Luke Humphries is bidding to join an exclusive club in Blackpool this month, as the world number one chases back-to-back Betfred World Matchplay titles.
The sport’s premier player lifted the iconic Phil Taylor Trophy in 2024 with a thrilling 18-15 victory against Michael van Gerwen, in one of the greatest World Matchplay finals ever staged.
Taylor, Van Gerwen and Rod Harrington are the only players to retain the coveted World Matchplay crown, and now Humphries is determined to add his name to that particular triumvirate.
“This would be a very, very special title to retain,” declared Humphries, who also defeated Ricardo Pietreczko, Stephen Bunting, Dimitri Van den Bergh and James Wade in last year’s showpiece.
“The World Matchplay is one of those tournaments I wanted to win more than anything, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I think the venue is so iconic, the fans all love their darts and they just create a brilliant atmosphere.
“Some of the greatest highlights in darting history have been created at the World Matchplay, and I think that’s why it’s so prestigious.”
Humphries became only the second reigning World Champion to win the World Matchplay in the same calendar year, following in the footsteps of 16-time World Champion Taylor, who achieved the feat on a staggering ten occasions.
The 30-year-old also joined Taylor in recording five consecutive ton-plus averages on his way to Winter Gardens glory, reaffirming his reputation as one of the game’s modern-day greats.
“Winning the World Matchplay is my second biggest achievement in darts,” insisted Humphries, priced at 4/1 with title sponsor Betfred to retain the title.
“I didn’t have many moments in any game where I wasn’t playing very well, and I felt like that was a version of myself that I can produce a lot more.
“It was an epic final against Michael - one that I will always remember, and hopefully I can go back-to-back this year.”
Humphries will open his title defence on Saturday evening, as he takes on World Youth Champion Gian van Veen in a blockbuster showdown.
Van Veen defeated Humphries to win his maiden ranking title back in March, while he also guided Netherlands to the World Cup of Darts semi-finals on debut last month.
The young Dutchman has been widely touted as a major champion in the making, and Humphries is wary of the threat posed by Van Veen.
“I’m wary of the fact that any opponent can beat me,” continued the 2023/24 World Champion.
“Gian is an absolutely fantastic player and one of the best up-and-coming talents in the game.
“You never know what’s going to happen on the day, but Gian is in good form, he’s had a great year and he’s going to provide a tough task for myself.
“This is a very very tough tournament to win, so I need to make sure when I turn up on the opening night, I’m in the zone ready to try and win another major title.”
Humphries has already enjoyed a terrific start to the year, winning the revamped Winmau World Masters in February, before toppling his great rival Luke Littler to be crowned Premier League champion in May.
The world number one also clinched his second World Series of Darts title last month, coming out on top at Madison Square Garden to secure US Darts Masters success.
“I don’t feel like I’ve been at my absolute best, but it’s been my most successful first six months in PDC history,” reflected the reigning World Matchplay champion.
“I can’t complain too much. I’ve won the World Masters and the Premier League, and a World Series title in New York.
“If I can add a few more major titles or even that second World Championship, I would have to say this has been the best year of my career so far.”
You can read the full, exclusive interview with Luke Humphries in the official 2025 Betfred World Matchplay programme.
2025 Betfred World Matchplay
Saturday July 19 (1900 BST)
First Round x4
James Wade v Joe Cullen
Danny Noppert v Cameron Menzies
Luke Humphries v Gian van Veen
Nathan Aspinall v Wessel Nijman