Luke Humphries says that his recent triumph at the World Grand Prix has left him feeling primed to capture a second World Championship title, and he would love to meet Luke Littler once again in the championship final. The Englishman secured his first major trophy since the 2025 Premier League by overturning a 0-3 deficit to defeat Gerwyn Price 6-4 in the double‑start final, sealing the victory with a flawless 11‑dart finish after breaking Price’s throw in the tenth leg to clinch the ninth set. Humphries, nicknamed "Cool Hand," previously bested Littler to claim the 2024 World Championship and also won last year’s Premier League.
However, he has stumbled in his last four major finals, all at the hands of "The Nuke" Gerwyn Price, including a loss in the 2025 World Grand Prix final. Having played four consecutive days in Leicester last week, Humphries believes that thriving in a set‑play format has boosted his confidence ahead of the similar structure he will face at the World Championship in Alexandra Palace, which kicks off on 11 December and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Speaking to Sky Sports, the world No. 2 explained: "Four days on the trot is tough, but I’ve done it countless times before.
I know the World Championship involves three grueling days – quarter‑finals, semis and the final. Now that I have a major tournament under my belt, it puts me in a good frame of mind to go after the World title again." He continued, "My goal now is to reach the World final and face [Littler] again – let’s see what happens. True darts fans know I’m still here and capable of winning big events. I’ve come close to beating Luke in several majors over the past six to eight months, and I think he enjoys the rivalry as much as I do." Humphries praised his younger counterpart, saying, "He deserves credit for what he’s achieved in the sport.
He’s one of my closest friends on tour. I know many people don’t like that, but I do, because he’s such a great kid. He’s amazing for the game and the hate he receives is undeserved." With nine PDC major titles now to his name, Humphries sits fifth on the all‑time major‑wins list, trailing only Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, current world champion Luke Littler and James Wade. He reflected on this milestone: "Nine major titles and two World Cups in just three years is insane.
My first major came at the 2023 World Grand Prix, where I also beat Price in the final. If I stay in the game for another 15 or 20 years, how many more can I add?" He noted the depth of competition, adding, "It’s not just one player dominating everything. There are so many opportunities now – a plethora of major tournaments.
That’s great for my confidence, and I hope to add another big win to my résumé this year." Humphries also addressed the criticism he sometimes faces after a dip in form: "After three or four months of not playing at my best, people start to write me off, saying ‘he’s finished, he won’t win anything.’ Yet I always seem to bounce back, popping up in a major tournament or final when it matters." During the World Grand Prix, Humphries appeared with a scab on his scalp, which he attributed to an allergic reaction to makeup used for the TV show Bullseye. The 31‑year‑old joked on stage after his victory, "Harry Potter did well, didn’t he?!" and later told Sky Sports, "It’s been a big story of the week. I think I’m alright, but maybe it got infected or something, so I’ll get that sorted." Looking ahead, the European Tour season continues with the Swiss Darts Trophy from 9‑11 October and the Dutch Darts Championship from 16‑18 October, before the European Championship in Dortmund, Germany, scheduled for 22‑25 October.
Sky Sports will remain the primary broadcaster for darts, covering the Grand Slam of Darts (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January). Fans can also stream matches and additional content via NOW without a contract.