"What I meant was he’s the most talented darts player ever": Luke Humphries stands by Luke Littler greatest sentiment over Phil Taylor

The Premier League Darts 2026 kicks off tonight in Newcastle, which also marks the start of Luke Humphries’ title defence. Humphries reached the final of the Winmau World Masters last weekend, where he narrowly came up short against Luke Littler.

The 30-year-old Englishman, who has established himself as a permanent fixture at the very top in recent years, exudes calm and confidence. No nerves, no undue pressure. “Not really, no. I don’t think it feels any different,” Humphries says. “Obviously there’s the added expectation that you don’t want to see it go back to someone else, you want to win it again. But it’s a 16 or 17-week tournament, so you can’t be getting pressured on the first night.”

That composure defines Humphries in this phase of his career. Once known as a talent with occasional peaks, he has evolved into a player who produces an exceptionally high level week in, week out. And it’s precisely that consistency he identifies as his biggest strength heading into his Premier League title defence.

Although Humphries narrowly missed out on the Masters title last weekend, the overriding feeling is positive. “Obviously not winning was disappointing, but it’s just the way I played,” he explains. “I think it’s given me a big boost of confidence, to be fair.”

His scoring, in particular, stood out. “My scoring ability was probably the best it’s been ever, maybe. My 180 hitting was the best I’ve ever seen, really, and the amount of times I was knocking on nine darts was a nice confidence boost for myself.”

Humphries believes that’s the key. The scoring is there, and the doubles often follow naturally. “If I supply both together, then I become a completely different, dangerous player.”

As so often in modern darts, the conversation quickly turns to his biggest rival: Luke Littler. Humphries doesn’t deny that the young sensation is currently setting the benchmark. “I think he’s definitely a league above everyone,” he admits. “But I’m the one that’s closest to him at this moment in time. I’m the one that can really push him and stretch him out a little bit.”

Still, Humphries doesn’t put himself on a pedestal. “I don’t just think that I’m the dominating force behind him,” he says. “Gerwyn Price and Gian van Veen are definitely two players that are playing good darts, and they can definitely challenge not just him, me and everyone else.”

What often separates Humphries, he feels, is consistency. “Maybe I’m not better than certain players, I’m just more consistent, and that’s what is key to making these big, major finals.”

That sometimes leads to criticism that finals become predictable. Humphries understands that sentiment but recognises the reality. “If it’s anybody else, it could be one-sided, like we’ve seen many, many times. So, yes, it’s always exciting playing him, because there is so much to play for.”

He also made comments last week calling Littler the best ever and he clarified that. "I said it in the moment, but I still stand by it, maybe just the wrong word. I wouldn’t backtrack.

"What I meant was he’s the most talented darts player ever. Phil Taylor has achieved so much that it’s unfair not to call him the greatest, but in terms of talent, temperament, handling pressure — Luke has everything."

Development remains a key theme in Humphries’ story. The Englishman has made deliberate choices recently in terms of equipment and lifestyle. “It’s the small little changes that give you one or two percent on top of your already decent ability, and that can help me massively,” he explains.

His new darts have already paid dividends, though he remains cautious. “I’ve got to be careful not to get too excited, because one bad performance and you don’t want the negative thoughts coming in. But I’ve proven that they work.”

Humphries is also placing a greater emphasis on his health. “The new health regime, where I’m really starting to look after my health even more than I already did before, is definitely paying its dividends. Hopefully, it allows me to have another 10 to 15 years of a great career.”

Defending a Premier League Darts title is a rare feat. Only Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen have managed it. Humphries is fully aware of the challenge. “That does show how difficult it is to do it,” he says. “I’ve made two finals and won it once, so I’ve got that good experience to fall back on.”

Since his Premier League debut, Humphries feels he has matured. “You kind of know what to expect now,” he explains. “It’s easy to go into it thinking you need to sprint off early, but it’s a marathon. You have to allow yourself a couple of bad weeks.”

He also believes that experience gives him an edge. “That experience definitely does help in the end. For the new players, they’ll soon learn those sort of things.”

Looking back on the Masters, a slight frustration remains. With averages consistently above 100, Humphries feels he could have gone all the way. “You can sit back and think, a tournament average of 104 or 105 — how have you not won the tournament?” he says. “But that’s what happens when you don’t take those crucial moments.”

He doesn’t believe it’s about finding another gear, but about timing. “The gear’s there. It’s the timing. Missing crucial shots here, missing crucial doubles there. That’s what I’ve got to clean up.”

After the final, Humphries made headlines by suggesting Luke Littler might be the greatest player ever. He now clarifies his stance. “Maybe I used the wrong word,” he admits. “Phil has achieved so much that it’s kind of harsh not to call him the greatest. But I definitely still stand by the fact that Luke is the most talented dart player ever.”

That doesn’t mean Humphries is ready to step aside. “That’s not me saying I’m going to accept defeat every time,” he adds. “I’m still willing to challenge him and push him all the way.”

Where does Humphries place himself historically? “Maybe I might have put myself in the top ten now,” he says cautiously. “One World Championship is probably the stumbling block. If I can win another, then I’d say definitely top ten.”

His ambition stretches even further. “I’d love to get into that top five by the end of my career. That’s the goal.”

Humphries expects the Premier League field to be tougher than ever. “I think this is the best one, to be honest,” he says. With additions like Gian van Veen and Josh Rock alongside established stars Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton and Stephen Bunting, he predicts a fiercely competitive campaign. “I don’t think you’re going to see me or Luke winning nights all the time. I think you’ll see it shared out quite a bit more this year.”

As for the opening night in Newcastle, Humphries couldn’t ask for much more. “One of the best atmospheres on the Premier League calendar,” he smiles. “Geordies are some of the best fans. It’s going to be a great night.”