Littler has taken the darts world by storm after his sensational march to the final of the competition at Alexandra Palace in what has been his competition debut.
In Wednesday’s electric final he found himself up against world no1 Humphries, bidding to become the youngest world champion in the history of the sport.
After losing the first set, he raced into a 4-2 lead before Humphries launched a comeback of his own, winning five straight sets to win a thrilling final in the capital.
In attendance were Littler’s family and his 21-year-old girlfriend Eloise Milburn who were left crestfallen as his remarkable story ended in disappointment.
Despite the dream run coming to a sour end, Littler has vowed to return and become world champion.
‘No one likes losing, I have not really lost much, so to lose on that stage I can’t really be angry.
‘The only thing I am angry about is that I lost a lot of legs on my throw and I was just chasing Luke,’ he said in his post-match press conference.
‘I have won six games here so why can’t I go and win seven here in years to come. I have gained a lot of experience and stage experience, I am in the top 32 now so I could be in everything.
‘The past three to four weeks have been unbelievable and now I just can’t wait to go home.
‘I’m sorry I couldn’t give the crowd what they wanted.’
Littler, who stopped to hug his partner as he made his way down to the stage at the star of the contest, has seen his private life also become the focus of attention during his run in the tournament, with Milburn targeted by online trolls given the five-year age-gap between the couple.
Speaking to MailOnline, Amanda Milburn, Eloise’s mother, hit back, saying: ‘There’s been a lot of horrible stuff being posted online about my daughter and my husband Phil and I are very angry about it.
‘Eloise has been accused of all sorts and that she’s only with Luke because of his money and fame.
‘But that’s a total pack of lies and disgusting. She’s not with him for any of these reasons. She doesn’t care about his money or his fame, she’s with him because she likes him. It’s as simple as that.’
MORE : Luke Littler reveals moment that ‘really annoyed’ him in World Darts Championship final defeat
MORE : ‘He is incredible’ – Luke Humphries ‘had to win’ World Darts Championship after backing Luke Littler to dominate darts
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