Luke Humphries heads into the Paddy Power World Darts Championship as the pre-tournament favourite, and the world number three has declared “this could be my year.”
Humphries lifted his first PDC Premier televised title in October's World Grand Prix, dispatching Gerwyn Price in the double-start decider in Leicester.
‘Cool Hand’ followed this up with Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals success last month, and the Berkshire-born superstar believes this could catapult him to World Championship glory.
“I feel much more equipped this year than I have done at any other point of my career, and I really believe this could be my year,” insisted the world number three.
“I’m riding the wave at this moment. I’m full of confidence and I think that makes me dangerous, because when I’m at my best, I am a very tough player to beat.”
Humphries – returning to the Alexandra Palace stage for the seventh time in his career - has reached the quarter-finals three times, losing to a trio of former champions in each of them.
The 28-year-old is determined to create a dynasty in the sport and is already aiming to solidify himself as one of the ten greatest players ever.
“I want to create a legacy,” added the former World Youth Champion.
“The money is great in darts, but that’s not what I play the game for. I play this for winning, because nothing beats the feeling of lifting major titles.
“I want to leave this sport one day as a player that everyone is going to put in the top ten of the best ever dart players.”
Humphries has established himself in the winner’s circle on the PDC European Tour, and credits the circuit for catapulting him into the game’s elite after winning five titles on the continent since the start of 2022.
“It’s no coincidence that when you win your first [title], it opens the door and gives you the confidence to win more,” Humphries continued.
“I think it took me four years to win my first senior title, and now I’ve won 12 titles in the last two years.
“I worked really worked to finally pick up my first title, and now I am reaping the rewards, and I think my first European Tour title was the one that opened the floodgates.”
Humphries’ exploits have seen him recognised in the world of football, which included a recent training ground visit to his beloved Leeds United.
“The manager actually requested to come down and see me, which I was taken aback by,” revealed the number three seed.
“We chatted for about five to ten minutes and we were chatting darts and football.
“He asked for a photo because his son is a fan of darts and a fan of mine, so that was quite a surreal moment.
“I’ve watched Leeds all my life and now I’ve got their support. It’s quite incredible really.”
Humphries’ bid to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy gets underway on Sunday evening, as he opens his challenge against his former pairs partner Lee Evans.
Five-time UK Open qualifier Evans defeated Sandro Eric Sosing in straight sets on his Alexandra Palace debut, and he is relishing his clash against an in-form Humphries.
“If he plays his A-game and I play my A-game, it will be a very close game,” insisted Evans.
“We get on really well. For me, I don’t think it will be a shock [if I beat him].There will be bigger shocks this year.”