Luke Humphries says 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 see fellow Englishman Luke Littler waiting for him in the final showdown. The 31‑year‑old secured his first major trophy since the 2025 Premier League when he mounted a dramatic comeback from 0‑3 down to defeat Gerwyn Price 6‑4 in the double‑start final, sealing the victory with an immaculate 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 endured a string of four consecutive defeats in major finals at the hands of "The Nuke," including a loss to Price in the 2025 World Grand Prix.
Having played four successive days in Leicester last week, Humphries believes the endurance test of set‑play has bolstered his confidence ahead of the similar format that awaits at Alexandra Palace from 11 December, when the World Championship 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 Worlds involve three grueling days – quarters, semis and the final.
Now that I have a major 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 meet Luke again. Let’s see what happens. True darts fans know I’m still here and capable of winning. I’ve come close to beating Luke in a few majors over the past six to eight months, and I think he enjoys the rivalry as much as I do." Humphries praised his younger compatriot, saying, "He deserves credit for what he’s achieved in the sport.
He’s one of my closest friends on tour. I know a lot of people don’t like that, but I do, because he’s a great kid. He’s amazing for darts and the hate he receives is unjust." With nine PDC major titles to his name, Humphries now sits fifth on the all‑time list, trailing only Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, reigning world champion Luke Littler and James Wade. Reflecting on his rapid accumulation of silverware, he remarked, "Nine major titles and two World Cups in just three years is insane.
If I stay in the game for another 15 or 20 years, how many more can I win? The sport now offers a plethora of opportunities – there are so many majors. This bodes well for my confidence and I hope to add another big one to my résumé this year." He added, "I’m still here and I’m still going to win stuff.
Those last four legs against Price – I don’t think anyone could have stopped me. I felt laser‑focused and determined.
After a few months of sub‑par form, people start to write me off, saying ‘he’s finished, he won’t win anything.’ But I always bounce back, popping up in a major final or winning a tournament." During the Grand Prix, Humphries sported a noticeable scab on his scalp, which he later attributed to an allergic reaction to the makeup used for the TV show Bullseye. He joked on stage after his victory, "Harry Potter did well, didn’t he?!" and later told Sky Sports, "It’s been the story of the week. I think I’m fine, but maybe it got infected, so I’ll get that sorted." Looking ahead, the European Tour 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 remains the primary broadcaster for darts, covering the Grand Slam of Darts (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January) live.
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