Luke 'Cool Hand' Humphries is preparing for his crucial third-round match at the World Darts Championship, but off the oche, the reigning champion has opened up about his staggering wealth, his fierce rivalry with Luke Littler, and the eye-watering deductions from his prize money.
The Rise and Wealth of a Champion
Luke Humphries, the 2024 World Champion and former world number one, is a dominant force known for his rhythmic throw and consistently high averages. His professional journey began with a record-breaking eleven titles on the PDC Development Tour and back-to-back World Youth Championship wins, which catapulted him into the senior ranks.
This success has translated into significant financial reward. Humphries' estimated net worth is now approximately £3.5 million, heavily supported by career prize winnings that have soared past the £3 million mark. He also revealed on the Happy Hour podcast that elite players can earn an additional "£30,000 or £40,000" from shirt sponsorships alone before a tournament even begins.
Declaring War on a 'Generational Talent'
Humphries' main contemporary rivalry is with teenage sensation Luke Littler. Humphries has praised Littler as a "generational talent" and described their relationship as akin to an "older and younger brother." He told Sky Sports the pair are currently "playing a level of this sport that is better than everyone else."
However, the camaraderie has a competitive edge. Looking ahead to potential major finals in late 2025 or early 2026, Humphries has starkly stated he is "declaring war" on his young rival to settle who truly deserves the world number one ranking. "We are going to see who is the number one there," he asserted.
The Reality of 'Silly Money' and Major Deductions
Reflecting on the sport's financial growth, Humphries labelled today's prize funds as "ridiculous, silly money" compared to when he started, fondly recalling his first major £50,000 win as "lovely" and life-changing.
Yet, he provided a sobering insight into the reality of a top player's earnings. After tax and management fees are deducted, champions only take home "65 or 70 per cent" of their winnings. Applied to his own career haul, this means Humphries has lost nearly £1 million in prize money to these unavoidable costs.
Humphries remains in formidable form at the Alexandra Palace tournament, having secured a straight-sets victory over veteran Paul Lim. He now faces Germany's Gabriel Clemens in a highly-anticipated third-round clash as he continues his bid to regain the Sid Waddell Trophy.
