"I’ve beaten Luke Littler in three major finals — I’m definitely not scared": Luke Humphries starts the mind games early as dream World Grand Prix final edges closer

Luke Humphries might have just secured his place in a third straight World Grand Prix semi-final — but with a potential showdown against Luke Littler on the horizon, the world number one has already fired the first psychological shot.

Moments after dispatching Cameron Menzies 3–1 in Friday night’s quarter-final in Leicester, Humphries didn’t hesitate to pour cold water on suggestions the darting elite are afraid of Littler’s growing dominance — instead reminding the world exactly who holds the winning record on the big stage.

“I saw Gezzy’s [Gerwyn Price] statement yesterday about everyone being scared of Luke,” Humphries told reporters in his post-match press conference. “It’s not true at all. I’ve beaten him in three major finals — I’m not scared to play him one bit. I do know how good he is. If you’re not on it, he can take the game away from you so quickly. You’ve got to be at your absolute best, because he definitely brings out a level in you where you think: ‘You’ve got to be on here.’”

Humphries’ remarks came just hours after Littler produced another jaw-dropping TV moment, recovering from 2–0 down to defeat Gerwyn Price in a chaotic, drama-filled epic. The 18-year-old’s sensational 152 checkout in the final leg sealed the comeback and secured what many are already calling an instant classic.

Humphries admitted he was watching that game closely — but wasn’t distracted. “It was a fantastic game of darts, to be honest — full of drama. I enjoyed that more than some of the high-average games, to be fair. That’s what it’s all about. But I wasn’t focusing on it in terms of preparation. I was practising at the same time, staying relaxed.”

While Littler’s match stole the headlines, Humphries quietly delivered one of the more composed performances of the night. After whitewashing Menzies in a blistering opening set — averaging over 104 — he weathered a brief storm that included a 160 checkout from the Scot, before reasserting his authority in sets three and four.

Statistically, Humphries was the sharper of the two across the board. He outscored Menzies in every key metric, and hit 45.5% of his doubles (10/22), compared to Menzies' 36.4%. Yet despite the numbers, Humphries was quick to praise his opponent.

“Fair play to Cameron — he didn’t play badly at all. He just couldn’t get in during a few legs, and that’s what makes this tournament so brutal. If we’d both been getting in cleaner, the averages would’ve been a lot better,” the world number one assessed. “It wasn’t always pretty, but I found a way. I think the key moment was when he missed three darts — that turned it. Once I got control back, I didn’t look back.”

Though he admitted to being slightly “annoyed” with his doubling in the second set, the former Grand Prix champ was keen to set the record straight about his often scrutinised on-stage demeanour. “I know Sky Sports love to show my face when I miss, but I’m not the only frustrated player on the tour. People say I’m moody, but I just hold myself to high standards. It’s never affected my performances — it’s just me pushing myself to be better.”

Despite reaching a third consecutive semi-final at the Grand Prix and the mantle of world number one, Humphries has — by his own admission — yet to fully hit top gear this week. “I feel like I’m waiting for that one game where everything clicks,” he said. “But all that really matters is getting through the games. Hopefully it comes tomorrow.”

The semi-final stage brings a step up in format — from best-of-five to best-of-seven sets — something Humphries believes plays into his hands. “I love the longer format. It helps me relax more because I know I can make a mistake and still come back. It just suits my mentality better. I felt really good tonight, really relaxed — and that’s when I play my best.”

Standing in Humphries’ way on Saturday is Dutchman Danny Noppert, who outlasted Gary Anderson in another gritty 3–1 win. The pair are friends off-stage, but that won’t count for much once the oche lights go up.

“Danny’s massively underrated. Him and Krzysztof Ratajski are two of the most solid players on tour. They don’t miss much, they don’t give you anything — and if you’re not on your game, they’ll punish you,” Humphries says with respect. "He said to me earlier, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow,’ which shows he’s up for it. And so am I. It’s going to be a tough battle.”

Asked whether he felt he was flying under the radar this week — especially compared to Littler — Humphries didn’t seem to mind. “I’ve just been really solid. Nothing explosive, nothing rubbish. I’d rather tiptoe to the final quietly. I’m not here to make noise — just to win matches. Hopefully the noise comes in the final.”

Humphries and Littler have shared the biggest stage multiple times already in 2025, with their Premier League battles and major final encounters creating probably darts’ most defining rivalry of the modern era. If they both make it through Saturday, Sunday night in Leicester promises another blockbuster chapter.

“Me and Luke is still the biggest game in darts right now. I know people say it’s overdone — but we can’t help that we keep making the finals. That’s not our fault,” says Humphries. “He’s a great kid. Love him to bits. Playing him is a privilege — but I’m here to win, not admire him.”

And with that, the mind games have officially begun.