Luke Littler clinched the top spot on the Premier League Darts leaderboard after securing his fifth consecutive nightly victory, edging out fellow Englishman Luke Humphries in a thrilling 6-5 showdown at Night 13 in Aberdeen. The final was historic for the tournament, marking the first time this season that the two highest‑ranked players in the world met in a Premier League final. Humphries, who had not appeared in a final since Night Six in Nottingham, was eager to add another win to his résumé, but Littler proved too resilient.
Earlier in the night, Humphries had suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Jonny Clayton, a loss that allowed the 19‑year‑old prodigy to leapfrog him in the table. Despite facing a chorus of boos from a vocal crowd, Littler maintained his composure and captured his second straight nightly win, reinforcing his reputation as a cool‑headed competitor under pressure. The final got off to a spectacular start when Littler produced an 11‑dart leg, showcasing the precision that has become his trademark.
Both players exchanged high‑quality darts in the opening exchanges, each refusing to give the other any easy opportunities. Humphries managed to level the match at 2‑2 with a spectacular 130 checkout, then appeared to seize a crucial break of throw by completing a 10‑dart leg that put him ahead 4‑3. With a chance to close out the match, Littler held his throw and seemed just one leg away from victory.
However, Humphries could not finish the job, and Littler launched a remarkable comeback, winning three consecutive legs to turn the tide and ultimately secure a 6‑5 win. After the match, Littler told Sky Sports, "I always want to be on the top. Jonny [Clayton] may not be as concerned about the leaderboard, but I’m chasing that number and hoping to break my own record of six nightly wins from 2025." He added that his practice sessions had been going well and that he felt comfortable on stage, noting, "The crowd were okay tonight, but definitely not the loudest.
I think we need another Scottish player in the Premier League to bring the atmosphere up a little bit!" Looking ahead, Littler expressed excitement about the upcoming leg of the competition in Leeds, saying, "I can’t wait for Leeds next week." His optimism reflects a broader narrative in the league: a young talent rapidly ascending the ranks while seasoned veterans fight to stay in contention. Jonny Clayton, who fell 6‑2 to Gian van Veen in his quarter‑final, has already secured a place at the Finals Night at The O2 on May 28, joining Littler. Two further spots remain open, heightening the stakes for the remaining competitors. Van Veen’s impressive performance narrowed the gap between him and Michael van Gerwen, although both players now trail the Dutchman by two points with three nights left.
Van Gerwen himself suffered a 6‑3 defeat to Humphries in a pivotal quarter‑final, missing an opportunity to extend his lead over the chasing pack. Gerwyn Price, meanwhile, added two points to his tally by edging out Stephen Bunting 6‑5 in his quarter‑final.
Bunting, along with bottom‑of‑the‑table Josh Rock, appears increasingly unlikely to qualify for the season‑ending playoffs. Rock was soundly beaten 6‑3 by Littler in the opening match of the night, while the world No.
1 Michael van Gerwen delivered a dominant 6‑1 semi‑final victory over Price, marking his 15th win in his last 16 appearances against the Welshman. Sky Sports Darts analyst Wayne Mardle offered perspective on Littler’s meteoric rise: "Before the Premier League started, Littler had four wins in year one, six in year two, and it seemed he was heading for seven, eight, nine wins this season, but then his form stalled for a bit.
The way he handled the pressure over the last two weeks – especially that final – was extraordinary. He navigated every high‑pressure moment better than anyone else.
No one deals with stressful situations on a dartboard quite like Luke Littler right now, and that’s why he’s winning." Mardle also highlighted a key moment in the final, noting that when Humphries was up 5‑3, he missed a vital chance to close out the match. "If you have the throw to win a tournament or a night, you feel the weight of that opportunity. Littler simply decided not to give Humphries a chance to win," he said. "Humphries broke Littler in ten darts, but he didn’t capitalize because Littler’s brilliance shone through." The result leaves Littler three points ahead, a welcome boost that keeps his playoff hopes alive, though Humphries will be left to rue a night that could have swung the other way.
As the league progresses, fans can expect more nail‑biting finishes and shifting dynamics, with each night offering a fresh chance for the remaining players to close the gap. For those following the competition, the Premier League Darts schedule and table are available online, along with highlights, podcasts, and live streams via NOW. Sky Sports continues to provide comprehensive coverage, ensuring fans can keep up with every dart thrown until the final night in May.
The excitement surrounding the Premier League Darts remains high, with each match contributing to an ever‑tightening race for the coveted playoff spots. As the season heads into its final stretch, the battle for the top positions promises to deliver more drama, skill, and unforgettable moments for darts enthusiasts worldwide.