In what has been one of the most challenging periods in recent memory for darts superstar Luke Humphries, the former world number one suffered a devastating first-round defeat at the 2025 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals in Minehead on November 21. The defending champion, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title in the £600,000 event, fell 6-5 to rising Dutch talent Gian van Veen in a nail-biting encounter that left fans stunned and Humphries searching for answers ahead of the upcoming World Championship.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of high drama, perfectly encapsulating the highs and lows that have defined Humphries’ form of late. “Cool Hand Luke,” known for his ice-cool demeanor under pressure, stormed into an commanding 3-0 lead with clinical checkouts, including a spectacular 145 and an 83 that had the crowd roaring. It seemed as though the two-time reigning champion was on course for a routine victory against the seventh seed, who he had faced in tough battles before.
But van Veen, fresh off his maiden major triumph at the European Championship just weeks earlier where he also edged past Humphries, refused to roll over. The young Dutchman ignited his comeback with a breathtaking 161 checkout – one of the highest possible finishes – to claim his first leg and shift the momentum. From there, van Veen grew in confidence, reeling off three consecutive legs to surge ahead 5-4. Humphries, visibly rattled, fought back valiantly to force a decider, but in the final leg, a costly mistake proved fatal. With the scores tied and opportunity knocking, Humphries appeared to prematurely concede a visit, tossing his darts aside in frustration as van Veen closed out the win on double 12.
This heartbreaking loss marked not just an early exit from a tournament Humphries has dominated in recent years – having beaten Luke Littler 11-7 in last year’s final to retain the crown – but also plunged his seasonal average in floor events to a dismal low not seen in six years. Struggling with consistency on the Pro Tour circuit throughout 2025, Humphries entered the Finals as the lowly 58th seed, a far cry from his status as one of the sport’s elite. His limited participation in the 34 Players Championship events, prioritizing bigger stages, left him vulnerable in the rankings-based draw, pairing him against formidable opponents from the outset.
The defeat capped off a truly difficult week for the 30-year-old Englishman. Just days earlier, at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, Humphries was dethroned as world number one by teenage sensation Luke Littler, who claimed the top spot with a commanding victory in another high-profile showdown between the pair. Humphries had entered that event brimming with confidence after hitting a perfect nine-darter in the group stages, but successive setbacks have now piled pressure on the man who was once untouchable.
Reflecting on the turbulent stretch, Humphries has remained philosophical, acknowledging the ups and downs that come with life at the top. “I’m feeling really confident. I know I’ve lost three major finals in a row, but when you’re playing well you always feel another chance is going to come around straight away,” he had said ahead of the weekend, brushing off concerns about his form. Yet, the reality of back-to-back disappointments against top competition – including van Veen’s repeat upset – has raised questions about his preparation for the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace next month, where he will defend the title he won so memorably in 2024.
For van Veen, the victory was a statement of intent. The emerging star, who has now beaten Humphries twice in quick succession on television stages, advances to the next round with momentum on his side. Meanwhile, across the draw, new world number one Luke Littler cruised through his opener, setting up potential blockbuster clashes as the tournament progresses.
Humphries’ early elimination means he forfeits the chance to etch his name further into darts history with a third straight Players Championship Finals triumph – a feat achieved by only a select few legends. Instead, this shock result serves as a stark reminder of the brutal, unforgiving nature of professional darts, where even the very best can stumble when form dips at the wrong moment. As the oche lights dim on Minehead for Humphries this year, all eyes now turn to whether he can regroup and reclaim his “cool hand” composure in time for the biggest show of all. With the World Championship looming, the pressure is well and truly on for one of the modern game’s greats to turn his fortunes around.
Leave a Reply