Luke Humphries Wins His First World Matchplay Title Beating Michael van Gerwen in the Final

After a thrilling week of top-tier competition at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, the 2024 World Matchplay culminated in a showdown between the two best darts players in the world: Luke Humphries, the current world number one, and Michael van Gerwen, the world number two. 

The first player to reach 18 legs would be crowned the 2024 World Matchplay champion.

This marked Humphries' inaugural appearance in the World Matchplay final, while van Gerwen was vying for his fourth title in this prestigious event.

The anticipation was high as this was only the second time these two titans faced each other in a major ranking final. Their first encounter was at the Players Championship Finals last year, where Cool Hand Luke emerged victorious over the Dutchman. 

The first five legs of the match echoed van Gerwen’s semi-final against Michael Smith but in reverse. 

This time, it was van Gerwen delivering the clinical finishes, while Humphries, despite an astonishing three-dart average of over 110, had nothing to show for it. Van Gerwen broke Humphries’ throw twice, taking a 3-2 lead into the first mini session.

Humphries quickly turned the match on its head, winning four of the next five legs and scarcely giving the Dutchman a chance at a double, to lead 6-4. 

Van Gerwen momentarily broke back through Humphries’ barrage, but a sensational 141 three-dart finish saw Humphries extend his lead to 7-5. 

Three more legs passed, and Humphries extended his advantage to three legs, leading 9-6 going into the third interval.

Image credit: PDC

The Green Machine began to elevate his performance, winning three of the next five legs to cut the deficit to 11-9. 

Van Gerwen's momentum continued over the next three legs as he narrowed the gap to 12-11 with a brilliant 106 three-dart checkout. Under immense pressure, he then delivered back-to-back ton-plus finishes, including a 110, to level the game at 12-12 for the first time since 2-2. 

Humphries managed to hold his throw, regaining a narrow 13-12 lead as they headed into the final mini session.

In a crucial moment during the final stages, MVG missed a dart at the bullseye for a 164 finish that could have levelled the score at 13-13. Humphries seized the opportunity, leaving himself set up comfortably on double 20 to regain a two-leg lead at 15-13. 

Cool Hand Luke then extended his advantage with a scintillating 131 finish, moving two legs away from World Matchplay glory.

In the end, van Gerwen had three darts at double eight to potentially force the match into extra time, but Humphries sealed the victory with a stunning 100-checkout, finishing off with tops-tops. 

The world number one and reigning world champion, Luke Humphries, is now the World Matchplay champion. He has truly captured the attention of the entire darting world.