"People called me the ‘worst number one ever,' I've done it justice": Luke Humphries not resigned to losing World No.1 spot yet

Luke Humphries lit up Dortmund with a clinical opening performance at the 2025 European Championship, dismantling Krzysztof Ratajski in emphatic style to kickstart his campaign — and reassert his determination to fight for the world number one spot.

Humphries averaged over 107 in a stunning display to sweep past the Polish ace, and admitted afterwards that it was one of those nights where everything clicked at the European Championship as he spoke to the media including DartsNews. 

“Yeah, I’ve set the bar high there, of course,” he smiled as per DartsNews. “I felt really good. You don’t quite know during the game — I felt like it was about a 105 average, it kind of felt that way. But looking back, that second leg was probably the one that I thought would have let the average down. Of course, I don’t play for averages, it’s just about playing well and winning. That’s all that really matters.”

“Krzysztof didn’t play his best, he missed a few darts in the second leg, and I think that kind of gave me confidence to get in front. When you win your first leg on the throw, then break, and then hold again, you start thinking really confidently. He wasn’t at his best, but I rate Krzysztof really highly — he’s a fantastic player. It just didn’t really run for him tonight, but I think I put a lot of pressure on his shoulders.”
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Humphries’ return to the big stage came just weeks after losing the World Grand Prix final to Luke Littler — a defeat he admits still lingers, but one that also brought positives. “Yeah, I kind of felt like I was the better player in moments in that World Grand Prix final, but Luke’s timing was just unbelievable,” Humphries said. “That’s one of his greatest strengths — his timing. He’s a fantastic player overall, but that timing makes him who he is.”

“For me, even though it finished 6–1, it didn’t feel that way. I felt like I was in every set, but his timing was fantastic, and you’ve just got to tip your hat to him. Making finals is always good — if you’re losing them to the very best players, you’re not doing much wrong. I was happy with the way I played, obviously gutted with the scoreline, but that happens.”

“It was nice to have a few days at home with my family and then come here feeling refreshed,” he added.

The European Championship is one of the few major titles still missing from Humphries’ growing collection, and he’s determined to change that this weekend — even with a brutal draw ahead.

“Yeah, it does,” he said when asked if that adds extra motivation. “I don’t think I’ve made the last couple of finals through lack of effort, but I’d love to go further here. The problem now is that the draw is so strong — there are no easy games anymore.

“I think I’ve got Cammy Menzies next, and if he hadn’t won, I’d have had Gary (Anderson) and possibly Luke (Littler). That’s a really tough section! So yeah, I’d love to do it in style and beat some real top players, but I’ll need to keep that level of performance up to stand a chance. If I make it to the final stages, that’s when I’m really dangerous.”

There was a visible calmness and control about Humphries’ performance — a reflection, he says, of how relaxed and confident he now feels on stage.

“Honestly, I just feel more relaxed,” he explained. “I’ve slowed my throw down a little bit and I feel a lot more confident with it. When I’m rushing, I think the adrenaline’s pumping too much and I try too hard. When I throw a bit slower, my action is more consistent and I’m more relaxed.”

“I just feel comfortable up there now. I’m not trying too hard to be someone I’m not or trying to prove I’m the number one. I’m just enjoying playing in these big majors. When I’m at my top level, I know I’m one of the toughest players in the world — and that’s what matters most to me. I feel confident that I can go on and do something great.”

Reflecting on his mindset after losing the Grand Prix final, Humphries said it’s vital to stay level-headed — even when the margins hurt.

“It’s really hard sometimes to find positives after a big defeat, especially in a major final where you’ve taken a bit of a beating,” he admitted. “But I took confidence from the fact that I scored well in patches. Luke was the deserving winner, but I felt like I matched him more than people expected — I just didn’t hit at the crucial moments.”

“That’s what separates the very best. He’s the top player in the world because of how good he is in the key legs. When you reflect on that, you tell yourself, ‘Okay, next time in the big moments, change your attitude and make sure you’re good under pressure.’

“Tonight I was good in those moments — like taking out double two. They’re not major finals, but those are still important situations. When it’s tight, that’s when you really need to take your chances.”

With the battle for world number one again in full swing, Humphries insists he’s not feeling any pressure about the ranking — and that he’s proud of what he’s already achieved at the top.

“It’s not on my mind at all,” he said. “If it was, I’d probably be playing with a bit of fear, and I’m not. For me, I could win this, the Grand Slam, the Players Championship Finals — but if I don’t win the Worlds, I won’t be number one. I’ve accepted that.

“If I go to the Worlds and win it, I’ll get it straight back anyway. That’s the reality. If I’d won the Grand Prix, I’d have been in a strong position to keep it longer, but I know if I don’t win this weekend, I’ll probably lose it. And that’s fine — I’ve enjoyed being world number one for 22 months.”

“When I first became number one, people called me the ‘worst number one ever.’ Since then, I’ve won four major titles, the World Cup, and I’ve done it justice. Whether I keep it or not, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”

“If Luke takes it this weekend, fair play — but I’m not giving it away. I’ll fight hard to keep it. It’s been a great battle between us, and it’s all going to come down to the World Championship.”

Asked to reflect on his incredible two-year spell at the top of world darts, Humphries admitted it’s difficult to fully appreciate the scale of his success while still in the moment.

“It’s hard to take in, really,” he said. “I think it’s great that both me and Luke have achieved so much in the same era — he’s won seven, I’ve won eight, and we’ve done it in just two years. That’s incredible.

“For me, 13 or 14 major finals in that time is quite something. If I can keep even half that rate going, making big finals and playing well in them, I know I can win plenty more.

“I just love darts — it’s been my life for years. To be at the top for so long gives you the drive to want to create more history. This one, the European Championship, and the UK Open are the two I really want to win to complete the set.”

Humphries revealed that a small but important adjustment to his rhythm has helped him rediscover the fluidity that took him to the very top.

“To be honest, I’ve not changed my throw — just the rhythm,” he said. “Earlier this year, it wasn’t really happening for me. My throw didn’t feel right, and with the new darts I had this season, it felt like something needed to change.

“I slowed it down a bit in New Zealand and it worked. Then I went back to throwing fast, and it wasn’t working again. I slowed it down again at the Grand Prix, and it worked once more. Sometimes I’m just too aggressive — I hit the first treble and want to fill it straight away. You don’t need to be like that.

“I’m still a fast thrower, but I’ve calmed the pace down a bit. It feels more meaningful, and that’s important. It’s working right now, so I’ll stick with it.”

Before leaving the stage, Humphries paid tribute to the German crowd after another memorable night in Dortmund.

“It’s amazing here,” he said. “The atmosphere is always great, but tonight it was incredible. I think it’s a record crowd again, which just shows how strong darts is right now — not just in the UK but in Germany too.

“The fans here show so much support, especially for me, and I really appreciate that. I enjoy coming over here. I’ve had a lot of success in Germany, so it holds a special place in my heart. I’m always happy to come back.”

With his rhythm rediscovered and confidence brimming, Humphries’ message was clear — whether he keeps or loses the number one spot in the short term, he’s ready to fight for every inch. “I’ve done it justice,” he said with a grin. “If I lose it, I’ll earn it back — I’m not giving it up easily.”