"You don’t really know what you’re going to get from Michael at the moment": Luke Humphries says stage return of Michael Smith hard to gauge

Luke Humphries opened his 2025 Grand Slam of Darts campaign with a commanding 5–0 victory over Alex Spellman and, more importantly, two valuable points on the board.

After a tough exit last year, the world number one was relieved to start strong and put himself in control of his own destiny with a thumping opening win at the Grand Slam of Darts.

“That’s a game you need to get through — your first one,” Humphries said. “If you don’t, like I didn’t last year, you put pressure on yourself and that second game becomes a lot tougher. This time, if I don’t win against Michael Smith, I’ve still got another chance against Aspinall. That’s the most important thing — win that first game and you give yourself the opportunity to be in control, with your destiny in your own hands.”

Last year’s Grand Slam campaign ended in disappointment for the reigning world champion, but he insists that experience helped him grow. “You can’t be perfect in every tournament,” he reflected. “I look back at last year as just one of those performances. I was proud of the way I turned up in that third game and didn’t just accept defeat. I bounced back by winning the next major. Of course it was disappointing, but I’m pleased with the way I’ve started here. There’s still work to do, because nothing matters until you get through the group.”

Humphries’ opening opponent, Alex Spellman, was one of this year’s invited players rather than a regular on the PDC Tour — something the Englishman admits can make preparation tricky.

“It’s harder when you don’t know what version of the player you’re going to get,” he explained. “Is he going to be at his absolute best, or will the occasion get to him? That’s the hardest part. I always expect everyone’s best game. That’s kind of what happened in the first three legs — I was playing pretty decent and he wasn’t. You can’t take anyone for granted. He didn’t play his best there, but Alex is a fantastic player and I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”

Humphries described his own performance as “clean-cut,” though he admitted his intensity dipped slightly after racing into an early lead. “Everything from the first to the third leg was great,” he said. “Then I got a bit complacent. When you’re playing someone who’s not throwing a lot back at you, sometimes you relax. I probably relaxed too much, thinking everything was going to come my way. But the first three legs were really good — I got myself into a good position and it allowed me to go on and win the next two.”

The world number one looked sharp in Wolverhampton — perhaps a result of a rare spell away from the constant grind of the tour. He recently took part in a pair of exhibition nights alongside Luke Littler, before enjoying a few days off with his family. “It was great to do a couple of exhibitions with Luke — we did one in Northampton and one in Warrington. They were both really successful, great crowds, and we both played well.

Having five days off afterwards was really nice too. I’ve come here a little more refreshed than usual because we’re normally always on the road. I really enjoyed that little bit of time off.”

For Humphries, family time is as important as rest when it comes to recharging between tournaments.

“That’s what it’s all about — recharging and spending time with your family. That’s my favourite thing in the world. I don’t really get a break from darts because my son loves it — he’s got a soft-tip board now and always says, ‘Daddy, play darts!’ But I enjoy it. I like doing normal things too — shopping, cooking, just everyday stuff. I really enjoy those little things.”

He laughed when told he’s now got a new practice partner at home. “I have, yeah — hopefully he’ll be better than me in the future!”

Humphries’ son has become more aware of his dad’s success in recent years, something Luke admits has changed the way he experiences life on the tour.

“He kind of says, ‘Daddy, you’re on TV!’ even when I’m not,” Humphries smiled. “He loves watching me and playing darts. I never force him — I just want him to do what makes him happy. But if he wants to play, he’s got a good teacher! It’s nice to have those special memories, and I cherish them all.”

Being away from home remains difficult, but Humphries says his son’s growing understanding helps balance things.

“It’s easier now because he knows what I do. Before, he just thought Daddy was going away. Now he gets it — even though he still says, ‘Please don’t go away!’ That’s really tough. But I try to make it worthwhile — if I’m away for eight days, I want it to be because I’m still in the final.”

Despite his excellent form, Humphries insists there’s still more to come.

“I’m nowhere near my top gear,” he said. “My top gear is like that match against Chris Dobey at the European Championship — that’s when I’m at my best. I don’t perform at that level often enough, but I’m a clinical, gritty player who never gives in. I worked really hard at the last two majors and was gutted not to win the European. That’s the one that was missing. But I always bounce back — and what better way to put that disappointment behind me than by winning this one.”

A 5–0 win was the perfect opening result, and Humphries admitted that leg difference could yet prove crucial.

“Two points is the most important thing, that’s all you think about,” he said. “When you’re 3–0 up, you start looking at getting that 5–1 or 5–0 because it can mean a lot in the end. It’s a great start. I think Alex will take legs against Nathan and Michael — he won’t get brushed every game. So I’ve done a good job getting it done 5–0. But I don’t want to rely on leg difference — I want to get the job done tomorrow against Michael Smith.”

Those recent exhibition wins against Littler and Ricky Evans also gave Humphries a confidence boost heading into the Slam.

“You take a lot from it. You’re still under pressure in front of 700 to 1,000 people. It’s the best practice you can get — two of the best players playing against each other on a big stage. I love them — they bring out the excitement in me.”

Next up is a clash with Michael Smith — a familiar opponent and a potential turning point in Group A.

“When I looked at the draw, I knew it was tough,” Humphries said. “Michael’s obviously very capable, Nathan’s playing great darts again, and Alex can throw fantastic stuff too. You don’t really know what you’re going to get from Michael at the moment — top-top or a bit jaded — but I’ll go in expecting his best game. Hopefully it’s enough to get me through to the last 16. That’s the main goal.”

As the season builds toward the World Championship, Humphries remains grounded but confident. “I didn’t say I wasn’t at my best — just not at that peak level. Top players are never happy; they always think they can do better, and I’m the same. I’ve made the final in the last two majors, so I’m not doing badly, but I know there’s another level in me. I’ll keep pushing and make sure I can perform at that level more consistently.”

With just a few tournaments left before Ally Pally, Humphries is fully focused on ending the year on a high. “It’s all the same for me,” he said. “I’ve been through this a few years now — made great runs, won it, had bad ones, and bounced back. My eyes are set on trying to be world champion again. Everything in between is a bonus — that’s the one I really want to go for now.”