Luke Humphries swears on live TV just moments after missing out on darts win and £120,000 prize money
World No. 1 Luke Humphries, fresh off a tense 11–10 defeat to rising star Gian van Veen in the European Championship final on October 26, 2025, accidentally let slip an unfiltered remark during his ITV Sport interview – admitting he’d hoped his 24-year-old opponent might “feel the pressure” with £120,000 on the line.
The live moment, broadcast from Dortmund’s Westfalenhallen, captured the 30-year-old’s devastation and humor in real-time, blending disappointment with genuine pride for the young Dutch champion, who had battled through physical discomfort to reach the final.
The Nail-Biter: A Deciding Leg Thriller
Humphries, the reigning PDC World Champion and tournament favorite, staged a strong comeback in a gripping encounter. Van Veen – playing in his first senior TV final after a semi-final win over Michael van Gerwen – led 10–9 and had match darts, only for Humphries to produce a clutch 85 checkout to force a decider.
The Dutchman opened the final leg with a 140, broke Humphries’ throw, and sealed victory with a double 16 — bursting into tears as he claimed the £120,000 winner’s cheque and a debut inside the world’s top 10. Humphries took home £60,000 as runner-up, narrowly missing out on a third major title of 2025 after triumphs at the World Matchplay and Grand Slam.
| Key Stats | Humphries | Van Veen |
|---|---|---|
| 180s | 8 | 7 |
| Checkout % | 45% (9/20) | 42% (8/19) |
| Average | 98.45 | 97.32 |
| Prize Money | £60,000 | £120,000 |
The defeat was a tough one to take — Humphries had edged Van Veen in their last two meetings, but this time, the younger man held firm under the lights.
The Slip: “I Was Hoping He’d Feel the Pressure”
Moments after the final handshake, Humphries faced presenter Georgie Bingham for his post-match interview. Holding back emotion, he praised Van Veen’s calmness and talent:
“He’s an unbelievable player… Premier League material. This is top-level stuff.”
Then came his unguarded comment:
“I was hoping he’d feel the pressure at some point!”
The studio shared a brief laugh as Humphries quickly realized his slip and smiled:
“I’m devastated but proud of Gian… I’ve known him for years. Gutted, but it wasn’t my night.”
Van Veen, hearing the comment from the podium, responded with a grin:
“I said to Luke after he hit that bull to make it 10–10, that’s why he’s world number one.”
The clip went viral on X (formerly Twitter), with fans calling it “peak Cool Hand Luke” — a rare, human moment from one of the sport’s calmest competitors. Neither the PDC nor ITV issued any reprimand; instead, many viewers found it refreshingly honest.
Fallout: A Blip Before the Grind Resumes
Humphries remains World No. 1 heading into a busy November schedule, which includes the Players Championship Finals, Grand Slam of Darts, and his World Championship title defense. Van Veen’s breakthrough all but confirms him as a strong contender for a 2026 Premier League spot — and proof that darts’ next generation is thriving across Europe.
In a sport defined by pressure, Humphries’ unscripted remark summed up the raw emotion of elite competition. As he joked afterward,
“Next time, I’ll aim for the double 16 — and choose my words more carefully.”
It was a rare glimpse behind the champion’s composure — genuine, relatable, and unforgettable. 🎯
