‘Greatest Ever’: Littler praised after world masters triumph

Luke Littler was hailed as “the greatest darts player who has ever lived” by beaten finalist Luke Humphries after the teenage sensation secured his maiden World Masters title with a dramatic 6-5 victory, Sport360NG reports.

The 19-year-old two-time world champion produced a composed display under intense pressure to overcome the world number two and lift the £100,000 top prize, moving on to 11 major PDC titles. That haul places him joint-third on the all-time list in the PDC era alongside James Wade, with only Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor ahead of him.

Humphries, who narrowly missed out on defending the title he won last year, paid glowing tribute to his opponent after an absorbing final.

“When you look back at the whole game, it’s hard to pick holes in it,” Humphries told ITV4. “It’s the pressure he puts you under. He never folds under pressure. I think he’s the greatest darts player who has ever lived.”

The final was a showcase of elite-level darts, with both players trading blows throughout a high-quality contest that featured 25 maximums and repeated shifts in momentum. Littler eventually sealed victory on his favoured double 10 in a deciding set.

Earlier, Littler had reached the final after edging past Gerwyn Price 5-4 in a pulsating semi-final, while Humphries booked his place with a dominant 5-0 win over Gian van Veen.

Littler signalled his intent early in the final with a superb 153 checkout, although Humphries responded by taking the opening set. The teenager then surged into a 3-1 lead, highlighted by a clinical 121 finish, before Humphries mounted a determined comeback to draw level.

Despite averaging 104.72 to Humphries’ 105.51, Littler found the crucial moments when it mattered most. He missed opportunities to extend his advantage at 4-3, allowing Humphries to move to the brink of retaining his crown, but dug deep to force a decider with 13- and 12-dart legs.

A vital break of throw in the opening leg of the final set proved decisive. Littler maintained his composure and required just one dart at double 10 to clinch his first World Masters title.

“I was absolutely shattered,” Littler admitted. “Going into the last break, I felt I had nothing left, but I managed to dig deep. I stayed focused and got the job done. It’s been a tough week at times, but this is why we fight for every leg.”

The victory means the European Championship is now the only major televised PDC title yet to be won by Littler.

All four semi-finalists will return to action when the 2026 Premier League season gets under way in Newcastle on Thursday.

World Masters results

Final

Luke Littler 6-5 Luke Humphries

Semi-finals

Luke Littler 5-4 Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries 5-0 Gian van Veen

Quarter-finals

Gerwyn Price 4-2 Chris Dobey
Luke Littler 4-0 Josh Rock
Gian van Veen 4-2 James Wade
Luke Humphries 4-0 Danny Noppert