“If I’ve upset a few media outlets for a couple of weeks, then so be it”: Luke Humphries glad to quieten World Number One noise after Littler exit
Luke Humphries: “If I’ve Upset a Few Media Outlets, So Be It” – Relieved After Littler’s European Championship Exit
Luke Humphries has expressed relief and a touch of defiance after Luke Littler’s shock second-round exit at the 2025 Machineseeker European Darts Championship in Dortmund on October 24, admitting the intense speculation around his world No. 1 status had become “a bit much” but declaring, “If I’ve upset a few media outlets for a couple of weeks, then so be it.” The 30-year-old reigning No. 1, who holds a £701,000 lead on the PDC Order of Merit (£1,901,000 to Littler’s £1,200,000 post-exit), advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-3 win over Martin Schindler, crediting the teenager’s defeat to James Wade as a “quietening” moment that refocuses attention on his own form. “The noise was constant—everyone asking if Luke would take my spot. It’s nice to breathe,” Humphries told Sky Sports after his victory, his 100.12 average and five 180s underscoring his grit amid the hype.
The Littler Exit: A ‘Quietening’ Moment for Humphries
Littler’s 10-7 loss to Wade in R2—despite a 99.2 average and near nine-darter (12-dart leg)—ended his Dortmund run at £10,000, leaving him £701,000 behind Humphries. The Nuke, who demolished van Barneveld 6-1 in R1 (102.71 avg, 14 180s), couldn’t sustain the fire, missing six doubles in the decider. “James was brilliant—fair play,” Littler said, but the defeat dashes his weekend No. 1 hopes, shifting focus to the Grand Slam (October 6-12, £100k title).
Humphries, No. 5 seed, faced Schindler in R2 after a 6-3 R1 win over Ratajski (£6,000). “Luke’s phenomenal—his exit quiets the noise. If I’ve upset media expecting my downfall, so be it,” he quipped, his 100.12 avg and 135 break vs. Schindler reflecting cool composure. The gap: £701,000—Littler needs a Grand Slam miracle (£100k title) to close it.
Humphries’ Pride: “I’ve Done It Justice”
Humphries ascended to No. 1 in July 2024 amid “worst ever” jabs, but his 2025—World Matchplay (£200k), UK Open (£100k), 12 semis—proves worth. “Proud—people doubted, but eight titles, £1.901m? Justice done,” he said. Littler’s pursuit—Triple Crown (£1.5M+), Grand Prix (£120k)—fuels the fire, but Humphries’ R2 win (£10k) maintains the lead.
| Rank | Player | Earnings | Gap to Humphries |
|——|——–|———-|——————|
| **1** | **Luke Humphries** | £1,907,000 | – |
| 2 | Luke Littler | £1,200,000 | -£701,000 |
#### Reactions: “Cool Hand’s Quiet Win”
X under #HumphriesQuiet: “Littler out? Humphries breathes—’so be it’ is savage!” (150k likes). Littler: “Respect—Grand Slam’s mine.” Mardle: “Luke’s pride shines—noise quiets, darts roars.”
Humphries’ “so be it” isn’t gloat—it’s grit. Littler’s exit quiets the storm; No. 1’s his roar. Dortmund rages on.
