Luke Humphries says his recent victory at the World Grand Prix has left him feeling primed to capture a second World Championship title, and he would love the chance to meet fellow Englishman Luke Littler in the final showdown. The 31‑year‑old Englishman lifted his first major trophy since the 2025 Premier League after mounting a dramatic comeback from 0‑3 down to defeat Gerwyn Price 6‑4 in the double‑start final, sealing the win with an 11‑dart finish that broke Price’s throw in the tenth leg to claim the ninth set. Humphries, nicknamed “Cool Hand,” previously bested Littler on his way to the 2024 World Championship crown and also overcame him in last year’s Premier League. However, he has fallen short in his last four major finals at the hands of Michael "The Nuke" van Gerwen, including a loss in the 2025 World Grand Prix final.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the Leicester event, where he played four consecutive days, Humphries said the experience of competing in a set‑based format has given him a huge confidence boost ahead of the World Championship, which also uses set play and will be staged at Alexandra Palace from December 11, live on Sky Sports. "Four days on the trot is tough, but I’ve done it countless times before. In the Worlds you have three grueling days – quarters, semis, final – and now I have that major tournament under my belt, which puts me in a great mental space to go for the World title again," he explained.
He added, "My goal now is to reach the World final and face Luke again. The real 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. He deserves massive credit for what he’s achieved in the sport.
He’s one of my closest friends on tour – a fact many don’t appreciate, but I do, because he’s a fantastic young player. The criticism he receives is unfair." Humphries now boasts nine PDC major titles, placing him fifth on the all‑time list behind legends Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, current world champion Luke Littler, and James Wade. "Nine majors and two World Cups in just three years is insane," Humphries said.
"If I keep playing for another 15 or 20 years, who knows how many more I could add? The sport now offers so many major events, which is great for confidence. I’m aiming for another big win this year." Reflecting on his performance against Price, Humphries noted, "Those last four legs I was laser‑focused and determined. After a few months of not playing my best, people start to doubt you, saying you’re finished.
But I always bounce back and pop up in a major final or win a title." During the Grand Prix final, Humphries sported a noticeable scab on his scalp, which he later attributed to an allergic reaction to makeup used for the TV show Bullseye. He joked on stage, "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 fine, but it might have gotten infected, so I’ll get that sorted." Looking ahead, the European Tour continues with the Swiss Darts Trophy (October 9‑11) and the Dutch Darts Championship (October 16‑18), followed by the European Championship in Dortmund, Germany, from October 22‑25.
Sky Sports will remain the primary broadcaster for darts, covering the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14‑22) and the World Darts Championship (December 10‑January 3). Fans can also stream matches via NOW without a contract, ensuring easy access to all the upcoming action.