Who is the 2024 World Darts Champion Luke Humphries?

Luke Humphries (born 11 February 1995) is an English professional darts player who plays in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events, where he is the current World Number 1 and reigning World Champion. Nicknamed "Cool Hand Luke" in reference to the 1967 film starring Paul Newman. His walk-on music during televised events is “Cake by the Ocean” by American dance-rock band, DNCE. 

During a 49-day spell, the Newbury ace clinched his maiden PDC Premier title at the 2023 World Grand Prix, followed up by victory at the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals. Luke then went on to claim the PDC World Darts Championship Title under immense pressure, defeating the then 16-year-old Luke Littler in the most-watched non-football event in Sky Sports history.

Having been conspicuously left out of the 2023 Premier League Darts tournament, the 28-year-old darts is poised to embark on his inaugural campaign in the prestigious league in 2024, signifying a noteworthy milestone in his distinguished career.

Luke Humphries relies on the precision and performance of the Red Dragon TX2 Atomised darts, each weighing 22g. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these darts feature a low-profile milling design combined with triple knurled grip zones, ensuring optimal throw acceleration. 

The stunning barrels showcase deep blue detailing and space grey atomised grip zones, reflecting the latest design expertise from Red Dragon's world-class engineers. The characteristic bullet profile, tailored to Luke's style, offers a tapered rear profile for automatic trajectory control, granting players better angles of attack and freedom of throw. 

The uniquely connected design of the TX2 Atomised darts not only provides aesthetic appeal but also delivers ultimate intrinsic performance. With a multiple ring grip torpedo profile, these darts offer a front-weighted feel and mid-level grip, perfectly suited to match Luke Humphries' distinctive throw and release style.

Before becoming a prominent figure in the world of darts, Luke Humphries had a fascinating journey that shaped his life. Born in Newbury, Berkshire, Humphries spent his early years growing up in this picturesque town. Later, he transitioned to a new chapter in Crewe, Cheshire, showcasing his adaptability from one locale to another.

Humphries' connection with the world of sports began early in his life, influenced by his father, an avid Leeds United FC fan. Interestingly, his father chose the name "Luke" as an acronym for "Leeds United, Kings of Europe," instilling a sense of football passion in him from the start. This familial connection to Leeds United not only gave Humphries his name but also fostered a genuine love for the team, making him a devoted supporter.

Before making a name for himself on the darting stage, Humphries worked in a different domain – as a roofer. His dedication to his craft in this physically demanding profession showcased his strong work ethic and commitment. However, the allure of darts beckoned, and in 2018, Humphries made a pivotal decision to retire from roofing and fully commit to pursuing a career in darts.

This career shift marked a turning point in Humphries' life, propelling him into the limelight of professional darts. His journey from the rooftops to the oche demonstrates not only his dedication to the sport but also his willingness to take bold steps in pursuit of his passion. Luke Humphries' story is a testament to the transformative power of following one's dreams and the resilience required to make a mark in the competitive world of professional sports.

Luke Humphries shares a family life with his partner Kayley Jones, born in 1994. While there are reports suggesting a long-standing relationship since their teenage years, it appears that they are not married at the time of writing this. 

The couple resides in Crewe, Cheshire, along with their two children. Kayley has a daughter named Grace, born in 2013, and the couple welcomed their second child, Rowan Ellis, on October 9, 2022. However, the details regarding Luke's parenthood are not entirely clear, as there are conflicting reports about whether he is the father of Kayley's firstborn, Grace. 

Some sources indicate that Luke became a father for the first time in 2022 with the birth of Rowan Ellis. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their marital status, Luke Humphries is actively engaged in family life with Kayley and their two children.