"Most players would say the same": Luke Humphries holds World Matchplay in higher regard than the World Darts Championship
PDC
Luke Humphries starts tonight's World Matchplay as the defending champion after beating Michael van Gerwen 18-15 in last year's final. 'Cool Hand Luke' will take on Dutchman Gian van Veen in his opening match.
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At Sky Sports, Humphries was asked some pertinent questions prior to the tournament. For starters, he was asked what he does during a break in matches. "Most of the time it's about going to the toilet, sometimes washing your hands as the air up there can be very sticky and your hands get a bit of moisture on them. Specially at the World's, they have a lovely area which is so cool and cold. Sometimes on the stage it can get really warm."
Like any self-respecting darter, Humphries has a nickname, specifically 'Cool Hand Luke'. "I didn't really care too much about nicknames at the start. All the best ones are probably already taken and then I seen the film Cool Hand Luke and thought it rang true. You've got to be cool under pressure, use your hands to play darts and of course my name's in it so I just thought it sounded right and here I am today with it."
Luke Humphries starts the 2025 World Matchplay as defending champion
Humphries has been number one in the world for a while now; obviously he had to work extremely hard for that. "I used to throw two hours a day, six days a week. You need a day off as you don't want to be playing darts every single day. Nowadays I probably practice half an hour, an hour on my days off but I'm playing three four five days a week."
The 30-year-old is known to pay close attention to his nutrition. "A common theme for most darts players is a Nando's. It's light you can trust it, you don't want to be having too many rich foods that can upset your stomach and make you feel lethargic."
Favorite tournament
So tonight the World Matchplay gets underway. "The World Matchplay for me (most looking forward to). Of course the World Championships is very special and it's the one that can turn darts players dreams into reality. But the World Matchplay is special for me and my family. We love going there together. For us it's special, most players would say the same also due to the venue. It's been there from the start. It's beautiful and creates a great atmosphere."
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Darts are a pro player's most precious commodity. "I have a spare set always. Just in case of emergencies when a point would break or you're needing a heavier set or something along those lines. Obviously if you lose your case you lose both sets then. It throws up a horrible scenario."
"If you go abroad or go America, your darts can't be by your side. They have to go in the underhaul luggage part. But they're almost always close to me. If it's darts purposes they're always going to be right next to me."
Finally, Humphries was asked about his walk-on song. "I didn't choose the first walk-on song. It was a scenario for me where I couldn't pick and Sky Sports picked for me. Then obviously I have a new one I Predict A Riot. It just goes with my personality. It's associated with my favourite football team Leeds United. I just love the song. It just has a special feeling with me."
Do darts players have pre-match meals like footballers? 💭
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) July 18, 2025
Luke Humphries answers your questions! 📝 pic.twitter.com/OB5wGfRMqV
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
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.
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