Luke Humphries finally put an end to his string of heartbreaking runner‑up finishes in televised major tournaments by delivering a dramatic comeback win against Gerwyn Price in the World Grand Prix final. The Englishman had already made history by reaching his fourth consecutive final at the double‑start event, a record in itself, and he turned a 0‑3 set deficit into a 6‑4 victory, claiming six of the next seven sets to seal the title.
The win at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena not only followed his earlier triumph over Price in the 2023 edition but also placed Humphries among a very exclusive group: he became only the fourth player ever to capture more than one World Grand Prix crown. The prize money for the triumph was a hefty £150,000, underscoring the significance of the achievement. This victory marks Humphries’ first ranked television major title since his Winmau World Masters success in February 2025, and he expressed relief that his recent pattern of finishing second in big events finally came to an end. "I’m just happy to get one back," he said, referring to the fact that he had been the runner‑up at the World Grand Prix, the European Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts last year, and then again at the Winmau World Masters and the Premier League at the start of 2026.
"It feels amazing to shake off that run of losses in major finals. It really means the world to me," Humphries added.
He explained that the win gave him a much‑needed boost of confidence after what he described as a "torrid 15 or 18 months" of falling short in finals. The match itself was a roller‑coaster. After falling behind 3‑0, Humphries faced a decisive leg in which he needed a 105 checkout to avoid going 4‑0 down. He hit the finish, and the momentum began to shift.
Price, who had the chance to go 5‑4 ahead with set darts, missed, allowing Humphries to claw his way back. "I worked incredibly hard from 3‑0 down, showed a lot of grit and determination," Humphries reflected. "These wins are sweeter than the ones you win easily." He continued, "I didn’t want to lose 6‑0.
I wanted to give the fans something to enjoy, and suddenly I found myself up 4‑3. It felt like I still had something to give tonight." Humphries also spoke about the personal significance of the trophy. "I’m looking forward to taking the trophy home to my son, so he can finally see his dad lift a title that isn’t a runner‑up medal." For Gerwyn Price, the loss adds a third consecutive runner‑up finish in a major.
He has also been second at the World Matchplay to Luke Littler and at the World Series Finals to Ross Smith, and he recorded three additional semi‑final appearances in majors this year. Despite the defeat, Price remained optimistic about his future.
"Gezzy was amazing for those first three sets, absolutely insane," Humphries said, adding that he believes a major title is inevitable for Price. "It’s written in the stars; he can’t keep playing this well and not win." Price’s opening set was historic in its own right. He posted a 132.62 three‑dart average, completing the set in just 34 darts – the best three‑dart set average ever recorded at the tournament.
Yet, despite that record‑breaking start, he has now finished runner‑up at the World Grand Prix three times since his 2020 victory. Speaking to Sky Sports, Price admitted the disappointment of another loss. "It’s gutting I lost another one – I’m not bothered, but I am bothered," he said. He praised Humphries for his middle‑section performance but lamented missed opportunities to apply pressure.
"I felt like it was a fantastic game – I thought I played brilliantly, and Luke played brilliantly," he added. Wayne Mardle of Sky Sports Darts offered his analysis, noting the resilience Humphries displayed.
"Humphries was in trouble, then a bit more, then a bit more – to get out of it was an incredible effort. The last two sets were his best. He was under the cosh for more than an hour but didn’t succumb. He stood up to everything Gezzy threw at him, which was a lot!" Mardle also highlighted the mental edge that comes from previous victories.
"When you have won before, which Luke has done many times and in many ways, there is that belief of, ‘I’m under pressure, but let’s see as I know my game can win,’ rather than ‘oh no, I am going to get beat.’ He played his game and he won." Regarding Price’s performance, Mardle observed, "Gezzy tightened up after a great start. He says things in the spur of the moment but the way he competes, he wants it. You can’t play like he did this evening if you don’t care!" He concluded on a hopeful note for the young Welshman: "It is disheartening and disappointing when you are 3‑0 up and don’t win, but he has lost enough finals to know nothing is a given.
He is still a young man and will get many more opportunities. He knows he is good enough." Looking ahead, the European Tour continues with the Swiss Darts Trophy (9‑11 October) and the Dutch Darts Championship (16‑18 October).
The European Championship will follow in Dortmund, Germany, from 22‑25 October. The next televised major on Sky Sports will be the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, scheduled for 14‑22 November, with the World Darts Championship slated for 11 December to 3 January at Alexandra Palace, where Luke Littler will defend his titles. Fans can stay updated on the latest Sky Sports offers or stream the action without a contract.