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 to meet fellow Englishman Luke Littler in the final showdown. Humphries clinched his first major trophy since the 2025 Premier League by rallying from a 0‑3 deficit to defeat Gerwyn Price 6‑4 in the double‑start final, sealing the win with an impressive 11‑dart finish after breaking Price’s throw in the tenth leg to claim the ninth set.
The 31‑year‑old, nicknamed "Cool Hand," previously bested Littler to win the 2024 World Championship and also triumphed in last year’s Premier League. However, his recent form in major finals has been mixed, having lost his last four big‑stage matches to "The Nuke" – Gerwyn Price – including the 2025 World Grand Prix final. Humphries, who endured four consecutive days of competition in Leicester last week, believes that thriving in a set‑play format has bolstered his confidence ahead of the similar structure he will face at Alexandra Palace from December 11, when the World Championship is 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. Having just secured a major tournament, I feel in a great mental space to chase the World title again." He went on to say, "My goal now is to reach the World final and face Luke again.
Let’s see what happens. True darts fans know I’m still here and capable of winning big events." Humphries added, "I’ve come within touching distance of 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 his contributions to the sport. He’s one of my closest friends on tour – many people might not get that, but I do because he’s an incredible young talent." He praised Littler further, stating, "He’s doing amazing things for darts and the negativity he receives is completely unfair." The victory in Leicester takes Humphries’ tally of PDC major titles to nine, placing him fifth on the all‑time list behind legends Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, current world champion Luke Littler and James Wade.
Reflecting on his achievements, Humphries said, "Nine major titles and two World Cups in just three years is insane. If I keep playing for another 15 or 20 years, who knows how many more I could add?
The sport now offers a plethora of opportunities with so many majors on the calendar. This fuels my confidence and I’m aiming to add another big win this year." He continued, "I’m still here, still winning stuff.
Those last four legs against Price – nobody could have stopped me. I felt laser‑focused and determined. After a few months of a dip in form, critics start to write me off, saying I’m finished. Yet I always bounce back, popping up in a major final or winning a title." During the World Grand Prix, Humphries sported a noticeable scab on his scalp, which he later attributed to an allergic reaction to makeup used during filming for the TV show Bullseye.
The dart‑player joked on stage after his triumph, "Harry Potter did well, didn’t he?!" and later told Sky Sports, "It’s been the big story of the week. I think I’m fine, but it may have gotten infected, so I’ll get it sorted." Looking ahead, the European Tour season continues with the Swiss Darts Trophy scheduled for October 9‑11, followed by the Dutch Darts Championship on October 16‑18.
The European Championship will then take place in Dortmund, Germany, from October 22‑25. Sky Sports remains the primary broadcaster for darts, covering the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14‑22) and the World Darts Championship (December 10‑January 3) live.
Fans can also stream darts and additional content through the NOW platform without a contract, ensuring continuous access to the sport’s biggest moments. Humphries’ ambition to reclaim the world title is underpinned by his recent resurgence and his desire to face Littler once more on the sport’s grandest stage.
Both players have demonstrated exceptional skill and composure, promising a potential final that could become a classic in darts history. As the season progresses, the momentum built at the World Grand Prix will be crucial for Humphries as he navigates the upcoming European events, fine‑tunes his game, and prepares mentally and physically for the December showdown at Alexandra Palace.
In summary, Luke Humphries feels rejuvenated after his comeback win, sees the upcoming World Championship as a realistic target, and hopes to meet his friend and rival Luke Littler in the final. With a growing collection of major titles and a clear focus on future success, Humphries is positioning himself as one of the sport’s most compelling storylines heading into the end‑of‑year darts calendar.