Luke Humphries is a modern generation darting great, crafted from pure tungsten toughness and clearly destined for legendary status.
It’s been a remarkable run for the Berkshire born arrow-smith, particularly when you consider where he was a few years ago - carrying more weight than he'd have liked, battling mental health issues, lower-ranked, winning less and single.
These days, it’s quite the turnaround: the Red Dragon superstar now looks more like an ambassador for Slim-Fast, the demons are thankfully put to bed, he’s perched on the top branch of the tree, hoovering up trophies like an aardvark syphons woodland ants, and no longer has to endure those awkward first dates.
And whilst his trophy collection is as large as an old pair of his trousers, his personal life is shining brightly too: engaged to the beautiful Kayley, a proud father to Rowan and step-daughter Gracie, and happier than ever. So, how did it all change?
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Luke tells the story:
"It was sheer dedication. I felt that to become the player I knew I could be, I had to change – and first of all, I needed to lose weight. So I went on the diet, and what happened was exactly what I believed would. Losing the weight really helped improve my mental state.
“With a fitter body and mind, I got better. I now manage anxiety more easily – and putting all those changes together made me who I am today.”
Even now, in peak form, Humphries hasn’t escaped criticism. In April, after the International Darts Open in Germany, he was honest about needing a break and feeling emotionally drained – and some fans didn’t take kindly to it.
“Yeah, I was feeling burnt out, so I said how I felt. I don’t regret what I said. Usually, fans appreciate honesty – but there will always be both negative and positive opinions. People think being a darts player is easy – and don’t get me wrong, I’m privileged to do this. But I know what real hard work is. I was a roofer for six years. I wasn’t born into the game. A lot of people made sacrifices for me to have this chance.
That historic World title was just the beginning. As we know, Humphries has now added the Premier League crown to his haul, and with the World Matchplay trophy already adorning his home, he completed the iconic Triple Crown – something only four players in history have ever achieved.
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But speaking about the Premier League this year, he wasn’t bothered about winning the league phase; victory at the O2 was the only cherry he was seeking for his cake.
"I’ve said it so many times – I didn’t care where I finished - as long as I was in the top four, that was all that mattered. Before finals night, I was practicing really well. I went to Rosmalen the weekend before – I play well on the Euro Tour, and it helped. I felt like I was missing that explosive edge, and that gave me the confidence.”
Team success hasn’t passed him by either. Humphries lifted the World Cup with Michael Smith in 2024.
Off the oche for Luke, he’s all about family life. Now settled in Crewe with Kayley and their children, home is where his heart truly lies.
“I’m a homely person. I don’t go golfing or anything when I’m not playing, I’m just with the family. Being a dad gives me even more purpose. My son, Rowan turns three in October…
“Kayley’s incredible – she understands that I’m doing this for our future. Of course I miss them terribly when I’m away, but everything I do is for them. And my parents have played a massive role. Their belief and sacrifices from day one helped me get here. Without that, none of this happens.”
For the full interview check out Darts World 589 in full colour print or for the full stories and more in depth coverage of everything darts, together with the latest issues of their legendary publications, head on over to dartsworld.com