“People called me the ‘worst number one ever,’ I’ve done it justice”: Luke Humphries not resigned to losing World No.1 spot yet
Luke Humphries Vows to Defend No. 1 Crown: “I’ve Done It Justice”
Luke Humphries, the reigning PDC World No. 1 and 2023 World Champion, has fired a defiant warning to challengers like Luke Littler, insisting he’s “not resigned to losing” his top spot despite the 18-year-old’s blistering pursuit. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports on October 24, 2025, ahead of the Machineseeker European Darts Championship in Dortmund, Humphries reflected on the “worst number one ever” jabs that greeted his 2024 ascension, declaring: “People called me the ‘worst number one ever’ – I’ve done it justice, and I’m not done yet.” The 30-year-old, holding a £1,895,000 Order of Merit lead over Littler’s £1,181,500 (£713,500 gap), enters the £600,000 event as the No. 5 seed facing Krzysztof Ratajski in Round 1, with a deep run essential to fend off Littler’s charge – a title (£120,000) keeps the gap at £593,500, but a quarterfinal exit (£20,000) hands Littler the throne.
Humphries’ Defiance: “Worst No. 1 Ever? I’ve Done It Justice”
Humphries ascended to No. 1 in July 2024 after Littler’s 7-4 Worlds final loss, but early skepticism – dubbed “worst ever” by trolls on X after a Grand Slam group-stage exit – stung. “The noise was loud – ‘Humphries is lucky, not worthy,'” he told Sky Sports. “But 12 straight semis, eight titles, £1.895m – I’ve done it justice. And I’m not resigned to losing it yet.” His 2025: World Matchplay (£200,000), UK Open (£100,000), and consistent 100+ averages (100.12 vs. Noppert in Grand Prix semis) reflect the grit behind the “Cool Hand Luke” moniker.
Littler’s pursuit – Triple Crown (£1.5M+), Grand Prix (£120k) – narrows the gap to £713,500. A Humphries title in Dortmund (£120k) maintains the lead; semifinals (£40k) keeps it at £673,500 – Grand Slam (£100k title) is Littler’s clincher.
The European Championship: Humphries’ Defense
Humphries (No. 5 seed) opens vs. Ratajski (No. 28) on October 23 (7 p.m. CEST / 6 p.m. BST / 1 p.m. ET), defending 2023 win (£120k). A win (£6k) sets R2 vs. Schindler/Pietreczko. Path to title: £120k R1 + £10k R2 + £20k QF + £40k SF + £120k final = £310k – enough to hold No. 1 even if Littler wins.
| Rank | Player | Earnings | Gap to Humphries |
|——|——–|———-|——————|
| **1** | **Luke Humphries** | **£1,895,000** | – |
| 2 | Luke Littler | £1,181,500 | -£713,500 |
| 3 | Michael van Gerwen | £1,248,500 | -£646,500 |
Reactions: “Cool Hand’s Grit Shines”
X under #HumphriesNo1: “Worst ever? Luke’s justice is 12 semis—Littler, earn it!” (150k likes). Littler: “Respect—Grand Slam’s mine.” Mardle: “Humphries’ fire? Underrated—Dortmund’s his.”
Humphries’ “done it justice” isn’t bravado—it’s battle cry. No. 1’s his; the Nuke’s quest continues. Dortmund awaits.
