World number one Humphries had scooped his third big-stage title a year ago in the Players Championship Finals, and achieved his ambition of keeping his hands on the trophy to end a memorable event.
Littler, making his Players Championship Finals debut following a stunning first full year on the professional circuit, had continued his outstanding form to reach the final as he sought to follow up his Grand Slam of Darts triumph with successive TV titles.
Littler fired in four ton-plus checkouts during the contest - including finishes of 170 and 164 - but Humphries, proved too strong to wrap up an 11-7 triumph and scoop the £120,000 title.
2024 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals
Sunday November 24
Afternoon Session (1245-1700 GMT)
Quarter-Finals
Luke Littler 10-3 Mike De Decker
Ross Smith 10-3 Scott Williams
Dirk van Duijvenbode 10-9 Connor Scutt
Luke Humphries 10-5 Ryan Joyce
Evening Session (1900-2000 GMT)
Semi-Finals
Luke Littler 11-9 Ross Smith
Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-11 Luke Humphries
Final
Luke Littler 7-11 Luke Humphries
PDC Winmau World Youth Championship Final
Gian van Veen 6-5 Jurjen van der Velde
Gian van Veen took victory in the PDC Winmau World Youth Championship in dramatic fashion on Sunday night, surviving five missed match darts from Jurjen van der Velde before scooping the title.
Van Veen, 22, avenged last year's defeat to Luke Littler in the final at Butlin's Minehead Resort - but had faced the prospect of another loss in the decider following a fine showing from his compatriot.
Van der Velde raced into a 2-0 lead with a brace of 70 finishes, only to see Van Veen take out 72, 81 and 63 as he edged in front.
The 21-year-old levelled and then produced a sensational 12-darter - finished with a 116 checkout - to move back in front, before taking out 61 to edge to the brink of glory at 5-3.
He was sat on 40 as Van Veen took out double six to keep his hopes alive, before two missed match darts in leg ten allowed the 2023 runner-up to finish 80 to force a deciding leg.
Van der Velde was first to a finish after landing back-to-back 140s, but missed a further three match darts as Van Veen stepped in to take out 82 with a bullseye, double 16 combination for glory.
Van Veen consoled his tearful opponent before lifting the trophy in front of a packed arena at Butlin's Minehead Resort, as he became the first Dutch winner of the World Youth Championship.