"You can’t make a couple of major finals and suddenly it’s three people": Luke Humphries brushes off talk of darts Big Three including Van Veen

Luke Humphries began his 2026 season with a commanding performance at the Bahrain Darts Masters, producing another emphatic whitewash victory over Abdulla Saeed to underline both his form and focus heading into a demanding start to the year.

The world number one looked sharp from the outset, brushing aside the Bahraini representative with a level of control and scoring power that immediately stood out in a field still shaking off the rust of the post-World Championship break.

“Yeah, it was a decent performance,” Humphries said afterwards. “I think Abdulla played a lot better than he has done the last two years against me. He actually played some good legs, and I feel like tonight I played even better than I have done myself against him before. So yeah, I’m quite happy with my performance.”

While several players have admitted to struggling in their first competitive outing since Ally Pally, Humphries felt his preparation had made the difference. Unlike previous seasons, he avoided a lengthy break from the practice board.

“The difference for me this year is that I usually have a seven-to-ten-day break where I don’t throw any darts, and then I come into the Bahrain Masters without much practice,” he explained. “This year I didn’t do that. I maybe had three days off and then I was straight back on the practice board.

“I didn’t want to come here rusty. I wanted to start the season a bit better than I usually do. I don’t think I played too badly at the Worlds – I was scoring really well – so I’ve just tried to keep on the ball a little bit more this year.”

Despite the convincing nature of the win, Humphries admitted there was a hint of disappointment when the draw paired him once again with Saeed, the same opponent he has repeatedly faced in Bahrain.

“Of course, I was a little bit disappointed because you want to play someone different,” he said. “I’ve spent a bit of time with Abdulla when I’ve been in Bahrain and he’s a really nice bloke. I think he wants to play someone different as well – maybe Luke Littler or Michael van Gerwen – just for that experience.

“I feel bad beating him six-nil every time, but it’s business up there. I’m here to showcase my talent. You don’t want to play the same person every time, but the draw is the draw.”

Humphries also addressed the wider conversation around the men’s game, particularly following Gian van Veen’s recent rise and suggestions that a new rivalry is forming at the top.

“I still think it is about the two of us,” he said, referring to himself and Luke Littler. “For someone else to come into that mix, you’ve got a lot to prove. You can’t make a couple of major finals and suddenly it’s three people.

“Over the last two, two-and-a-half years, I’ve made around 50 major finals and I think Luke’s made about 50 as well. Someone else has got to do that before you say they’re in that mix. That said, Gian has definitely shown a level where he can challenge us and be part of that elite.”

Off the board, Humphries revealed that fans could soon see noticeable changes to his setup, with new equipment and a conscious effort to move away from long-held superstitions.

“Very close – very, very close,” he said when asked about a potential dart change. “You’re going to see me throw something new very soon. We just weren’t ready for them to be here yet.

“I’m very superstitious, but I’m trying to take that mould away. New shoes, new bag, new rucksack, new darts coming, new shirts – all things I’d normally never do. But I don’t think superstition really holds me back, so I’m trying new things now. You’ll see a new set very soon, as long as they’re right.”

That theme of evolution continued as Humphries reflected on what he described as a more relaxed version of himself heading into the new campaign.

“I’m always trying to be a better version of myself – as a player and as a person,” he said. “The last couple of years after winning the Worlds, I felt like I was trying to please everyone: the PDC, myself, my family.

“This year I just want to play, enjoy it, and see what happens. I’m still young and I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give.”

With Bahrain followed quickly by Saudi Arabia and the Premier League, Humphries believes his experience will be crucial in managing the relentless schedule – something he feels newer stars will soon learn.

“When you’re playing every World Series, every Premier League night, every European Tour, burnout does happen,” he said. “You come off the Worlds playing great and think you’ll just keep going, but it doesn’t work like that.

“Josh Rock and Gian van Veen will learn that you can’t do everything. Halfway through, you realise it’s tougher than people think. But they’re young, fit and healthy, and I think they’ll do really well.”

Looking ahead to Saudi Arabia, Humphries dismissed concerns over atmosphere at events without alcohol, insisting respect and appreciation for the sport would take centre stage.

“It doesn’t take alcohol to have a good night,” he said. “The Saudi people are very respectful and they’ll be excited to see the talent we produce. When you go to places like Saudi or Japan, the crowds appreciate the sport in a different way – they sit back and enjoy it.”

He also welcomed innovative ideas such as the £200,000 ten-dart challenge, where players must hit the bull after a nine-darter.

“It’s different, but I think it’s great,” he added. “It creates drama and excitement. The bull is the smallest target, so it should be hard. I think these little things are great for the sport.”