Luke Littler says he can't wait to return to Belfast to begin the defence of his Premier League darts crown.

The 17-year-old hit a nine-darter en route to defeating Luke Humphries in last year's final.

He went on to clinch his first World Championship title earlier this month with a sensational win over Michael van Gerwen.

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All eyes now turn to the Premier League, which gets under way on February 6 at Belfast's SSE Arena.

Littler leads a star-studded entry of eight top stars, however there are no places for former World champions Michael Smith and Peter Wright.

Littler - who will be 18 by the time Belfast comes around - beat Humphries to lift his first TV major title at London’s The O2 last May. And he banked £315,000 in prize money from the 17-week campaign – £10,000 from his four weekly win bonuses in Belfast, Manchester, Liverpool and Aberdeen, and the £275,000 winner’s jackpot in the play-offs.

He admits he expects to have a target on his back in 2025, but he can't wait to defend his Premier League title, and get back to Belfast.

“I expect a reaction – there’s always a target on your back, not only from the top players in the world but everyone on the Pro Tour ( floor tournaments). They always want to beat me, and I know half the time they are going to play their best game against me," he said.

"I guess that’s what happens when you are a world champion. But I love the atmosphere and the big crowds of these Premier League arenas.

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“I’m looking forward to going back to Belfast, where I had my first (nightly) win last year, and playing in front of what is almost a home crowd in Manchester as reigning world champion will be special.”

Littler picked up a hand injury in Belfast last year after an over-exuberant crowd member pulled his arm as he walked out for his semi-final against Michael van Gerwen.

Security stepped in at the SSE Arena and Littler revealed the incident left him a bit rattled, but the teen star quickly regained his composure to defeat 'Mighty' MVG 6-3.

"I don't know who he was, he pulled my arm. It hurt a little bit," Littler explained afterwards.

"That's why, when I went on stage, I didn't interact with my music. I heard everyone singing but I just needed to relax. As soon as (referee) Charlie said 'Game On', I had to relax myself. My hand is fine. It worked out well."

Premier League Darts 2025 line-up

• Luke Humphries

• Luke Littler

• Michael van Gerwen

• Rob Cross

• Gerwyn Price

• Stephen Bunting

• Nathan Aspinall

• Chris Dobey

Premier League Darts Schedule

• February 6: BetMGM Premier League, Night One - Belfast

• February 13: BetMGM Premier League, Night Two - Glasgow

• February 20: BetMGM Premier League, Night Three - Dublin

• February 27: BetMGM Premier League, Night Four - Exeter

• March 6: BetMGM Premier League, Night Five - Brighton

• March 13: BetMGM Premier League, Night Six - Nottingham

• March 20: BetMGM Premier League, Night Seven - Cardiff

• March 27: BetMGM Premier League, Night Eight - Newcastle

• April 3: BetMGM Premier League, Night Nine - Berlin

• April 10: BetMGM Premier League, Night 10 - Manchester

• April 17: BetMGM Premier League, Night 11 - Rotterdam

• April 24: BetMGM Premier League, Night 12 - Liverpool

• May 1: BetMGM Premier League, Night 13 - Birmingham

• May 8: BetMGM Premier League, Night 14 - Leeds

• May 15: BetMGM Premier League, Night 15 - Aberdeen

• May 22: BetMGM Premier League, Night 16 - Sheffield

• May 29: BetMGM Premier League Play-Offs - London's O2 arena

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