In the electrifying world of professional darts, Luke Humphries stands tall as the sport’s reigning titan. Fresh off his thrilling 11-8 victory over teenage sensation Luke Littler in the 2025 Premier League Darts final at London’s O2 Arena, the world No. 1 is already setting his sights on further conquests at the Nordic Darts Masters in Copenhagen. The third event of the 2025 World Series of Darts, held from June 6-7, marks Humphries’ latest opportunity to cement his dominance. With a steely resolve, the 30-year-old Englishman declared, “You can’t win all these titles and not be hungry. You can’t become lazy,” signaling his unrelenting drive to add more silverware to his already illustrious cabinet.
Humphries’ Premier League triumph was a defining moment, not just for the £275,000 prize but for completing darts’ coveted Triple Crown—comprising the World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League titles. He became only the fourth player in history to achieve this feat, joining legends Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson in an elite club. “It feels amazing. There are only four people who have done it, so that makes it really, really special,” Humphries said, his voice brimming with pride as he reflected on the milestone. The final against Littler, a rematch of their 2024 clash where Littler claimed victory with a nine-darter, was a testament to their burgeoning rivalry. Despite trailing 3-0 early, Humphries battled back, leveling at 5-5 before surging to an 11-8 win, showcasing the mental fortitude that has defined his rise. “This one means the world to me, that was the one I was missing,” he added, tears glistening as he lifted the trophy before a roaring O2 crowd.
The road to Copenhagen hasn’t been without hurdles. Humphries’ World Series campaign this year has been inconsistent, with a semi-final exit in Bahrain and a shock first-round defeat at the Dutch Darts Masters in Den Bosch. Yet, his recent form—bolstered by victories at the Winmau World Masters and the Premier League—has silenced doubters. Facing Latvia’s Madars Razma, the Nordic and Baltic region’s top player, in his opening match at the Forum Copenhagen, Humphries is favored to advance. “I’m going to be working hard to get better, and I’ll make some tweaks to my set-up which is going to help me improve,” he revealed, hinting at subtle equipment changes to sharpen his game. At 30, Humphries remains acutely aware of the sport’s evolving landscape, particularly the threat posed by younger stars like Littler. “I’m still young, so I’ve got the chance to change things and get better. I feel like I need to, because if I don’t, the younger generation are going to come through and take over,” he said, acknowledging the relentless pace of darts’ new era.
The Nordic Darts Masters, with defending champion Gerwyn Price and rising star Littler also in the field, promises fierce competition. Humphries’ rivalry with Littler, now at 13-10 in Littler’s favor across 23 meetings, has become the sport’s defining narrative, drawing comparisons to tennis’ Federer-Nadal saga. “I love him. I think he’s a good kid,” Humphries said of Littler, whom he considers a close friend on tour. “He’ll probably win much more than I’ll ever win in my career because he’s young and he’s a great talent.” Their camaraderie will take center stage at the upcoming World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, where they’ll team up to defend England’s title. “I cannot wait,” Littler enthused, hopeful that Humphries’ experience will guide them to victory. Humphries echoed the sentiment: “If we connect, we will have a great chance of winning it.”
Beyond the World Series, Humphries’ ambitions are lofty. With eight major titles since 2023, he’s just two shy of joining Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and James Wade as the only players with double-digit majors. “I’m still relatively young in the game, and I’m only a couple of titles away from being possibly the third-most successful darts player,” he said, eyeing the UK Open and European Championship as remaining conquests. His Premier League win, achieved through a grueling 17-week campaign across the UK and Europe, underscored his mental resilience. “It’s emotional because you work so hard, you’re away from home for so long to get them trophies,” he reflected. As Humphries steps onto the Copenhagen stage, his hunger for success remains insatiable, driven by a desire to stay ahead of the darting pack and etch his name further into the sport’s storied history.
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