A boyhood Leeds United supporter, Luke Humphries is ranked inside the top four darts players in the PDC World Rankings.

The 28-year-old has had to battle hard and compete against plenty of talent over recent years, coming within millimetres of securing a major win along the way on his rise up the charts.

At the weekend, Luke finally achieved his dream by becoming a major champion, taking the World Grand Prix title after defeating Gerwyn Price in an intense final.

As well as focusing on darts, ‘Cool Hand’ has another love, which is Leeds United, and follows the club every moment he can when not competing himself.

We caught up with him after his sensational win, whilst chatting about his further ambitions in the game…

Luke, from everyone connected to Leeds United, massive congratulations, we’re all delighted for you! How are you feeling after winning the World Grand Prix at the weekend?

“To be honest, this is one of those feelings where you have no idea how it feels, until it actually happens! For me right now it is just unbelievable, I have dreamed of this moment my whole life and worked so hard for it. To finally get my first major title, which a lot of people expected to happen and that adds a lot pressure, to finally get over the line is the pinnacle and the greatest feeling I can feel.” 

You’ve shown unbelievable effort and perseverance to win your first major event! How hard have you had to work for this?

“Very! There’s been dedication, grit and determination, too! That helps you to do it. The last couple of months I’ve been really close, the World Matchplay was a hard one to take, then in the World Series final I missed three darts to win it against Michael van Gerwen, so that was another hard one. But, I keep bouncing back and I feel like I really deserve this one. You always get out what you put in and I’ve given a lot, now I have the rewards, I’m honestly delighted.” 



To beat someone of Gerwyn Price’s ability in the final as well showed you had to really battle for it, was it nice to do it against someone of his ability?

“No disrespect to anyone you play, but when you beat a world champion and a top four player, possibly the best and most consistent player this year, it always adds an extra feeling. People will often try to say, ‘yeah but you only beat him!’, but they can’t do that with me, I’ve beaten one of the best players in the world right now. That more than adds to the impact of winning and I feel like I did it in style as well, which makes it even nicer. The 138 and the 170 finishes has made it even more special.”

So that’s one major on the board… What’s next for you, how do you keep improving to win more?

“Over the last 18 months or so things have gone well, but there is always without doubt room for improvement at any level and in any sport. Certainly on my part I can improve my composure and try not to show negative body language. I can sometimes get really frustrated with myself which will only help the opponents. There are little things to work on but I hope now I can keep going after getting this one over the line, but sometimes you need to accept you can’t always play your best, but you can certainly try to do so.”

Last time we saw you at Elland Road, you wanted to play in the Premier League Darts. You came so close to making it last year but narrowly missed out, is that the goal again this time around?

“That’s the dream, for sure. I want that chance so much and if I get the opportunity to walk out in Leeds, everyone knows that it’s something I will look forward to more than anything. There are never any guarantees in life but I have given myself an amazing chance to be there now.” 

We’ve got everything crossed that you’re in this time, and we have to ask, what would it feel like walking out in Leeds, to play in front of the fans here?

“It would be a special, special night, Leeds United Football Club is in my heart and I’ve followed the club my whole life. If I do get that chance, I’ve got my shirt planned ready for it and I think everyone will know what music I plan to walk out to, as well, if I am allowed…” 



Let’s go into your support for Leeds United. Can you tell us more about how important the club is to you?

“I think everyone knows I am named after the club, that’s no secret. My dad named me Luke, which stands for [L]eeds [U]nited [K]ings of [E]urope. I am not from Leeds, but the club really was in me from birth. It was great in the early years of my life, then we had a patch of hard times, but I really feel we’re now on the up as a club again despite what happened last year.

“Our fans are the best in the world, there is no doubt at all about that. The support and commitment they show is something I think that holds everyone together, and sets us apart from everyone else. Following the club has been a massive part of my life and will continue to be.”

What would it mean for you to have that crowd fully behind you, supporting you up there in their thousands when you’re on the stage?

“Leeds fans look after their own and to those who have supported me along the way, thank you, and to those who will come in the future, I can’t wait to see you, hopefully you keep coming! It doesn’t matter what sport you play if you are Leeds, because they will back you for being Leeds. I can’t stop thinking about what that Premier League night could be like if I can get up and play on that stage.”

We’ll be supporting you Luke, no doubt about that! We know you’ve got a hectic schedule, but how much of the team have you seen this season?

“I’ve watched as much as I can, I keep track of it all! I think this season is a big one. We had a slow start but now we’ve got ourselves going and have a great chance to be successful. We’re really gaining momentum and the manager has implemented his style, which takes time, but the players are showing consistency and working hard. I am loving watching right now and we’re all right behind them. Marching On Together!”