Van Gerwen was going for an eighth crown and looked to have it all but sewn up, but in truth darting drama Humphries came from 9-5 down to stun the nine-dart hero 11-9 and complete a hat-trick including the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts.
He now heads to the World Darts Championship as the out and out favourite and in the eyes of many, the best player in the world and the man to beat. Utterly incredible from 'Cool Hand Luke'.
To start the tie amidst an early barrage, Humphries hit 130 on the bull and MVG followed it up with a 126 on double six. Humphries missed 80 to hold and MVG got a break chance but missed it and Humphries returned for a 2-1 lead.
A 180 saw Humphries first to a finish on MVG’s throw, but he got a chance as MVG missed two darts to hold. But Humphries missed one to break and MVG saved his skin on double four to make it 2-2.
MVG hit back-to-back maximums and pinned a nine-dart finish to break and head into the interval 3-2 up. Humphries on return from the break sat at 4-3 down still chasing a break to get back on level terms.
Van Gerwen missed the bull for a 170 checkout and Humphries hit double 10 last dart in hand to sit 5-4 down. Humphries missed 108 on double 18 to make it 5-5 and Van Gerwen picked his pocket for 6-4.
Humphries missed bull for a 164 and Van Gerwen hit a 90 checkout for 7-4. Van Gerwen made it 8-4 on double 16. Humphries hit a 12-dart 98 checkout but only to hold at 8-5.
A 171 left double eight for a 10-darter to make it 9-5 for Van Gerwen. Humphries made it 9-6 at the break as he faced a make or break return. He hit double 10 to make it 9-7 and was throwing to go one behind.
He did so and hit a 142 on double 11 and was throwing to go one away. He did so on double 10. MVG missed two darts to force a decider. Humphries missed 86 on double seven for the title but MVG couldn’t get a decider either.
Two more darts for the title went for Humphries and three more went for MVG and eight in all and Humphries hit double one.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
COOL HAND COMPLETES THE COMEBACK! 🤯
THAT IS ABSOLUTELY ASTONISHING!
Luke Humphries wins SIX consecutive legs from 9-5 down to stun Michael van Gerwen and clinch Players Championship Finals glory in Minehead!
What. A. Match! 💥