Seriously? Luke Littler Dominates for 16 Weeks and Gets Nothing

By Lewis Barnett 30 May, 2025 5 mins read 69 Views

I'm still processing what happened at the O2 last night.

Luke Littler - the kid who's been absolutely untouchable for four months straight - loses one match and suddenly he's not the Premier League champion? Luke Humphries takes it 11-8 in what was admittedly a cracking final, but come on. Something feels fundamentally broken here.

My mate Dave texted me at 11:47 PM: "This is like watching Leicester win the league then losing it because they bottled the playoff final." He's not wrong.

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The Format That Makes Zero Sense

Here's what's driving everyone mental: Littler was miles clear at the top after 16 weeks of consistent brilliance. Not just winning - dominating. Then it all comes down to one night, one match, and suddenly none of that matters?

The fans on Twitter are absolutely fuming, and honestly, I get it. One wrote: "Fair play to Humphries and I'm glad he won, but I really don't see the point in playing a 16-week league phase for it to come down to one game." Another fan summed it up perfectly: "Leagues are meant to be won on consistency, surely."

That second comment hits different because it's true.

Why This Bothers Me More Than It Should

Look, I've watched Humphries grind for years to get this title. The man's 30, he's earned his stripes, and his reaction afterward was genuinely heartwarming. He thanked Phil Taylor for the advice (which, fair play, that's proper class), said this was the one missing from his collection.

But here's the thing that's eating at me: what's the point of a league format if the league doesn't actually determine the winner?

It's like running a marathon, being first across the line by ten minutes, then being told you have to do a 100-meter sprint to actually win. Makes no sense whatsoever.

The Real Problem

One fan nailed it when they said: "I get why they do it, you don't want the league winner to run away with it as viewings will go down. But it needs looking at."

There's the rub. It's all about TV drama, isn't it? Can't have someone clinching the title with three weeks to go because then nobody watches the final night. I understand the business side, but at what cost?

Another suggestion that actually made sense: give the league winner their own trophy, then have a separate knockout tournament for the top players. Like rugby does with their playoffs. At least then Littler gets recognition for being the best player over 16 weeks, and Humphries still gets his moment.

What Happens Next?

Humphries now has his head-to-head record at 13-10 against Littler, which is mental when you think about how young Luke still is. The kid's going to be fine - probably win the next five Premier Leagues knowing his trajectory.

But this whole situation highlights something that's been bugging me about modern sports: everything has to be "exciting" and "unpredictable" even when it makes the actual competition meaningless.

Sometimes the best player should just win. Revolutionary concept, I know.

Poor Littler dominated for four months and has nothing to show for it except a pat on the head and "better luck next time." Meanwhile, Humphries - who was brilliant on the night, don't get me wrong - gets to lift the trophy because he peaked at exactly the right moment.

That's not sport. That's just really expensive entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far should I stand from the dartboard?

The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) measured from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). In American darts, this distance is sometimes 8 feet, so check local rules if you're playing in the States.

Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.

Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

Statistics

The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.

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Final Thoughts From a Passionate Amateur

As I'm writing this in late 2023, I'm still working on improving my own game. My current challenge is mastering the triple 19 as an alternative to the triple 20 when one gets blocked by previous darts. It's like trying to teach an old dog new tricks—my muscle memory fights me every step of the way!