In the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, where the roar of fancy-dressed fans echoes through the halls, Luke Humphries kicked off his campaign at the PDC World Darts Championship with a commanding performance. The former world champion, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke” for his unflappable demeanor under pressure, dispatched fellow Englishman Ted Evetts in a 3-1 victory during his opening-round match. Humphries, the world number two, started like a house on fire, racing to a 2-0 lead with averages soaring over 100 and peppering the board with eight maximum 180s. Although Evetts clawed back a set to inject some tension, Humphries regained control, closing out the match with clinical finishing to advance to the second round.
This win marks a strong statement from the 30-year-old, who is determined to reclaim the Sid Waddell Trophy and dethrone current champion and world number one Luke Littler. Humphries has been in scintillating form throughout 2025, capturing titles like the Premier League and World Masters, while reaching finals in several majors. His rivalry with the teenage sensation Littler has captivated the darts world, with Humphries openly declaring an intense battle ahead. Yet, beyond the oche, Humphries harbors dreams that extend far past his playing days, revealing a surprising passion for entrepreneurship in the culinary world.
In a light-hearted post-match revelation, Humphries shared his long-term ambition to own a Chinese restaurant. The idea stems from his deep love for Chinese cuisine, something he’s enjoyed immensely over the years. He recounted a conversation with a fellow darts player who is already planning to open one upon retirement. “Luke Humphries said he’d buy in,” the player noted, highlighting Humphries’ enthusiastic response. Cool Hand Luke didn’t hesitate, expressing genuine interest in partnering on the venture. It’s a dream that blends his appreciation for flavorful dishes like crispy duck, aromatic stir-fries, and dim sum with the camaraderie of business ownership alongside a trusted friend from the tour.
Humphries’ affinity for Chinese food isn’t new; he’s often spoken about how it’s his go-to comfort meal after grueling tournaments or practice sessions. The sport’s demanding schedule—filled with travel, late nights, and high-stakes pressure—makes simple pleasures like a hearty Chinese takeaway all the more appealing. Imagining a retirement filled with managing a bustling restaurant, experimenting with menus, and welcoming customers adds a relatable, down-to-earth layer to the star’s persona. It’s a far cry from the bright lights of Ally Pally, but it shows Humphries thinking ahead, balancing his current dominance on the board with practical plans for life after darts.
This stunning debut win against Evetts sets up an intriguing next challenge for Humphries: a rematch with 71-year-old legend Paul Lim, who made history by becoming the oldest player to win a match at the World Championship. Lim, the “Singapore Slinger,” upset Jeffrey de Graaf 3-1, delighting the crowd with his timeless skill. Humphries and Lim have history—Lim famously defeated a younger Humphries in the first round five years ago, a loss that Humphries credits with spurring his remarkable rise to the top. Now a vastly improved player with multiple majors under his belt, Humphries approaches the clash with respect and excitement. “It’s amazing, he’s a legend,” Humphries said of Lim, acknowledging the unique challenge of facing a player who admires him greatly.
As the tournament progresses, Humphries remains focused on his immediate goal: navigating the expanded 128-player field to lift the trophy on January 3 and pocket the record £1 million winner’s prize. His performance against Evetts showcased the consistency and power that made him world champion in 2024, when he dramatically overcame Littler in the final. With eight PDC major titles already to his name, joint-fifth on the all-time list, Humphries is chasing history while embracing the sport’s growing popularity.
Off the stage, though, the Chinese restaurant dream adds charm to Humphries’ story. It’s a reminder that even elite athletes like him— who have risen from county darts roots in Berkshire to global stardom—have everyday aspirations. Partnering on a restaurant could mean sourcing authentic ingredients, perfecting signature dishes, and creating a welcoming spot for darts fans to gather. For now, Humphries is all in on the championship hunt, but fans can already picture him trading darts for dim sum in the not-too-distant future.
The World Darts Championship continues to deliver drama, with Humphries’ blend of on-stage brilliance and off-stage personality making him a fan favorite. As he advances, the question isn’t just whether he can reclaim the crown, but how sweetly his post-career plans will unfold.
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