Luke Humphries believes he’s playing better than ever, as he sets his sights on reclaiming the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy at Alexandra Palace.
Humphries needs little incentive in his quest to claim a second Paddy Power World Darts Championship crown, but the prospect of regaining his world number one status and winning an incredible £1m top prize will certainly aid his motivation.
His near two-year stay at the darting summit was halted last month by the impregnable Luke Littler, who has lifted six televised ranking titles across the year.
However, Humphries has celebrated World Masters and Premier League success in 2025, while featuring in a hat-trick of televised ranking finals throughout the last two months.
Having succumbed to Littler at the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts, Humphries was also edged out by Gian van Veen in October’s European Championship decider.
Nevertheless, the 30-year-old insists he’s full of confidence ahead of his latest pilgrimage to Ally Pally, where he will take on Ted Evetts in a battle of the former World Youth Champions on Saturday December 13.
“I feel like I’m playing better darts than I ever have,” declared Humphries, one of nine PDC World Champions in this year’s expanded 128-player field.
“I think my stats from the World Grand Prix, European Championship and the Grand Slam were the best I’ve ever had in those tournaments.
“At this year’s Grand Slam, my numbers were better than the year I won it in 2023.
“It was the same at the World Grand Prix, and my stats from the European Championship were the best they’ve ever been.”
Following a challenging summer period, Humphries has adopted a more measured throwing style, which he attributes to his impressive form throughout the autumn.
“You have to be open to changing things if something is not working,” insisted the world number two.
“I’m open to changing darts, stems, flights, throw or my stance to make myself better.
“That’s what I need to do. I need to get even better to win these big major titles, and slowing my throw down a bit has really benefitted me.”
Humphries is hoping this slight shift in approach can inspire his bid for a second World Championship title in three years, which would place him in very exclusive company.
Phil Taylor, John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright are the only players to win multiple PDC World Championship titles, and Humphries is determined to gatecrash that club.
“This is what I’m striving for now,” added the 30-year-old, who defeated Littler to triumph in a record-breaking 2023/24 final.
“Winning this title once was always my dream and that dream has been completed, but now I’m chasing another dream.
“I’ve got a chance to put my name amongst a rare group of players that have won it twice.
“I think there are only six players that have ever done it, so that puts you in a different league.
“If you perform here, you will always be remembered. For me as a player, it’s about legacy.
“If you can win multiple World Championship titles that legacy becomes even greater and you go down in history forever. That is what makes this tournament so special.”