Golden sensation Luke Littler credits his remarkable performance at the BetMGM Premier League summit to the energizing effect of fans who initially jeered at his entrance. The young talent, known as Luke the Nuke, secured his fourth consecutive victory in a seven-week span at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Despite facing early skepticism from local supporters due to their football affiliations, Littler’s exceptional display of skill quickly won over the crowd, including Newcastle United icon Dan Burn, well before he dominated Luke Humphries 6-1 in a final marred by exhaustion.
Littler, also referred to as His Nukeship, confessed to feeling fatigued before his match with Humphries, even hesitating to climb the stage stairs. Nevertheless, his statistics at the midway point of the Premier League are staggering:
– Four nightly wins, matching the existing record
– Leading by eight points
– Achieving an 18-4 leg aggregate in three Thursday night victories
– Defeating Stephen Bunting, Rob Cross, and Humphries in just 36 minutes of play
– Accumulating 102 maximum 180s in the tournament, surpassing his closest competitor Humphries by double.
Remaining unperturbed by the mixed reactions from boisterous crowds, Littler, a Manchester United enthusiast, anticipates lively encounters at upcoming matches in Liverpool and Leeds. He embraces the banter from opposing fans, recognizing it as part of the game while striving to entertain and impress his audience consistently.
Prior to his Newcastle performance, Littler was awarded a £30,000 set of solid 18-carat gold darts for achieving a nine-darter in Brighton. Eager to use his prized arrows in competition, he humorously expressed his defiance against BetMGM’s advice to refrain from throwing them.
Littler’s recent display of dominance included his 12th victory in 14 meetings with Rob Cross and his third win against world No.1 Humphries in the current Premier League season. Only Gerwyn Price has managed to maintain a winning streak against Littler, showcasing the young player’s formidable presence on the dartboard.
Drawing comparisons to legendary figures like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, Littler exudes confidence in his ability to read opponents’ emotions and capitalize on their vulnerabilities during matches. While acknowledging the challenge presented by certain players, he remains determined to stay on the winning side and continue his record-breaking journey in the sport.
Sky has introduced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, offering substantial savings and an extensive lineup of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL. The network will broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League games next season, indicating a significant increase in coverage compared to previous years.