An emotional Luke Humphries hailed the support he received from a capacity crowd in Munich after returning to winning ways on the European Tour over the Easter Weekend.
Humphries lifted his sixth European Tour crown in sensational style at Zenith, dismantling Michael van Gerwen to claim his second NEO.bet German Darts Grand Prix title.
The world number one was in merciless form throughout the weekend, recording a staggering tournament average of 107.51 to pocket the £30,000 top prize.
“Winning the title is amazing, but the love I felt from the crowd meant more to me than winning,” reflected Humphries, who was roared on by a sell-out crowd throughout Finals Day.
“It's something that I'm not used to but I really appreciate it - it meant a lot.
“When I won the World Championship it was tough. I expect a lot from myself and maybe I did try too hard, but now I feel like I’ve gained an acceptance from the fans.
“I’m not the most exuberant on the stage, but if I can throw darts like that, who cares?”
Humphries produced the second highest average in a European Tour final to dispatch Van Gerwen in Monday’s showpiece, averaging 112.66 to run out an emphatic 8-1 winner.
The 29-year-old landed six 180s, pinned eight of his 13 attempts at double and conjured up his second 170 checkout of the tournament to cap off a virtually flawless display.
“That’s how good you have to be to beat the likes of Michael,” insisted Humphries, who won eight consecutive legs after Van Gerwen drew first blood.
“He’s been one of the best players in the world consistently for the last ten years, and I look up to him a lot, so to beat him in another final in fantastic.
“I know 8-1 is a bit of a flattering score, but I was unbeatable there to be honest. That’s elite sport - sometimes it's your day and today was my day.”
Humphries kicked off his campaign with an eye-catching 6-3 success against Luke Woodhouse, converting 140, 170 and 161 checkouts to prevail with a 108 average.
The Newbury-born star then averaged 111.63 in a 6-2 demolition of Ryan Joyce, before averaging 106.94 to defeat Danny Noppert by the same scoreline in the last eight, despite the Dutchman averaging 106 himself.
Humphries’ run of 14 consecutive ton-plus averages on the European Tour came to an end in the last four, as he averaged 99.93 to topple his Premier League rival Gerwyn Price in resounding style.
However, normal service was resumed against Van Gerwen, as he delivered a darting masterclass to celebrate his first ranking title since his World Championship success in January.
“I'm really, really proud of the way I've played this weekend,” continued the World Champion.
“To put in performances like that in finals is obviously really pleasing, but for me pick up another European Tour title two years on since my first is really special.
“I think two of the best players in the world were fighting it out, and me and Michael will have many more finals in the future.”