Luke Humphries has won a first major title since the 2025 Premier League, and he wants to do it again in December. The 31-year-old beat Gerwyn Price 6-4 in the final of the World Grand Prix, recovering from 3-0 down to seal the trophy with an 11-darter after breaking his opponent in 10.
Humphries now sits fifth overall in PDC major wins, trailing only Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, reigning world champion Luke Littler and James Wade. With nine PDC major trophies to his name, including two World Cups, his first major came at the 2023 World Grand Prix, where he also defeated Price in the final.
Humphries spoke to Sky Sports after the final, and he made it clear what comes next. “My goal now is to make the World final and play [Littler] in it again and let’s see what can happen,” he said. “The real fans of darts know I am still here and capable of winning stuff.”
The Comeback Win
From beginning to end, Leicester’s final was a trial of spirit. Price started with a 3-0 advantage, yet Humphries answered by securing six of the following seven sets, taking the match over. His victory was sealed with an 11-darter after he broke his opponent in 10, thereby closing out the ninth set.
Humphries has played four matches in succession on multiple occasions already, and he admitted the schedule was demanding. Speaking to Sky Sports, he pointed to the Grand Prix’s format of set play as something that builds his confidence for the World Championship, which begins at Alexandra Palace from December 11.
Littler’s Final Target
Humphries has already bested Littler before, having won the 2024 World Championship and last year’s Premier League. Yet he has fallen short in his last four major finals against Littler, including the 2025 World Grand Prix.
The record hurts, yet Humphries refuses to let it shape him. He wants Littler to reach the Alexandra Palace final, and he thinks the competition pushes both players to their limits.
“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,” Humphries said. “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.”
A Long Road Back
Earlier this year, people began writing Humphries off after he spent three or four months not playing his best. He acknowledged that the doubters had plenty of ammunition.
“After three or four months of not playing your best, people discredit you and think, ‘he is finished, he won’t win anything’,” he said. “But I always seem to bounce back and pop up with a major tournament or final.”
The final four legs against Price proved to be the turning point. Humphries was locked into such a state of concentration and resolve that nothing could stand in his way.
“It’s not just one player winning everything. There are so many opportunities now, so many major tournaments,” he said. “This is great for my confidence and hopefully I can pick up another big one this year.”
The Scab on His Head
During the World Grand Prix, Humphries had a scab on his head, which he said was caused by an allergic reaction to make-up he got while appearing on the TV show Bullseye. The win still came through despite the distraction.
After beating Price, he made light of the situation on stage, saying “Harry Potter did well, didn’t he?!”, and he went on to tell Sky Sports that it had 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.”
What Comes Next
Two more tournaments mark the close of the European Tour’s schedule before the final championship:
- The Swiss Darts Trophy runs from October 9 through October 11
- The Dutch Darts Championship follows from October 16 through October 18
The European Championship itself follows, held in Dortmund, Germany from October 22 through October 25.
Both the Grand Slam of Darts, running November 14-22, and the World Darts Championship, spanning December 10-January 3, are still shown live on Sky Sports. You can stream darts and much more via NOW, without a contract.
The Numbers Behind the Win
The numbers Humphries has put up over his career are truly remarkable. When you look at how he compares to the best players in history, the case for him being among the elite becomes clear.
| Player | Major Trophies |
|---|---|
| Phil Taylor | |
| Michael van Gerwen | |
| Luke Littler | |
| James Wade | |
| Luke Humphries | 9 |
He now has nine major trophies and two World Cups after adding the World Cups to his collection, and he observed that the accomplishment arrived during an unusually brief span of time.
“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 said.
Looking Ahead
Humphries has no plans to step away from the game. His mind is set on winning again, on lifting another prize.
“If I am in this game for another 15, 20 years, how much more can I win?” he asked.
Humphries has already proven his ability to triumph at the sport’s peak. The route to Alexandra Palace is well known to be hard, yet he has already traversed it once before.
The numbers from his past meetings with Littler point to a tight final. Humphries himself carries no doubt about his own skill, and he thinks the crowd knows he can still come away victorious.
“I am here and I’m still going to win some stuff,” he said.
The coming months will reveal how things turn out. The Swiss Darts Trophy and Dutch Darts Championship provide early opportunities to gain pace. The European Championship in Dortmund stands as a further trial. The Grand Slam of Darts arrives in November, with the World Championship following in December.
Humphries has already shown his ability to mount a comeback. He has also demonstrated his capacity to triumph in the most important contests. The real issue is whether he can repeat those performances.
Source material: “Humphries ready to win another World title – and wants Littler in the final,” Sky Sports.
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