Luke Humphries clinched his third Players Championship crown of the season on the second day of the Leicester tournament, edging out Brendan Dolan 8-6 in a tightly contested final. The win not only added another trophy to Humphries' growing résumé but also saw him reclaim the world No. 2 spot in the PDC rankings, overtaking Gian van Veen during the day's action.
The final was a showcase of high‑quality darts, with both men trading legs and keeping the audience on edge until the very end. Humphries, who had not lifted a Players Championship title since his triumph at PC17 in May – also held at the Mattioli Arena – demonstrated why he remains one of the sport's most consistent performers. His victory over Dolan marked a significant milestone, as it prevented Luke Littler from achieving a historic clean sweep of all major PDC titles this season. In the semi‑finals, Humphries dispatched Mike De Decker 7-4, a match that followed a dramatic earlier round where he survived six match darts from Danny Noppert, ultimately prevailing 6-5.
That narrow escape highlighted Humphries' resilience and his ability to thrive under pressure, qualities that have defined his recent resurgence on the circuit. Meanwhile, Dolan earned his place in the final by overcoming the world No. 1, Luke Littler, 7-4 in their semi‑final encounter.
Littler, who had been on a remarkable run, was denied a blockbuster showdown with Humphries, a meeting that many fans had been eager to witness given the contrasting narratives of the two players. Littler's season has been nothing short of extraordinary. After missing the first 26 Players Championship events of the year, he entered the Leicester tournament with a clear objective: to finish inside the top 64 of the Order of Merit and secure a spot at the Players Championship Finals in Minehead in November.
Achieving this would keep his dream of a clean sweep of PDC majors alive – a feat no player has ever accomplished. Despite his limited participation, Littler has already captured every major PDC title on offer in 2026, including the World Championship, Masters, UK Open, Premier League, World Cup of Darts, and World Matchplay. His quest now turns to the remaining majors – the World Series, World Grand Prix, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts, and the Players Championship Finals – each representing a crucial piece of the historic puzzle.
In Leicester, Littler began his campaign with a solid 6-4 win over Stephen Rosney in the opening round. However, his progress was threatened in the next match when he faced world number 107 Benjamin Pratnemer.
Littler survived six match darts and ultimately secured a deciding leg victory, showcasing his composure in high‑stakes moments. He continued his march with swift victories over Martin Schindler, Andy Boulton, and Krzysztof Ratajski, propelling him into the quarter‑finals. There, he faced Brendan Dolan, who proved too strong on the day, handing Littler a 7-4 defeat and ending his clean‑sweep hopes for the moment.
Humphries, on the other hand, returned to competitive play after a surprising first‑round loss to Cameron Menzies at the World Matchplay on July 20. He suffered a 6-3 defeat to Cam Crabtree in his opening match in Leicester but rebounded spectacularly, winning all seven of his subsequent matches to claim the PC28 title. This marks his third floor‑event victory of the year, following earlier successes at PC4 and PC17, and solidifies his position as a top‑tier contender.
Speaking after his triumph, Humphries reflected on his recent form and future ambitions. "Honestly, it sounds crazy, but I'm one of the best players in the world and I came here just to get some practice and feel normal again," he said. He emphasized the importance of match practice, noting that he had only played in two match‑play events over the past two months and needed the floor tournaments to regain his rhythm.
He added, "I didn't expect to win a title this week because of the lack of practice, but I've had two good days and a lot of practice now. I want to keep building on that over the next weeks and months." Humphries also expressed his determination to maintain his No. 2 ranking, stating, "I'm going to fight for it and try my best, whether that means staying ahead of Luke or challenging anyone else." Looking ahead, Humphries will travel to Budapest for the Hungarian Darts Trophy later this weekend. He described his recent performance as a confidence boost, even though he felt he hadn't played his absolute best.
"It's good confidence because I didn't play my best but still managed to win," he remarked. He also hinted at his broader goals, noting his desire to capture a major title and head into the World Championship with momentum.
The rivalry between Humphries and Littler adds an extra layer of intrigue to the season. While Humphries aims to solidify his place at the top of the rankings and add more titles to his cabinet, Littler remains on a quest that could rewrite the history books.
The upcoming World Series in Amsterdam (September 17‑20) will be a pivotal moment for Littler, offering a chance to stay on track for the clean sweep. Beyond the individual storylines, the broader darts calendar remains packed. Sky Sports will continue to broadcast key events throughout 2026, including the World Grand Prix (September 28‑October 4), the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14‑22), and the World Darts Championship (December 10‑January 3). Fans can also stream darts and other top sports via NOW, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the sport's biggest moments.
In summary, Humphries' victory at PC28 not only adds another trophy to his collection but also serves as a strategic strike against Littler's historic ambitions. With both players poised for further success, the remainder of the season promises high drama, intense competition, and the potential for record‑breaking achievements in the world of professional darts.