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 the chance to meet Luke Littler in the final match. Humphries secured his first major championship since the 2025 Premier League by staging a dramatic comeback from 0‑3 down to defeat Gerwyn Price 6‑4 in the double‑start final, sealing the victory with an impressive 11‑dart finish after breaking Price’s throw in the tenth leg to clinch the ninth set. The "Cool Hand" moniker, which Humphries earned after beating Littler to claim the 2024 World Championship and last year’s Premier League, has nevertheless seen him fall short in his last four major finals at the hands of "The Nuke," including the 2025 World Grand Prix.
Despite those setbacks, Humphries remains confident that the experience of playing four consecutive days in Leicester has bolstered his mental resilience for the grueling three‑day format of the World Championship, which will be staged at Alexandra Palace from December 11 and broadcast live on Sky Sports. Speaking to Sky Sports, the world number two reflected on the challenges of a four‑day run: "Four days on the trot is hard but I have done it so many times before. I know in the Worlds you have three gruelling days – quarters, semis, final. Now that I have taken a major tournament, it puts me in a good frame of mind to go on and win the World Championship again." He added that his immediate goal is to reach the final and face Littler once more, saying, "My goal now is to make the World final and play [Littler] in it again and let's see what can happen.
The real fans of darts know I am still here and capable of winning stuff." Humphries praised Littler’s talent and character, noting the young player’s recent success and the unwarranted criticism he sometimes endures. "I have come so close to beating Luke in some majors in the last six to eight months and I think he enjoys the battle as well. He deserves credit for what he has done in the sport. He is one of my closest friends on tour.
I know a lot of people don't like that but I do because he is such a great kid. He is amazing for the sport and the hate he gets is unjust," Humphries said.
With nine PDC major titles to his name, Humphries now sits fifth on the all‑time major‑trophy list, trailing only legends Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, current world champion Luke Littler, and James Wade. He reflected on the rapid accumulation of his achievements: "Nine major titles and two World Cups is insane and it's been done in such a short space of time as well – three years to the day," he remarked, recalling that his first major victory came at the 2023 World Grand Prix, where he also bested Price in the final. Looking ahead, Humphries mused about the longevity of his career: "If I am in this game for another 15, 20 years, how much more can I win? It's not just one player winning everything.
There are so many opportunities now, so many major tournaments. This is great for my confidence and hopefully I can pick up another big one this year." He emphasized his determination, recalling the final leg against Price: "Those last four legs, I don't think anyone would have stopped me. I felt so focused, so determined." Humphries also addressed the inevitable dip in form that can follow a major win.
"After three or four months of not playing your best, people discredit you and think, 'he is finished, he won't win anything' but I always seem to bounce back and pop up with a major tournament or final," he said, underscoring his resilience. During the World Grand Prix, Humphries appeared with a noticeable scab on his scalp, which he later attributed to an allergic reaction to makeup used while filming 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 has been a big story of the week.
I think I am alright but maybe it got infected or something so I will get that sorted." The European Tour schedule continues with the Swiss Darts Trophy from October 9‑11 and the Dutch Darts Championship from October 16‑18. These events will lead into the European Championship in Dortmund, Germany, taking place 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) live. Fans can also stream matches and additional content via NOW without a contract, ensuring extensive coverage of the sport throughout the season.