Luke Littler admitted he had a “shaky start” before powering his way to one of the most remarkable triumphs ever seen on the World Series circuit, clinching the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters title with a stunning display in Auckland.
The 18-year-old sensation, who lifted the New South Wales crown only a week earlier, backed that up by toppling world No 1 Luke Humphries in the final with an astonishing 115 average.
It was another emphatic statement from the teenager, who only last month captured the World Matchplay to silence critics questioning his form since April.
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Reflecting on his performance, Littler said the early stages of the tournament weren’t plain sailing, but he found his rhythm when it mattered.
Luke Littler admitted he had a “shaky start” before powering his way to one of the most remarkable triumphs ever seen on the World Series circuit, clinching the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters title with a stunning display in Auckland
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“Weren’t too bad, felt okay,” he said afterwards.
“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.”
That switch in focus was accompanied by a moment of brilliance away from the TV cameras.
During the interval, Littler struck a perfect nine-darter in practice, something he said fuelled his confidence on stage.
“That’s when I felt like no one could beat me,” he 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 crowd at Auckland’s Eventfinda Stadium, with Littler blown away by the atmosphere.
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LITTLER GOES BACK-TO-BACK! ☢️🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) August 16, 2025
THAT IS ASTONISHING!
Luke Littler averages 115 to defeat Luke Humphries 8-4 and clinch the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters title!
📺 https://t.co/GENFCsv6kC#NZMasters | Final pic.twitter.com/nRvVcBe1uV
“Yeah, 100 per cent, 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.”
Littler’s rapid rise continues to astonish the darts world.
In the space of just a few weeks, he has added three major trophies to his cabinet: the World Matchplay, the New South Wales Masters, and now the New Zealand Masters.
Asked if there is any ceiling to what he can achieve, he stayed grounded but optimistic.
“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," he admitted.
The scale of his achievement was celebrated across Auckland, with his image projected onto the city’s iconic Sky Tower immediately after his victory.
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Luke Littler was too strong for Luke Humphries as he won the New Zealand Darts Masters
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For Littler, moments like that are what make the relentless travel worthwhile.
“Yeah, I’m obviously playing very well, and in the final I just felt untouchable,” he 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.”