Luke Humphries has hit back at his critics after ending his spell without an individual major in emphatic style at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. The world number two trailed Gerwyn Price 3-0 in the final but turned the match on its head to win 6-4, claiming his first major title since the 2025 Premier League.
"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," Humphries told Sky Sports. The manner of his victory gives him belief heading to Alexandra Palace, especially as Leicester, like the Worlds, is played in sets. "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," he said. "Now I have got that major tournament, it is going to put me in a good frame of mind that I can go on and win the World Championship again."
Humphries, who beat Luke Littler in the 2024 World Championship final and also had the edge over 'The Nuke' in last year's Premier League, has lost his last four major finals against Littler, including the 2025 World Grand Prix. Still, he hopes the two Englishmen meet again on the biggest stage. "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," he said. "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 also expressed great respect for his main rival. "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."
Reflecting on his career, Humphries said his success in Leicester takes him to nine PDC majors. According to his own tally, only Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Littler and James Wade are still ahead of him on the all-time list. "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. Humphries claimed his first big individual title at the 2023 World Grand Prix, also after a final against Price. "If I am in this game for another 15, 20 years, how much more can I win?" he wondered.
Humphries warned his rivals he has no plans to fade away. "I am here and I'm still going to win some stuff. Those last four legs against Price, I don't think anyone would have stopped me. I felt so focused, so determined."
