Luke Humphries believes his World Grand Prix victory has positioned him perfectly to claim a second World Championship title, with the 'Cool Hand' harbouring ambitions of facing Luke Littler in the Alexandra Palace final.
Humphries captured his first major trophy since last year's Premier League when he mounted a remarkable comeback against Gerwyn Price, recovering from 3-0 down to prevail 6-4 in the final of the double-start event. He sealed the triumph with an 11-darter after breaking Price's serve in the tenth leg to clinch the ninth set.
The world number two has now won the 2026 World Grand Prix, earning £150,000, with the tournament's total prize fund standing at £750,000. This represented a significant increase, as the 2026 World Grand Prix prize fund rose 25 per cent from £600,000 in 2025, with the winner's share increasing from £120,000 to £150,000.
Humphries had previously defeated Littler to win the 2024 World Championship and last year's Premier League, though he has suffered four consecutive major final defeats against 'The Nuke', including at the 2025 World Grand Prix. Despite this recent run, Humphries reached the World Grand Prix final for the fourth consecutive time before beating Price.
The Leicester event required Humphries to compete across four consecutive days, and he credits the set-play format with boosting his confidence ahead of the World Championship at Alexandra Palace, which runs from December 11 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Humphries reflected on the physical and mental demands of his week:
Four days on the trot is hard but I have done it so many times before. I know in the Worlds you have three gruelling days - quarters, semis, final. Now I have got that major tournament, it is going to put me in a good frame of mind that I can go on and win the World Championship again.
The 31-year-old outlined his ambitions for the winter showpiece:
My goal now is to make the World final and play [Littler] in it again and let's see what can happen. The real fans of darts know I am still here and capable of winning stuff.
Humphries acknowledged the competitive history between himself and Littler over the past six to eight months, while emphasising the mutual respect between the pair:
I have come so close to beating Luke in some majors in the last six to eight months and I think he enjoys the battle as well. He deserves credit for what he has done in the sport. He is one of my closest friends on tour. I know a lot of people don't like that but I do because he is such a great kid. He is amazing for the sport and the hate he gets is unjust.
Humphries climbs all-time major titles list
The World Grand Prix victory takes Humphries' tally of PDC major trophies to nine, placing him outright fifth on the all-time list. Only Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, reigning world champion Littler and James Wade sit ahead of him in the standings.
Reflecting on the speed of his rise, Humphries told Sky Sports:
Nine major titles and two World Cups is insane and it's been done in such a short space of time as well - three years to the day.
He expanded on the opportunities available in modern darts:
If I am in this game for another 15, 20 years, how much more can I win? It's not just one player winning everything. There are so many opportunities now, so many major tournaments. This is great for my confidence and hopefully I can pick up another big one this year.
Humphries emphasised his resilience after a period of inconsistency:
I am here and I'm still going to win some stuff. Those last four legs [against Price], I don't think anyone would have stopped me. I felt so focused, so determined. After three or four months of not playing your best, people discredit you and think, 'he is finished, he won't win anything' but I always seem to bounce back and pop up with a major tournament or final.
Semi-final display against Wade
Humphries' path to the final included an impressive performance against James Wade in the semi-final. Humphries averaged 96.92 and hit 10 maximum 180s in his 5-3 victory over Wade, demonstrating the quality of his play throughout the tournament.
Price's continued major title drought
Price's defeat extended his wait for a major PDC title to four years and made it five consecutive major-final losses, including three in 2026. The Welsh player has endured a difficult year in terms of major tournament success despite reaching multiple finals.
Humphries addresses head injury
Humphries sported a visible scab on his head during the World Grand Prix, which he attributed to an allergic reaction to make-up applied during filming for television show Bullseye. The player made light of the situation on stage after his victory, joking
Harry Potter did well, didn't he?!
When discussing the matter further with Sky Sports, Humphries added:
It has been a big story of the week. I think I am alright but maybe it got infected or something so I will get that sorted.
Littler's early exit
Defending champion Luke Littler was eliminated in the opening round of the 2026 World Grand Prix, a significant upset that left Humphries as the tournament favourite heading into the latter stages.
Upcoming schedule
The European Tour season continues with the Swiss Darts Trophy from October 9 to 11, followed by the Dutch Darts Championship from October 16 to 18. The European Championship will take place in Dortmund, Germany from October 22 to 25.
The Grand Slam of Darts runs from November 14 to 22, before the World Darts Championship begins on December 10. The 2026–27 World Darts Championship is scheduled to run from December 11, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Humphries is scheduled to open his World Championship campaign against Ted Evetts on December 13. Sky Sports remains the home of darts, with both the Grand Slam and World Championship broadcast live, with streaming available through NOW with no contract required.
