Luke Littler and the Premier League Darts 2025: The Teenager Who Made Grown Men Cry (Including Michael van Gerwen)

Littler: Small in Name, Massive in Talent

Luke Littler, just 17 years old and already the reigning Premier League and World Champion, is basically the Greta Thunberg of darts: young, terrifyingly competent, and making the old guard look positively creaky. Last week, he dismantled Michael van Gerwen in the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace, becoming the youngest-ever winner in the tournament’s history.

But Littler’s not here to play nice. He’s here to humiliate seasoned professionals in front of 10,000 screaming fans while casually tossing in nine-dart finishes like they’re warm-ups. When he beat Luke Humphries in last year’s Premier League final with that jaw-dropping nine-darter, even Humphries had to applaud—though possibly through gritted teeth.

Humphries: Always the Best Man, Never the Groom?

Speaking of Luke Humphries, the man known as Cool Hand Luke is back for his second Premier League appearance, and he’s got a chip on his shoulder the size of Alexandra Palace. Humphries had a stellar 2024—winning the World Cup, World Matchplay, and Players Championship Finals—but even his three shiny new trophies couldn’t quite erase the sting of being Littler’s warm-up act last May.

At 3/1 odds, Humphries is tipped to give Littler a run for his money, but whether he can actually beat the teen prodigy remains to be seen. For now, he’s destined to remain darts’ version of Andy Murray: always brilliant, often overshadowed, and constantly reminded of it on social media.

Bunting: The Bullet is Back

Stephen Bunting, the comeback king of 2024, has muscled his way into the Premier League line-up after a career-best season. The 39-year-old reached the World Championship semi-finals (only to lose to Littler—yes, him again) and climbed to a career-high fifth in the world rankings.

Selected as one of four wildcards, Bunting last graced the Premier League stage in 2015 and briefly returned as a Challenger in 2020, where he spent most of his time being asked, "Wait, isn’t that the bloke from the pub who hit a 180 once?" Now, Bunting’s here to remind everyone why he’s nicknamed The Bullet.

He’s also darts’ Mr. Nice Guy—smiling, affable, and probably the one to apologise to the referee if a dart lands even slightly outside the treble 20. But don’t be fooled. This is a man who can wreck your dreams and then buy you a pint to soften the blow.

Van Gerwen: The Big Green Machine Rolls On

Michael van Gerwen, aka Mighty Mike, is chasing his eighth Premier League crown, which would further cement his status as the darts equivalent of Roger Federer—if Federer ever snarled at his opponents mid-rally.

At 34, Van Gerwen is the elder statesman of this year’s tournament, though calling him “old” is asking for trouble. He’s been in every Premier League since 2013 and still commands the oche like a general preparing for battle. Sure, Littler beat him in the World Championship final, but don’t let that fool you—Van Gerwen will be back with a vengeance. Or as he’d put it, “I’ll let the darts do the talking.” (Spoiler: they’ll be shouting.)

The Wildcards: Drama Guaranteed

Wildcard picks always spark debate, but the PDC knows what it’s doing. After all, as Chief Executive Matt Porter put it, "We want people up and enjoying their darts." Translation: we want someone to rile up the crowd and occasionally shout “COME ON!” so loudly it sets off car alarms in the car park.

• Gerwyn Price: Back for his seventh Premier League appearance, Price is darts’ answer to a pantomime villain. The former rugby player is loud, brash, and absolutely unapologetic—perfect for entertaining (or enraging) a Thursday night crowd. At 12/1, the bookies aren’t exactly optimistic, but Price doesn’t care. He’ll scream into the void either way.

• Chris Dobey: Hollywood Dobey is back, bringing charm, precision, and a ProTour-winning streak that earned him his spot. At 16/1, Dobey is the wildcard’s wildcard—a player who can quietly dismantle an opponent while they’re busy working the crowd.

• Nathan Aspinall: The “everyman” of darts, Aspinall is here to make sure the underdog narrative stays alive. At 33/1, the Stockport star isn’t expected to win, but let’s be honest, that’s part of his charm.

No Chizzy, No Snakebite, No Problem?

World number six Dave Chisnall, Peter Snakebite Wright, and Michael Bully Boy Smith all missed out on this year’s line-up, much to the dismay of their fans. But Porter was quick to defend the PDC’s choices, pointing to "big-stage presence and popularity." In other words, the Premier League isn’t just about rankings—it’s about who can keep a crowd on their feet while throwing darts in increasingly improbable directions.

Sorry, Chizzy. Maybe next year, Snakebite. And Bully Boy? Well, there’s always the ProTour.

And So It Begins...

The BetMGM Premier League kicks off on February 6 in Belfast, promising 17 weeks of top-tier darts, raucous crowds, and the occasional bout of Gerwyn Price-related chaos. Who will rise? Who will fall? And will Nathan Aspinall prove the bookies wrong with a Cinderella story that makes darts history?

Only one thing’s certain: Luke Littler is the player to beat. And if he wins, we can all look forward to Michael van Gerwen mumbling something about “bloody teenagers” in the post-match interviews. Bring on the arrows!