Gian van Veen. Humphries maintained his form by taking the opening set.
Throughout the final, Littler averaged 104.72 compared to Humphries' 105.51. Littler surged to a 3-1 lead, including a notable 121 finish. However, Humphries fought back, refusing to relinquish the title he secured the previous year, and leveled the match.
When the score was 3-1 in favor of the world champion, Humphries produced 10- and 13-dart legs to equalize. Littler missed three darts to move ahead 5-3, allowing Humphries to capitalize and level the match once more. Humphries then recorded his first 100-plus checkout of the final, positioning himself one set away from retaining the title.
Players' Reflections on the Final Stages
Humphries admitted to feeling drained but managed to persevere:
"I'm shattered, absolutely knackered. Going into the last break at 5-4 [down], I said I have nothing left, absolutely nothing, but I just managed to dig deep."
Littler reflected on his focus and determination:
"I was fully focussed and managed to get the job done. It has been a weird week and tough at times but this is why we battle every game and every leg, and I've come out victorious.
It has been me and Luke in the first major of the year and I'm sure it will continue."
Littler's resurgence after the final break proved decisive. He won legs in 13 and 12 darts to force a deciding set. Securing a break of throw in the first leg of the final set gave Littler control, which he maintained to close out the match with a single dart at double 10, earning his inaugural World Masters title.
Upcoming Events and Player Participation
All four semi-finalists from the tournament are set to compete in the 2026 Premier League, which commences in Newcastle on Thursday.
Recent Match Results
- Luke Littler 6-5 Luke Humphries
- Luke Humphries 5-0 Gian van Veen
- Luke Humphries 4-0 Danny Noppert
