Luke Littler, the rising star of Premier League Darts, light‑heartedly suggested that the league could use another Scottish player to boost the atmosphere after encountering a notably subdued crowd in Aberdeen. The comment came on the heels of his dramatic Night 13 victory, where he edged out Luke Humphries 6‑5 in a tightly contested final. The 19‑year‑old world champion delivered a stellar performance, rallying from a deficit to claim the win, yet he was greeted with the familiar chorus of boos and jeers that have peppered his Premier League campaign this season.
Despite the vocal opposition, Littler remained upbeat and composed, focusing on the broader picture as his triumph propelled him back to the summit of the league standings, overtaking Johnny Clayton with three fixtures remaining before the climactic showdown at the O2 on May 28, broadcast live on Sky Sports. "I was definitely relaxed tonight," Littler told reporters after the match. "The crowd was a bit flat, I think everyone noticed that, but another win is another win and I just take it as it comes." He went on to reflect on recent venues, recalling that a previous event in Rotterdam had provided the loudest crowd he had ever faced, a challenge he had successfully navigated.
"That was the loudest crowd I've ever played in front of and I got past it, won a few games, lost in the final. Now we can just focus on the O2," he added, emphasizing his forward‑looking mindset. In the immediate post‑match interview, Littler injected a dose of humor, 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!" The quip highlighted his good‑natured attitude toward the occasional lack of enthusiasm from some spectators, while also subtly expressing a desire for a broader Scottish representation in the league. Littler's victory on Night 13 marks yet another milestone in a remarkable run of form. Over the past three weeks, he has reached the final of every Premier League event, underscoring his consistency and competitive edge. His recent performances have cemented his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure, a trait that has been praised by pundits and fellow competitors alike.
"You always do the hard work in the early stages and then the final you kind of relax a bit. And yeah, obviously I've got a very good record in the Premier League," Littler said.
"I want to get my hands back on the trophy, but I just have to focus on the semi‑final when it comes around." He also offered generous praise for his opponent, Luke Humphries, who had enjoyed a resurgence earlier in the night with important victories over Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen before ultimately succumbing to Littler's late surge. "Luke needed that win tonight.
Even the win against Michael was crucial for him. He's slowed his throw down just a touch, and it was flowing," Littler observed. "His worst leg was the final leg, and I just took full advantage. I hope he can bounce back in Leeds and win on his home ground." Former professional Wayne Mardle, now a Sky Sports Darts analyst, weighed in on Littler's recent form.
"Before the Premier League started, Littler had four wins in year one, six in year two, and it looked like he was heading for seven, eight, nine here, but then it stalled a bit. The way he's dealt with it the last two weeks – that final was not a cruise, it was a hard game," Mardle noted.
"He gets through all the pressure moments better than anyone else. That's the difference.
No one handles stressful situations on a dartboard better than Luke Littler right now. That's why he wins." Mardle highlighted a pivotal moment when Littler surged ahead 5‑3 in the final, describing it as a missed opportunity for Humphries. "When you're up 5‑3, you feel the chance to close it out.
Littler decided 'I'm not going to give you a chance to win.'" He continued, "Humphries broke Littler in ten darts, but he didn't capitalize afterwards because of Littler's brilliance." The analyst concluded that Littler's win not only added three valuable points to his tally but also positioned him better for a potential Play‑Offs berth, even as Humphries faced a disappointing night. Looking ahead, the Premier League Darts season will continue each Thursday until the final on May 28, with every night offering the possibility of surprise upsets and dramatic finishes. Fans can stream the action via NOW, catch highlights and analysis on Sky Sports, or listen to the "Love the Darts" podcast for deeper insights into the players' strategies and personalities. As the league draws toward its climax, the question on everyone’s mind remains: who will lift the trophy this year?
With Littler’s recent surge, Humphries’s resilience, and a field of seasoned veterans all vying for the crown, the competition promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, nerves, and the occasional need for a louder crowd to fuel the excitement.