Darts
Is the Premier League Calling for New World Grand Prix Champion Mike De Decker?
Belgian underdog Mike De Decker stuns the darts world by defeating world number one Luke Humphries to win the 2024 World Grand Prix, sparking calls for his inclusion in the Premier League.
Belgian underdog Mike De Decker pulled off the unthinkable in Leicester, triumphing over world number one Luke Humphries to capture his first-ever PDC televised ranking final.
A Stunning Upset in Leicester
This landmark victory at the 2024 World Grand Prix not only crowned De Decker as champion but also catapulted him into the elite ranks of the sport, securing his position in the top 32 of the world.
Before the tournament, he was a staggering 200/1 outsider to lift the coveted crown, but De Decker’s determination and talent proved everyone wrong.
The victory sparked immediate calls from fans for De Decker to be included in next year's Premier League line-up, as the darting world begins to take notice of his potential.
De Decker Reflects on Premier League Readiness
In the aftermath of his monumental win, we had the opportunity to speak with both De Decker and runner-up Humphries about whether De Decker is ready to compete among the sport’s elite.
When we sat down with the newly crowned champion, he offered a refreshing dose of humility regarding the prospect of playing in the Premier League.
“To be honest, I don't think I'm ready for the Premier League just yet,” he told SportsBoom.com.
Facing the Pressure of the Premier League
De Decker reflected on the intense pressure and high stakes of the league, acknowledging that he doesn’t yet feel prepared to face the best players in the world week in and week out.
He also shared insights gleaned from his colleagues in the sport, illustrating the rigorous demands of the Premier League format.
“It's 14 weeks against the top eight of the world every single week, and it's so hard,” he explained, highlighting the gruelling nature of the competition.
“I've seen it with Kim [Huybrechts], I've seen it with Dimitri [Van den Bergh], I've seen it with Jelle [Klaasen], who is a good friend.”
An Open Door for Opportunity
However, De Decker's ambition remains clear. If the PDC were to extend an invitation for him to join the Premier League, he would accept without hesitation.
“If they put me in, I'll say yes, a hundred percent, but if they don't put me in, then that's fine. Then maybe next year or the year after,” he stated.
Image credit: PDC
A Vote of Confidence from the World Number One
On the other hand, Humphries, the world number one, is optimistic about De Decker's future, believing there’s even more to come from the Belgian star.
“I don't think he's played his best darts this week. I think there's another level in Mike [De Decker],” Humphries told SportsBoom.com.
Having known De Decker for a long time, Humphries emphasised the importance of consistently proving oneself at the highest level.
“The next step for him was to bring it to the stage, and he has, but he's got to keep proving it like I had to, and I did,” he noted.
Potential for Premier League Inclusion
Despite De Decker’s relatively low order of merit ranking, Humphries would personally advocate for his inclusion in the Premier League, underscoring his belief in De Decker's potential.
“Even if he doesn't win one in the next four tournaments, I still think he might have a great shot at the Premier League,” he asserted. “If he has a good Worlds [Championship], then I would personally put him in.”
The Belgian Darts Dilemma
Humphries also acknowledged the competitive nature of the selection process, particularly as the PDC will likely choose only one player from Belgium.
With Dimitri Van den Bergh, a close friend of De Decker, having already won the UK Open this year, the stakes are high.
“The only real challenge will be between him and Dimitri [Van den Bergh]. Dimitri's had a go. It didn't really work out well for him once, and it didn't the other time. So just maybe it's worth trying someone else,” Humphries commented, hinting at the potential for De Decker to break through.
As the dust settles on De Decker's remarkable victory, one thing is clear: the darts world is watching closely, and the future looks bright for this emerging talent. Will he accept the challenge of the Premier League?
Only time will tell, but for now, the chants for his inclusion echo loudly, fuelled by the spirit of a champion who has only just begun to carve his name in the annals of darts history.
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