Luke Humphries clinched his second World Grand Prix crown in a match that will be remembered for its astonishing reversal of fortunes. After falling behind 3-0, the Englishman rallied with a display of resilience and precision that saw him win six of the next seven sets, ultimately defeating Gerwyn Price 6-4 in the final at Leicester's Mattioli Arena. Humphries made history by becoming the first player to reach the World Grand Prix final in four consecutive years. His performance was marked by a 93.16 three‑dart average and ten 180s, underscoring the high quality of his darts throughout the contest.
Price, a former world champion, started strongly, taking the opening set in just 34 darts and even producing a flawless 10‑dart leg to break Humphries early on. The early stages of the match were dominated by Price, who capitalized on his scoring power and hit a series of impressive checkouts, including a 101 and an 82, to secure a two‑set lead. He extended his advantage further in the third set with another 101 finish, putting Humphries under significant pressure.
At this point, the Welshman seemed firmly in control, and many observers believed the match was effectively over. However, the turning point arrived in the fourth set. With Price on a 130 checkout, Humphries responded with a crucial 105 finish on a double, preventing the gap from widening further. This moment sparked a remarkable run of four consecutive sets for Humphries.
He took advantage of Price’s missed set darts, stringing together five straight legs and ultimately sealing the set to level the match at 3-3. The momentum shift was palpable. In the fifth set, Humphries produced a four‑leg streak that gave him the edge, while Price managed only modest 99 and 94 checkouts.
The Englishman then broke back in the sixth set, closing it out after a series of tight doubles. The tide had turned completely, and the crowd sensed a potential comeback. Humphries’ confidence grew as he entered the seventh set. He delivered an 11‑dart leg on his throw and followed it with a break of Price’s throw, eventually winning the set on double 16.
This gave him a 4-3 lead and put the pressure back on the Welshman, who had never before lost a World Grand Prix final after taking an early 3-0 lead. Price fought back in the eighth set, breaking early and cruising to the set win, but Humphries answered in the ninth with a spectacular 10‑dart finish that put him ahead 5-4. The Englishman then raced through the final set in straight legs, finishing with an 11‑dart leg that sealed the victory and the £150,000 prize.
In the post‑match interview, Humphries reflected on the significance of the win: "This is really special, finally breaking my barren run in majors. The biggest moment for me was that 180 followed by a 105 checkout in the fourth set – when Gezzy went 4‑0 up it felt like the end, but at 3‑1 I relaxed and found my game again. I feel I deserved a major; maybe I didn't play the cleanest darts tonight, but I showed grit and determination.
Winning like this, after such a fight, is sweeter than any easy victory. I can’t wait to bring the trophy home for my son so he can see his dad with a title, not just a runner‑up ribbon." Price, who has not added a major title since the 2022 World Series Finals, admitted his disappointment but remained optimistic: "I don't want to win a major, do I?
Luke played brilliantly in the middle part of the game, but I squandered too many chances to put pressure on him. It was a fantastic match, and whoever takes their opportunities wins.
I missed crucial darts and I'm gutted to lose another final, but I'll bounce back." Veteran commentator Wayne Mardle of Sky Sports praised Humphries' tenacity: "Humphries was in trouble, then a bit more, then a bit more – pulling himself out of a hole that seemed impossible. The last two sets were his best. He was under the cosh for more than an hour but never gave in.
He stood up to everything Price threw at him, which was a lot! When you've won before, like Luke has, you have that belief that you can weather the pressure and let your game speak." Mardle also offered insight into Price's mindset: "Gezzy tightened up after a great start.
He says things in the heat of the moment, but his competitiveness is evident – he wants it. You can't play like he did tonight if you don't care. It's disappointing to be 3-0 up and not close it out, but he's lost enough finals to know nothing is guaranteed.
He's still young and will have many more opportunities; he knows he's good enough." The European Tour continues with the Swiss Darts Trophy (9‑11 October) and the Dutch Darts Championship (16‑18 October), leading up to the European Championship in Dortmund (22‑25 October). The next televised major on Sky Sports will be the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (14‑22 November), followed by the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace (11 December‑3 January), where reigning champion Michael Smith will defend his title. Fans can follow the action via Sky Sports deals or stream without a contract for uninterrupted coverage.