The Premier League Darts Finals Night returns to London’s O2 Arena on Thursday, with defending champion Luke Humphries installed as the favourite to retain his crown. The semi-final line-up pits table-topper Luke Littler against Gerwyn Price, while Humphries faces 2021 champion Jonny Clayton. After a marathon 16-week season, the playoffs promise high drama and a fitting conclusion to the campaign.
Humphries’ journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. The world No. 2 spent much of the regular season hovering outside the top four, but an extraordinary late surge saw him reach the final in each of the last four weeks. He clinched the Night 15 title in Birmingham to secure third place in the standings, ensuring he would avoid Littler in the semis and instead face Clayton. Former player and Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle believes Humphries’ recency bias makes him the man to beat. “I love the way he is going about his business,” Mardle said. “The way Luke has dealt with the last four weeks has been incredible. It would have been easy to fold but he has shown he is an absolute champion.”
The foundation of Humphries’ revival has been his devastating treble hitting. In the Sheffield semi-final, he demolished Littler 6-1, reeling off six successive legs for the second week in a row. Mardle was effusive in his praise, describing him as “one of the best scorers on the planet” and insisting that his two and three-treble visits are unrivaled – even when compared to the prodigious Littler. “When he gets it right, his two and three-treble visits are better than anyone’s – and I include Littler in that,” Mardle explained. “Tons alone are not the way forward anymore. With Humphries’ trebles, he gives himself so many looks at a double.” This clinical edge turns pressure into quick legs and demoralises opponents.
Yet, Mardle cautions against overlooking Clayton. The Welshman finished second in the table with four nightly wins and is competing in his first finals night since 2023. Despite being tipped by many to finish bottom at the start of the season, he has consistently delivered on the big stage. Mardle noted that Clayton is “going under the radar” and could “run riot” in the capital. “Clayton was the man this season, then Littler was the man, now Humphries is the man,” Mardle reflected. “If he does it again on another Thursday, he wins it.” Clayton’s experience and coolness under pressure make him a genuine threat.
The other semi-final is equally compelling. Littler, the teenage sensation, topped the league table with a record-equalling six nightly wins and had his sights set on a record seventh before Humphries halted him. He now meets Gerwyn Price, the only player in the playoffs yet to win the Premier League title. Price, a former world champion, will be desperate to add the missing piece to his résumé, while Littler is eager to avenge last year’s final defeat to Humphries. The clash of styles – Littler’s explosive scoring versus Price’s combative intensity – should be a thriller.
Historically, finals night has often favoured the player in form rather than the league leader. Last year, Humphries entered as the table-topper and duly defeated Littler 11-8 in a high-quality final. This year, the roles are reversed: Littler dominated the regular season, but Humphries is peaking at the perfect time. If Humphries can maintain his current level, he will be hard to stop. A successful defence would make him only the second man after Phil Taylor to win back-to-back Premier League titles in the modern era, further cementing his legacy.
For Clayton, a second crown would put him in elite company alongside multiple winners. He has flown under the radar all year, but his consistency and big-stage temperament are proven. The final, if he reaches it, could be a classic encounter against either Littler or Price. Over the shorter race to 11 legs, his ability to hold throw and strike at key moments could prove decisive.
As the fireworks light up the O2, darts fans can expect a night of high-octane action. With all four players capable of averaging over 100 and delivering 180s in bunches, the margins will be razor-thin. Mardle’s final word: “In my opinion, he is one of the best scorers on the planet and one of the best I have seen in a while.” That man is Humphries, and many will agree he is the one to beat.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.