The darts world is reeling from a jaw-dropping upset at the 2025 PDC European Tour event in Riesa, Germany, where world champion Luke Humphries, known as “Cool Hand,” delivered a spectacular 170 checkout—known as the “big fish”—only to be defeated by the unheralded PDC world No. 66, Dom Taylor, in a thrilling second-round clash. The match, played on September 8, 2025, at the Sachsen Arena, showcased Humphries’ brilliance but ultimately highlighted Taylor’s tenacity, as the underdog claimed a 6-4 victory that sent shockwaves through the darts community. This stunning result underscores the sport’s unpredictability and marks a defining moment for both players, with Humphries licking his wounds and Taylor basking in the glow of a career-defining triumph.
Humphries, the reigning PDC world champion and ranked No. 1, entered the German Darts Championship as a heavy favorite. His 2025 season has been a masterclass in consistency, with multiple titles and a commanding presence on the oche. The highlight of the match came in the fifth leg when Humphries nailed the 170 checkout—a rare feat requiring two triple 20s and a bullseye—prompting roars from the Riesa crowd and a frenzy on social media. “Humphries lands the BIG FISH!” one fan posted, capturing the moment’s electric energy. “I’m here to win, and I’m loving every minute,” Humphries had said earlier in the tournament, his confidence evident as he dispatched his first-round opponent with ease. Yet, despite the brilliance of his 170 finish, Humphries struggled to maintain his rhythm against Taylor, whose relentless pressure exposed rare cracks in the champion’s armor.
Dom Taylor, a 29-year-old journeyman from Manchester, seized the opportunity of a lifetime. Ranked No. 66 and often overshadowed by darts’ bigger names, Taylor brought fearless precision to the match, averaging over 95 and capitalizing on Humphries’ missed doubles. His aggressive play, particularly in the decisive legs, turned the tide, with a crucial 14-dart hold sealing the 6-4 win. “I’m just playing darts and enjoying it,” Taylor said post-match, echoing the humility that has endeared him to fans. The victory, his first against a world champion, propelled him into the third round and sparked a surge of support online, with fans dubbing him “the giant-killer.” Taylor’s journey to this moment hasn’t been easy; years of grinding on the Challenge Tour and sporadic PDC appearances have honed his resilience, making this upset a testament to his unwavering belief.
The match was a microcosm of darts’ raw appeal—moments of brilliance juxtaposed with unpredictable drama. Humphries, 30, has been the sport’s standard-bearer, with his 2024 World Championship title and consistent high averages cementing his dominance. Yet, Taylor’s victory exposed the fine margins that define elite competition. Humphries’ 170 checkout, while a highlight, couldn’t mask his uncharacteristic misses on doubles, particularly in the final stages, where Taylor’s composure shone. The Riesa crowd, known for its raucous energy, amplified the tension, chanting for both players as the match swung back and forth. “It’s really disappointing to lose,” Humphries admitted afterward, his frustration tempered by respect for Taylor’s performance. “But sometimes you’ve got to tip your hat to the better man on the day.”
For Taylor, the win is a career-defining milestone. His prize money from the European Tour, combined with this high-profile scalp, pushes him closer to the PDC’s top 50 and secures vital ranking points. Off the oche, Taylor’s relatable persona—working as a part-time electrician when not competing—resonates with fans, who flooded social media with praise. “Dom Taylor beating Humphries is why we love darts!” one post read, capturing the sport’s egalitarian spirit. As Taylor prepares for his next match, potentially against top seeds like Michael van Gerwen or Nathan Aspinall, the darts world is buzzing about his potential to climb higher.
Humphries, meanwhile, will regroup for upcoming events like the World Grand Prix and the 2025 World Darts Championship, where he’s expected to defend his title. His 170 checkout remains a highlight of the season, a reminder of his brilliance even in defeat. For fans, the Riesa upset is a thrilling chapter in darts’ ongoing story, where giants can fall, and underdogs can rise. As Taylor savors his moment and Humphries eyes redemption, the sport’s unpredictability continues to captivate, proving that on any given night, anyone can hit the bullseye.
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