Current world number one Luke Humphries has made it clear what’s required to keep his throne at the top of darts’ Everest. The answer, apparently, isn’t endless training sessions or cutting-edge psychology. It’s just winning the World Championship. Simple.
With four major ranking titles left before the big one in December, Humphries knows what’s at stake – though he gives the impression he’s not losing sleep over it. Speaking after his second-round win against Kevin Doets at the World Series of Darts Finals, Cool Hand Luke made it clear he has the key, but doesn’t seem in any rush to try the lock.
“It’s not like I’m relishing it, to be honest. I could win all four of the back-end ranking majors and not win the Worlds, and still not be number one. It’s not something I’m really thinking too hard about.
“If I want to be number one next year, it’s all going to come down to the World Championship. If I don’t win that, then I don’t think I’ll be. But if I go into the Worlds and win it, then I’ll be world number one.
“I’d love to win one more of the next four majors and hopefully win the Worlds and make the magic number 10 majors. I’d love to be a multiple World Champion. But I’m not thinking too much about what I’m defending, because if you do, it just eats away at you and you won’t do well.”
In other words: I’ll win when it matters, thanks. Until then, don’t bother me with maths.What is surprising – borderline hilarious, actually – is that the reigning Premier League champion might not even qualify for the Players Championship Finals in Minehead. Apparently, when you skip half the calendar like it’s optional homework, it comes back to bite you.
With just seven events left, Humphries needs results. Luckily, he can keep a count and still remember the number remaining correctly – a skill that sets him apart from Michael van Gerwen who thought there could be nine to go.Luke said he will be there for the lot:
“Yes, I will play in all of them. Even if I win one, I’ll probably still play in all of them, to be honest. It’s the situation I find myself in – not one I’m regretting. If I didn’t make it, I feel like I should, but I wouldn’t be regretting anything or disappointed. I had to take time off, and I’ve had to spend more time with my family.
“If it becomes the scenario of missing out, of course I’ll be gutted – but it won’t be the end of the world. I want to be in every major, so I’ll be playing in all of them. It’s up to me to go and earn my spot. I had a couple of really good performances in the week but just didn’t get over the line – there’s nothing to say that won’t happen again in the next seven.
“I’m under no illusion that it’s not guaranteed. When you’re in the Premier League – me, Michael, Luke, Nathan – we’re all under the cosh because you just can’t play in everything. With seven more tournaments left, in my own mind I feel like I should qualify, but if I don’t, then unfortunately, I won’t be there.”
So, Minehead may or may not happen. Either way, Humphries won’t be weeping into his morning cappuccino – his gaze is fixed on a slightly bigger prize in December. Looking ahead, Humphries was positively chipper about the European Tour spreading its wings into new countries in 2026, with Poland and Slovakia added to the map.
“Yeah, I think it’s great. It’s really good for the sport. We’ve spent so much time in Germany, but now we’re branching out a little bit more. There are so many other places I’d love to see the European Tour go in the future, but it’s not going to happen straight away. I did an exhibition in Bratislava a couple of months ago and it was absolutely amazing – the atmosphere was so good. I see why that’s happened. Poland is another great country.”
Translation: Germany, you’ve been fun, but the rest of Europe would like a go now, thanks. Of course, nearly half of next year’s Euro Tour still takes place in Germany. Somewhere at the back of the classroom, Ireland and Scandinavia are waving frantically, desperate for attention. They’ve got a point.
Still, Humphries is sold on the whole travelling circus.
“Europe is a hotspot for great crowds and great atmospheres. Hopefully in the next five years, you’ll see 15 European Tours in 15 different countries. The sport has grown so much – we’re very lucky.”
Lovely idea. Not exactly music to the ears of German fans, who’ve had a monopoly on Euro Tours for so long they probably think they own the copyright. Still, they’ve got the World Cup, so they’ll survive. And unlike football, darts probably won’t be heading to Qatar any time soon.
—–Ends—–
Images: Kelly Deckers / PDC Europe
