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Littler lift-off in Cardiff! – BetMGM Premier League Darts Night 5 Recap

Luke Littler’s BetMGM Premier League Darts season has erupted into life.

The Nuke fired in two 170 checkouts and went eight darts into a perfect leg as he got his title tilt up and running with a sensational victory in Cardiff.

Here’s everything you need to know about Night 5 in a nutshell:

  • Night 5 winner: Luke Littler
  • Runner-up: Jonny Clayton
  • Key takeaway: Littler claims his first nightly win of the season; Clayton still has not lost a quarter-final match; we have now had five different winners in five nights so far; Luke Humphries remains outside the play-off spots; Littler hits the first (and second) 170 finishes of the campaign

Remember: with the latest offers and odds, expert weekly previews, tips, special features and more, the BetMGM Premier League Darts Hub is your front-row seat for the entire 2026 season.

How Night 5 Unfolded in Cardiff

Littler’s path to victory culminated in a spectacular final where he denied home hero Clayton, capping an evening that saw the double world champion well and truly find his gear.

The Nuke showcased his full arsenal, reeling in not one but two big fish checkouts – the first to clinch a spectacular semi-final win over Gerwyn Price.

The 19-year-old then came within a single wire of a nine-darter during his final victory over Clayton in a display of sheer, world-class firepower. Clayton actually won that leg with an immaculate 11-darter – just not the match.

While Littler finally conquered a night, the search for consistency continues for others.

Defending champion Humphries demolished Michael van Gerwen 6-1 in the quarter-finals, only to be dumped out by Price in the semis.

At the other end of the table, the results mean Stephen Bunting drops back down to the bottom two and Josh Rock’s wait for a first BetMGM Premier League win extends to another week, adding even more pressure ahead of Night 6.

THE WINNER’S ENCLOSURE WITH... LUKE LITTLER

“It took a while to get settled in, as I did in the first year,” Littler said post-match.

“But tonight I did really well and I’m proud of myself.

“Every week I have felt good. I’ve just not shown it until tonight.

Littler quote

“I slowed it down a little bit but I felt very confident. It wasn't looking good in seventh spot!

“I just had to focus on myself. Against Gezzy and Jonny, I had to put the performances in… that’s what I’ve done.

“We’ll take it to Minehead now and see how we do in the UK Open!”

BetMGM Premier League Darts Night 5 Results

Cardiff results

Quarter-finals

  • Michael van Gerwen (92.3) 1-6 Luke Humphries (96.2)
  • Gian van Veen (92.6) 4-6 Jonny Clayton (95.5)
  • Gerwyn Price (92.7) 6-5 Stephen Bunting (97.0)
  • Luke Littler (96.2) 6-4 Josh Rock (103.7)

Semi-finals

  • Humphries (91.0) 4-6 Clayton (94.9)
  • Price (97.3) 3-6 Littler (111.0)

Final

  • Clayton (100.9) 4-6 Littler (106.4)

Most 180s: Jonny Clayton (13)

Highest checkout: Luke Littler (170 x2)

View From the Floor

As always the BetMGM team was in the thick of things at the Utilita Arena. Here’s a selection of the best bits from our point of view:

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Updated 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts Table

Littler’s spectacular victory in Cardiff rockets him into the play-off spots but it's Clayton’s relentless consistency that keeps him clear at the top of the table despite his final defeat.

The Nuke’s win creates a fascinating logjam on nine points, where he joins Price and Van Veen in the pack trailing Clayton. Van Gerwen now finds himself on the outside looking in.

Meanwhile Humphries remains stuck in sixth despite a big quarter-final win and Rock’s wait for a first point continues, leaving him rooted to the bottom of the table.

Here’s the full 2026 BetMGM Premier League table after Night 5:

Standings after Night 5

Next Up: Night 6 in Nottingham

The Premier League Darts season continues next Thursday as we head to the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham for Night 6.

Rock kick-starts the evening with a big chance to get his first win on the board against fellow struggler Bunting, while Clayton looks to continue his run of quarter-final wins against Van Gerwen.

It doesn’t get any easier for Humphries, though, as he faces something of a bogey man in Van Veen with the Dutchman having beaten Cool Hand in seven of their last eight meetings.

Price, meanwhile, is up against the unenviable task of shackling a reinvigorated Littler.

Nottingham bracket

Check out the latest odds for Night 6 here.

COMING SOON TO THE BETMGM PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS HUB

We have you covered all week long on the BetMGM Premier League Darts Hub. Here’s some of our exclusive content ahead of Night 6 and when you can expect it:

  • Early entry: All you need to know about Night 6 in Nottingham, packed with facts, promos & practical info & more. Out Monday.
  • Game on! Read our full Night 6 preview, including exclusive tips, key stats & more. Drops Tuesday.
  • BetMGM vs Laura Woods: Our ambassador makes her picks and pits her darting wits against the house. Laura landed two out of three in Cardiff, can we respond in kind? Lands Wednesday.
  • It’s showtime! Browse our full repertoire of pre-match options or track our in-play odds as the action unfolds in Nottingham. Explore it all here on Thursday.
  • About Last Night… We round up the best bits from Nottingham ahead of doing it all again in Dublin for Night 7. Released Friday.

*At BetMGM, there’s always something going on… so as well as our comprehensive darts coverage be sure to keep your eyes peeled on our other offerings, not least this weekend’s FA Cup action, racing around the UK & Ireland as we build up to the Cheltenham Festival and of course the Six Nations.

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Odds and statistics cited in this article correct at time of publication but subject to change

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