Luke Humphries has won the 26th Players Championship of the year. 'Cool Hand Luke' was 8-7 too strong for Stephen Bunting in the final in Wigan. The 29-year-old therefore seems to be in form just in time to successfully defend his title at the World Grand Prix, which starts next Monday in Leicester. Remarkably, Humphries is already defending the title in the first round against, yes, Bunting.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was only the first Players Championship title this year for the reigning world champion. Afterwards, therefore, an overjoyed Humphries stood before the cameras. “This was important for me,” emphasized Humphries, for whom it was the first ranking final since his World Matchplay title in mid-July.
“You go through spells where you’re playing fantastic darts, and then you go through spells where you can’t buy a win, and that can happen. I’m dedicated to this sport and I know I can push the levels higher and higher, but it’s important to gain a bit of confidence from somewhere.”
Luke Humphries in action
Once again Bunting
The Players Championship final was already a warm-up for next Monday, when Humphries will take on Bunting again in the first round of the World Grand Prix. Humphries starts the tournament as the defending champion.
“When you’re on the big stage, it feels different. I feel better than ever on that big stage,” added the World Champion. "I know I’ve got a really tough game against Stephen because he’s usually so strong on his doubles, but these are the moments I live for now.
“I want to play the best and be involved in these great games, and hopefully it’s a great World Grand Prix. I would love to retain it.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Results Players Championship 26
Final
Luke Humphries (93.84) 8 | 7 (96.92) Stephen Bunting
Semi-final
Luke Humphries (98.79) 7 | 6 (95.84) Luke Woodhouse
Stephen Bunting (100.51) 7 | 6 (96.92) Raymond van Barneveld
Quarterfinals
Luke Humphries (97.61) 6 | 5 (101.71) Dave Chisnall
ADVERTISEMENT
Luke Woodhouse (91.53) 6 | 3 (94.86) Christian Kist
Raymond van Barneveld (92.43) 6 | 5 (94.12) Danny Noppert
Stephen Bunting (101.81) 6 | 4 (97.06) Robert Owen
Last 16
Dave Chisnall (98.89) 6 | 5 (88.06) Ritchie Edhouse
Luke Humphries (99.68) 6 | 2 (99.19) Josh Rock
ADVERTISEMENT
Christian Kist (99.11) 6 | 4 (94.31) Daryl Gurney
Luke Woodhouse (92.43) 6 | 4 (95.98) Wessel Nijman
Raymond van Barneveld (104.36) 6 | 2 (101.78) Luke Littler
Danny Noppert (103.05) 6 | 5 (104.15) Damon Heta
Robert Owen (96.31) 6 | 1 (82.16) Rowby-John Rodriguez
ADVERTISEMENT
Stephen Bunting (105.82) 6 | 4 (93.67) Radek Szaganski
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.
🗣️ “When you’re on the big stage, I feel better than ever!”
Luke Humphries reflects on his first Players Championship title of the year, while also looking ahead to his first major title defence that starts Monday.
bit.ly/PDCTVLive | #PC26