Luke Humphries vs Michael van Gerwen - "That's the final everyone wants to see" says Humphries himself

Luke Humphries has made an excellent start to the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. The defending champion defeated Frenchman Thibault Tricole 3-0 in his opening match, not even dropping a leg.

Just before the World Championship started, Humphries was a guest at the media day of the TOTO Dart Kings team. There the reigning world champion spoke to the Dutch media, including AD.nl.

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Humphries is ranked second by the bookmakers among the contenders for the world title. Perhaps a little surprising is the sixth lowest odds given to Wessel Nijman. "I might put him there myself. Look how he is playing lately, he is scoring incredibly. Nobody expected what he has done this year and look what averages he threw at the Grand Slam of Darts. I'm glad I didn't draw against him in my first match. At the World Championship is a different pressure, but if he plays without fear, he can definitely win the World Championship," Humphries assesses.

Humphries still worked as a roofer until 2019, as did his brother and father. "But even now I'm still just that roofer from a working-class family, I haven't changed. As a family, we are living our dream," he says. "My biggest fear was that I couldn't justify my world title with new achievements, but this year has exceeded all my expectations."

Luke Humphries won the Players Championship Finals just last month

'Cool Hand Luke' defeated Luke Littler in last year's World Championship final, although it is the latter that now gets more attention than Humphries himself. "I often get asked if it is annoying as a world champion to have to share the spotlight with Littler, but I always give the same answer: not at all. Luke is not only a darter, but also a celebrity," Humphries says warmly. "That's good for the sport, but it's never been my goal. As a world champion you are invited to everything, much more respected and people want to shake your hand, but I mainly want to be the best darter in the world. I think he might also prefer to be in my shoes when you see how much I've won."

"The winner of the fourth round between Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson. I think Michael, honestly. That's the final everyone wants to see. No, he's not consistent, but we really shouldn't write Michael off. If he brings back what he showed in his peak, he will just be the best in the world again. It's up to him to bring that level back. Believe me now: when you expect the least from him, he hits the hardest."

So Humphries has already qualified for the third round of the World Championship, which may include a duel with Raymond van Barneveld. "That's a hell of a match for a third round. You normally don't see this kind of match until the quarterfinals or later," previews the world champion. "Raymond is a legend and the main reason Dutch darts is where it is today. He has inspired all those others: from Michael van Gerwen to Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman. I am absolutely not afraid of him, but if Raymond reaches his level, he can beat anyone. He has already shown that against me and Littler this year."

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