Luke Humphries will be out to win his first Premier League crown. (Image: Getty)
It’s a line-up that has sparked anticipation and controversy in equal measures. With the sport currently in the limelight like never before, the 2025 selection was always going to provoke a widespread reaction, and not everybody was satisfied.
Former world champions , replaced by World Championship semi-finalists Chris Dobey and Stephen Bunting.
But the likes of Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall retained their spots despite an indifferent 12 months and , while many fans were left questioning the absence of Damon Heta.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
There were no such worries for though. Despite losing his status as world champion to this month, the world No.1 joined the teenage sensation as one of the guaranteed picks for the latest series, that .
Humphries, 29, is rarely one to become embroiled in a war of words. And sure enough, last year’s runner-up didn’t have any complaints about the eight players selected.
“For selfish reasons, I was happy with it because I get on really well with Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey, so I was pleased they were in,” he told Express Sport. “But it’s a hard scenario because I don’t think anybody in 2024, apart from me, Luke, and Michael (Van Gerwen), were really putting their hand up and consistently having a great year.
Order your souvenir 48-page publication celebrating Luke Littler’s historic World Championship win now. Buy now on !
Humphries was beaten in the final by Luke Littler last year. (Image: Getty)
“I see why people are annoyed but it happens every year. I was annoyed, and I know Joe Cullen and Danny Noppert were annoyed back in 2023. And then last year I know there were more players angry not to be selected. So it’s the same every time and you can’t please everybody.”
Humphries was indeed overlooked two years ago. And he responded in the best possible manner, rising to the top of the world rankings amid a formidable 18 months – and now he’s challenged his rivals to try and do the same.
“Eight players it whittles down to,” he added. “It’s a small field and hard to pick out of a great array of talent. I guess the guys that didn’t get picked will just have to use me as inspiration from that year I didn’t get selected. I then went and had one of the best years of my life. If they can take inspiration from that, they can get themselves picked in 2026.”
Humphries has five major television titles on his CV, but the Premier League crown has thus far eluded him after being beaten in the final by Littler last May. But while the world focuses on the 17-year-old star, Humphries is determined to this time raise the trophy at finals night at The O2.
“That’s the target for me, to win that,” he declared. “It’s got a great field of players and lots of experience, so it’s definitely something that I’m targeting along with the Matchplay and the World Championships. It’s something that everybody wants and that’s the main one I want to win.”
Where to buy Luke Littler’s darts
Luke Littler is heading to the latter stages of the WDC, and you can emulate the 17-year-old with a set of his Target G1 Swiss Point darts for £99.95. You can also upgrade to the gold Prodigy darts for £129.95.
There is also a more affordable Loadout 90% Tungsten darts for £45.90. If you need something to throw them at, Amazon has reduced the Luke Littler Cabinet & Dartboard Set to £59.99.