Luke Humphries, the reigning champion, is set to defend his title at the World Darts Championship held at Alexandra Palace. Known for his impressive skills and significant victories over the past year, Humphries has been the center of attention, not just for his dart-throwing but also for his media appearances, particularly on The Overlap quiz.
Striding confidently toward the darts stage, Humphries faces off against Welshman Nick Kenny, eager to replicate his previous success. Last year, Humphries captured the championship title after defeating the rising star, Luke Littler, and he’s come off another year filled with major wins, including the PDC World Championship, World Grand Prix, and World Matchplay. Recently, he stated, "A Luke will win it and I think it will be me! I would be silly not to!" How's this for confidence!
During his recent appearance on The Overlap’s Stick to Football quiz, Humphries showed he was human after all. Sharing the spotlight with football legends such as Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Ian Wright, he stumbled early on, forgetting what song he walks out to. "I walk on to… f***ing hell I forgot!" he exclaimed, eliciting hearty laughter from his co-stars. Finally recollecting, he said, "I walk on to 'I Predict A Riot', it’s just changed."
The event, which was meant to showcase his skills, turned out to be more nerve-wracking than the World Darts Championship itself for Humphries. He admitted, "I think I feel more pressure doing this than I do at the World Championships." After achieving only 22 points on his initial throw, he quipped, "I think that's the first 22 I've hit all year as well." The pressures of performing alongside such icons proved overwhelming, as he struggled to find his rhythm.
Humphries’ underwhelming performance at the quiz drew light-hearted jabs from Neville, who joked, "We should have got Jake Humphries." The banter kept coming as Keane and Wright defended their dart-playing friend. Wright's spirited retort, "Do you want some? Because I’ll have it with you, Gary," showcased the camaraderie amid the playful teasing about Humphries’ performance.
Despite the missteps, Humphries regained his composure at the end of the event, registering some stronger throws, including hitting the treble 20 multiple times. But will this practice serve him well against Kenny? Only time will tell.
Back at the world championship venue, Humphries is adamant about keeping the prestigious tournament at its traditional site. "For me, the World Championship has to stay in England because it's a Christmas thing," he mentioned, underscoring the tournament's festive significance. Despite the growing popularity pushing the venue to its limits, Humphries supports the Alexandra Palace, where the championship has been held since 2007. Just this year, it saw 90,000 tickets sold out within 15 minutes – proof of its appeal.
PDC chairman Barry Hearn has acknowledged the mounting demand for the championship, noting, "I asked my people, 'tell me, how many could I have sold?' They said, somewhere over 300,000." This surge has led to discussions about potentially relocating the event. Yet, Humphries remains steadfast, expressing his wish to maintain the current atmosphere of the venue, which enhances the championship experience.
With his impressive track record and burgeoning celebrity status, Humphries, who boasts almost £3 million in career prize money, is not just focused on darts. Since winning last year's title, he has supposedly undergone personal transformations, including weight loss, and the engagement to his long-term girlfriend, Kayley, who he praises as his rock. They share valuable family time together, which he credits for keeping him grounded.
Now, as Humphries gears up to face Kenny, there's palpable excitement surrounding his performance. Will he channel his creativity from The Overlap back onto the Alexandra Palace stage, or will the pressure prove too much? With his family’s support and his commitment to balance between personal and professional life, fans are eager to see the outcome.
All eyes are on Humphries as he aims to not only keep the title but solidify his status as one of darts' elite players. With Christmas spirit in the air and stakes higher than ever, the World Darts Championship promises thrilling matches this season.
