Humphries wins Grand Prix to end barren spell

World number two Luke Humphries broke a 16‑month drought for PDC major titles by defeating Gerwyn Price 6‑4 in the World Grand Prix final in Leicester. The 31‑year‑old, who had previously topped the sport two years earlier, rallied from a 0‑3 set deficit to claim his second Grand Prix crown, the first coming in 2023, and his ninth major PDC trophy overall. The victory also secured Humphries’ position as the world number two, keeping him ahead of Dutch contender Gian van Veen.

Humphries’ triumph ended a period of near‑misses that had seen him lose numerous finals since his Premier League win in May 2025 and a Masters title in February 2024. After falling behind 3‑0, he clawed back four consecutive sets, broke Price’s momentum in the fifth set and then sealed the match by winning three straight legs in the deciding set. Price, appearing in his fourth Grand Prix final, had opened with a dominant 132 three‑dart average and led 3‑0, but his run of five successive major final defeats—including three this year—continued as Humphries turned the tide with a crucial 105 checkout that Humphries described as the biggest shot of his career.

In the aftermath, Humphries emphasized the psychological boost the win provided, noting the “torrid” 15‑18 months of losing major finals and the confidence it restored. He reflected on the sport’s growing depth, saying that winning now feels sweeter because of the higher level of competition, and expressed a desire to add more titles to his résumé. Price’s loss extends his four‑year wait for a major PDC title, underscoring the shifting balance of power in darts as emerging talents like Luke Littler challenge established stars. Humphries’ comeback victory not only re‑established his status among the elite but also highlighted the increasingly competitive landscape of professional darts.

⚡ Effects Interpreter