In the world of professional darts, few names have risen as rapidly and as impressively as Luke Humphries. Born on February 11th 1995, in Newbury, Berkshire, Humphries has catapulted himself to the pinnacle of the sport, earning the moniker "Cool Hand Luke" and a reputation for his unflappable presence during high-pressure matches.
Humphries' journey to the top is a tale of dedication, skill, and a touch of destiny. His father a passionate Leeds United FC supporter, named him Luke as an acronym for "Leeds United, Kings of Europe," a name that seems to have predestined him for greatness in his chosen field.
Starting his career in his teens Humphries played for Berkshire county darts before moving on to Wiltshire county darts. His talent was evident early on, and it wasn't long before he joined the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events. Before fully committing to darts, he worked as a roofer, a job he retired from in 2018 to pursue his passion for darts full-time.
Humphries' ascent in the PDC has been nothing short of meteoric. He won five PDC Development Tour titles in 2017, topping the Development Tour Order of Merit. This success earned him a spot in the 2018 PDC World Darts Championship and a PDC Tour Card for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. His performance in the 2019 World Championship was remarkable, defeating several top players before bowing out in the quarter-finals.
The year 2023 marked a turning point for Humphries. He claimed the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the Players Championship Finals. These victories were a prelude to his crowning achievement in January 2024, where he became the World Champion, solidifying his position as the world number one.
Humphries' playing style is characterized by his right-handed precision and his choice of 22g Red Dragon darts. His walk-on music, “I Predict a Riot” by Kaiser Chiefs, perfectly encapsulates the energy and excitement he brings to the oche.
Off the oche, Humphries is known for his Irish heritage through his maternal grandfather and his support for Leeds United FC, a passion he shares with his father. His down-to-earth personality and approachability have made him a fan favorite, not just in his hometown of Crewe, Cheshire, but across the darts community worldwide.
As the reigning World Champion, Humphries' impact on the sport has been profound. His success has not only raised the profile of darts but also inspired a new generation of players to aim for the stars. With his recent victory at the German Darts Grand Prix in April 2024, where he defeated Michael van Gerwen 8-1, Humphries continues to set the bar high for excellence in darts.
For more information on Luke Humphries' career and achievements, please visit his official PDC profile here.