Luke Humphries has made it clear that his historic achievement of reaching a fourth consecutive World Grand Prix final will amount to nothing unless he can finally overcome Gerwyn Price in Leicester and lift the trophy. The Englishman etched his name into the tournament’s record books by becoming the first player ever to qualify for the final in four successive years at the double‑in event, securing his spot with a 5-3 victory over James Wade and setting up a showdown on Sunday at the Mattioli Arena.
The "Cool Hand" moniker, which was attached to Humphries after a 6-1 defeat to Luke Littler in the previous year’s final and a surprising 6-4 loss to Mike de Decker earlier in 2024, now fuels his determination to replicate the triumph he enjoyed in 2023 when he beat Price in a tightly contested final. "This season has been one of those journeys where nothing feels easy," Humphries told Sky Sports. "A few years ago it seemed more straightforward, but this year has been a real test of my resolve." He continued, "Making four Grand Prix finals in a row is something special – it’s a personal milestone and I’m proud of it. Yet, if I don’t walk away with the trophy, that history is just a footnote.
I’m here to win. If I lift that silverware, I’ll look back at the record and think, ‘That was amazing.’" Humphries has endured a string of near‑misses in televised finals since his Premier League triumph in May 2025, including runner‑up finishes at the European Championship, the Grand Slam of Darts in 2025, and this year’s Premier League final.
He is determined to break that pattern. "My form hasn’t always been ideal, but the way I’ve bounced back and performed lately is encouraging," he said. "I have to repeat that performance tomorrow because I’ve let too many major finals slip through my fingers." He praised his own play, noting, "I wasn’t far from my best.
My scoring was solid and my doubles were on point. It felt like the most controlled, consistent display I’ve produced in a long time. The last time I felt that level of control was probably the Premier League final against Luke Littler. It’s been ages since I felt so steady and not on the verge of faltering." Regarding his opponent, Humphries added, "Gerwyn is playing well, but if I can replicate my current form, it’ll be a cracking match and I hope it turns out that way.
I’ll come back fresh on Sunday, confident that I can raise my game even higher." Gerwyn Price, the 2020 champion, is also heading into his fourth World Grand Prix final, his first since being beaten by Humphries in 2023. The Welshman endured a tense semi‑final against Nathan Aspinall, winning 5-2 but not without drama.
"Nathan was complaining about the crowd, but they were behind him," Price told Sky Sports. "I was up 3-0 and I told him, ‘they’re on your side, bud, stop playing to the audience and just throw darts.’ I was a bit annoyed because the crowd was backing him, and I told him I wasn’t happy with his stage performance.
We’re good friends, but sometimes you have to let the darts go – when you’re losing, you’re losing." Price admitted frustration, saying, "I was frustrated for about 90% of that game and that’s not good. It was a patchy match, up and down. In stretches I was playing well, and when my game clicks I can produce some of the best darts in the world. I’m here to win trophies and prize money, and now I’m heading into another final – the third in a row – which is great news." Commentator Wayne Mardle of Sky Sports observed, "Humphries feels that his recent display was close to his best, and that confidence shows.
I don’t think Price was particularly impressive tonight. I know he won, but Luke going into that final now will naturally feel confident." Mardle added, "It’s impressive how Humphries has had to improve his game and actually delivered when it mattered, putting those poor performances behind him and not letting them affect him – that’s real growth. It’s easy to label Luke as inconsistent, but Price has shown similar swings. Who shone in the opening round?
It was Price. He played brilliantly, but he hasn’t replicated that level since – though he certainly can again." He concluded, "What we all want is for both players to come out firing, giving us a spectacular final. I hope it turns out that way." The final between Humphries and Price will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event from 8 p.m. on Sunday, with streaming options available via NOW.
Fans can expect a high‑stakes encounter as Humphries seeks to cement his place in history with a victory, while Price aims to add another major title to his résumé and prove that his recent dip in form was only temporary. The match promises drama, skill, and the kind of narrative that makes the World Grand Prix a highlight of the darts calendar.