2024 World Grand Prix Darts: Luke Humphries Responds to Gary Anderson’s Ferocious Rant

In a candid exchange following his dominant 3-1 victory over Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko in the 2024 World Grand Prix, Luke Humphries responded to remarks made by darts legend Gary Anderson. 

Anderson, the two-time world champion, passionately defended Humphries during a media session, expressing his frustration that the world number one has not been given the recognition he truly deserves.

"It's not just being world champion. What has Luke [Humphries] won in the last two years? This is the thing. He has won just about everything.” Anderson fumed, alluding to the meteoric rise of teenage sensation Luke Littler overshadowing Humphries' successes. 

"He's won so much more, and the boy gets looked over every time, which I think is a load of b****cks to be honest.”

Anderson’s impromptu rant came after a series of high-profile events where Littler, at just 17, has dazzled crowds and captivated the media’s attention. 

However, Anderson was keen to remind everyone that Humphries' record in the past few years stands head and shoulders above many in the sport, despite the buzz surrounding the young star.

Humphries, true to his humble nature, responded in typically gracious fashion. 

While flattered by Anderson’s sentiments, the world champion didn’t fully agree with the Scotsman’s assessment.

“I do feel like I've got a lot of credit,” Humphries began, addressing the media directly. 

“I don't feel like the media hasn't given me credit. I don't feel that way. I don't think that any of you guys have not given me credit.”

Image credit: PDC

Humphries was quick to acknowledge the unavoidable spotlight on the younger Luke Littler, whose prodigious talent has taken the darts world by storm.

“I just think when you've got a superstar [Luke Littler], it's hard not to go with that. Luke has grown the sport at absolutely incredible levels, he's making the sport bigger for all of us, let's be honest,” he told SportsBoom.com. 

Reflecting on his own journey, Humphries light-heartedly imagined how he might have reacted if he were in Littler’s shoes, joking, “If I was 17, 18 and all the attention was on him and not me, then I'd be gutted.”

While Anderson’s comments might have sparked debate, Humphries remains grounded. “I can see the media attention is on him. Maybe I deserve a bit more, maybe I deserve a bit more alongside with him. But the media attention he gets, he deserves.”

Still, Humphries reassured the room that he feels appreciated for his accomplishments. “I do think I get a little bit of credit. I think it's not as bad as it seems.”

In a sport where rivalries and egos often dominate headlines, Humphries' gracious response exemplifies his character. 

Despite the whirlwind surrounding Littler’s meteoric rise, Humphries continues to stay focused on what matters most: winning. 

With the quarterfinals on the horizon, the world number one remains as dangerous as ever, quietly letting his achievements do the talking.