Luke Littler heads into the new Premier League Darts season as a hot favourite to regain the title at the O2 Arena in London on May 28. The Nuke lifted this trophy in 2024 when beating Luke Humphries in the final, but that rival gained revenge in last year’s decider.
Littler has since reasserted his superiority in an impressive manner, though, and is a clear market leader at 4/6 in the 2026 Premier League Darts outright winner odds.
The Favourites
Humphries' Value For A Flying Start In Newcastle
The 19-year-old’s domination of the sport continued as he added a World Masters success to his second World Championship victory to make it four major title triumphs on the bounce. However, there were some concerning signs during that latest tournament that could make Littler worth taking on in Newcastle this Thursday. He was fortunate to survive match darts in the opening round and the semi-finals and admitted to feeling the strain after edging out Humphries 6-5 in a nervy and tense final.
Littler confessed: “I am shattered, absolutely knackered. Going into the final set, I said, ‘I have nothing left, just dig deep. I was just fully focused, and I got the job done.” With a tough start against Gian van Veen in the Newcastle Arena quarter-finals, we’re prepared to take on Littler in the Night 1 winner odds. T he Nuke was shot down by Michael van Gerwen when falling at the first hurdle 12 months ago and may just be vulnerable to an early exit again.
Humphries must also negotiate a tricky opening match versus Gerwyn Price, but insisted after pushing Littler close over the weekend: “I’m feeling really good about my game.” Cool Hand Luke kicked things off with a win last season and is a value bet at 4/1 to repeat the trick.
The Contenders
Rock And MVG Feature In 10/3 Treble
Humphries is 8/13 to get past Price, and we also like 4/6 for Josh Rock to see off Jonny Clayton in the quarter-finals this Thursday. Clayton took a few weeks to warm up when last in this competition three years ago, losing 6-2 to Dimitri Van den Bergh and then 6-3 against Michael Smith in the opening two events.
Tournament rookie Rock looked in good form at the World Masters , notably brushing aside Rob Cross 4-1, until running into Littler at the last-eight stage.
Van Gerwen should go into his clash with Stephen Bunting full of confidence, having beaten The Bullet 6-4 in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia last month. Mighty Mike i s a seven-time Premier League champion and gets the nod at 8/13 to prevail against Bunting once more.
Our top Night 1 treble of Humphries, Rock and Van Gerwen to win their quarter-final match-ups would reward punters with a 10/3 pay-out if all progress.
Bet on Darts Odds at BOYLE Sports
Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
