Luke Littler expressed hope that his emotional reaction following his Premier League darts victory would help shift the often hostile attitude of fans toward him. The 19-year-old world champion was visibly moved on Thursday night after securing a dramatic deciding-leg win against Luke Humphries in the final at the O2 Arena in London. Broadcaster Polly James interrupted Littler’s post-match interview twice as tears overwhelmed him.

Littler’s struggles with fan hostility came to a head earlier this season, particularly following an incident with Gian van Veen during a match in Manchester last month. The treatment prompted Littler to consider withdrawing from the Premier League altogether. Despite this, he persevered through the demanding 17-week competition and captured the tournament title for the second time in his career.

“It’s hard because I’ve had it before,” Littler reflected. “I had the crowd on my back after I beat Luke in the World Championships, everyone just hated me for no reason. It’s hard because you’re at home and don’t actually want to go and play darts because it feels like everyone just hates you and don’t want to see you play.” He admitted that he had kept much of his emotional struggle private, confiding only in his partner, Faith. “Maybe I should have [spoken out]. Us men, we don’t really want to talk. But I had to speak to Faith and tell her how I was feeling,” Littler said.

The world champion described the win as a personal redemption and hoped his candidness would mark a turning point for his relationship with fans. “I’m not asking for sympathy, I just told the world, told everyone how I was feeling,” he said. Littler also expressed gratitude toward his family and Faith for their support during the difficult stretch. “Being sat at home and not even wanting to go out, didn’t want to go to the next Premier League night, but we’ve done it. We’ve all got feelings, not just as darts players, but as humans.”

Luke Humphries, who was defeated in the final, sympathized with Littler’s situation. “I think darts needs Luke Littler, Luke Littler doesn’t need darts. That’s the truth,” Humphries commented. “Everyone thinks he’s a robot. He’s not, he is a normal person, a good kid as well – I think that’s why he’s trying to show everyone that.”

As Littler looks ahead following his victory, he hopes the display of vulnerability will help change the way fans engage with him and the sport, underscoring the human side behind his rising stardom.