Luke Littler produced one of the greatest performances ever seen on the World Series stage to win the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland, defeating world number one Luke Humphries in the final with a staggering 115 average.
The 18-year-old sensation backed up his victory in Australia last week with another title in New Zealand, extending his winning streak and underlining his growing dominance on the global stage. He also sealed the World Matchplay just last month as he has silenced doubters who mooted about him not winning a title since April.
Reflecting on the performance, Littler admitted it took him a little time to settle into the tournament, but once again he clicked into gear at the right time. “Weren’t too bad, felt okay,” he said of the final. “But I think it was pretty much the same as last week – first day, a shaky start, but once you come into the second night, I know I’ve got to switch on, and that’s what I’ve done again tonight.”
The teenager even hit a perfect leg during the interval – albeit away from the cameras – when he struck a nine-darter with his practice darts before returning to the stage. That only added to his confidence. “That’s when I felt like no one could beat me,” Littler explained. “I knew the trebles were going in. I think in the last two legs there, I had like four or five 140s on the bounce. I felt like a nine was coming since I hit it in the practice – obviously no one would have seen it – but yeah, I’m very happy.”
The final was played in front of a record-breaking crowd inside Auckland’s Eventfinda Stadium, creating an atmosphere Littler compared to some of the sport’s biggest nights. “Yeah, 100 percent, I’m pretty sure this is definitely better than Hamilton last year, 100 percent the crowd,” he said. “Just the venue – honestly, it feels like a Premier League night. The tiers, it’s obviously packed, and we come to play our great darts.”
In just a matter of weeks, Littler has now lifted trophies at the World Matchplay, the New South Wales Darts Masters, and now the New Zealand Darts Masters. Asked if the sky is the limit, the teenager was bullish but focused on what’s next. “Yeah, obviously I’m playing very well, on a hell of a win streak now. Next up is Antwerp for the European Tour, so hopefully I can keep this winning streak going.”
The scale of Littler’s achievements was highlighted further when, immediately after his victory, his image was beamed across Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower, celebrating him as champion. For the youngster, moments like that make the global travel and hectic schedule worthwhile. “Yeah, I’m obviously playing very well, and in the final I just felt untouchable,” Littler said. “Everything was going in – even the doubles, for a change, they were very good. The power scoring was there once again. Like you said, a record-breaking average of 115 – but yeah, very happy, and I’m happy to go home tomorrow as a back-to-back champion.”
What stood out most on the night was not just the numbers on the scoreboard but the manner in which Littler delivered them. Relentless scoring, calm finishing, and a belief that he was in complete control from start to finish. “That’s when I feel like no one could beat me,” he repeated with a smile – a line that will strike fear into his rivals heading into the busy months ahead.