Premier League Darts 2026: Luke Humphries eyes back-to-back titles to cement his status in the sport | Arrow News

Only two players in Premier League Darts history have defended their title and Luke Humphries is hoping to become the third name on that list in 2026.

Only Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen have completed the difficult task of holding the Premier League trophy. Taylor last held it from 2005-2008, while Van Gerwen held it from 2016-2019 and 2022 and 2023.

Humphries is competing in only his third Premier League but has been in two finals, losing to Luke Littler in the first but securing his own in 2025.

Now, he is looking for another “medal”. He is definitely a player who is motivated by the pride of the sport by achieving things that few have ever done.

“I think it will mean a lot because I want to get these good awards, these good things next to my name, to do things that other players have never done,” said Humphries. Sky Sports.

“For me to go and do that is a great opportunity. The way I’ve been playing, the consistent quality I’ve shown this year, joining them would be a big thing.

“I’ve joined a few clubs that are involved and it would be good to go out and get some more.

“I think it will strengthen my name at the top of the sport to do something like that.

“The other two players who have done it before, two of the greatest players who have ever played again, for me to be in this bracket again will strengthen my legacy as the player I am starting to be.

“So I still have 10, 15 more years to give, but getting these awards at the beginning of my career gives me a great ending to my career.”

Humphries has been open about the fact that he has been making small changes, both inside and outside his darts to ensure he can stay at the top of the game for as long as possible and cope with busy schedules such as 17 weeks in the Premier League.

While 2026 has just begun, the world No. 2 believes he is already seeing positive results.

“I’ve just been taking care of my health a little more, taking care of it more than usual to try to stay healthy,” he added.

“Taking these long weeks and long days involving just small changes in my arrows, a few extra millimeters in my points and using different planes.

“They are a little stronger and seem to fly better in the air.

“That’s what I’ve said every year. Just one or two percent in my game can make me a better player.

“It’s early. We’re only talking about one month of the year here, but I can already see the changes there. I feel very comfortable on the dartboard and the most important thing is to keep winning more.”

Consistency is key!

In his first two games in the Premier League, Humphries took to the form of a duck to water.

He believes that his consistent game, which is not always brilliant but always incredibly strong, is why he always stands out.

“I’m just thinking about myself, I’m a consistent player. You won’t always see 110 averages from me, I know I’ve had 118, but what I’m saying is that you don’t see this from me all the time,” he said.

“But what you see is this average level of 100 or more more often than other players.

“Luke (Littler), he’s probably doing the same thing as me, he’s probably getting 100 more averages than he’s not.

“So that’s why I think this tournament works better for me than most, it’s that consistent level that I’m showing that kind of benefits from this tournament.”

Price wants to be in our bracket again

Humphries opens his Premier League campaign in Newcastle on Thursday night against the in-form Gerwyn Price, who is currently ranked No 12 in the world.

‘Cool Hand’ knows he’s in for a tough game as he believes Price is trying to be in the conversation with Littler again.

“Price may be in his hands. He’s playing a lot better now than he was two years ago,” Humphries said.

“Maybe he’ll be annoyed that Luke and I are always talked about, maybe he won’t like that.”

“He was a name that everyone talked about and they still look up to now, but he is no longer like me and Luke and he wants to be a part of it.

“So, he’s going to want to beat me and put a good mark on himself so I think he’s going to resist it.

“I’ll fight for you too, because I always like to start well, take the pressure off early and not make it difficult for you at the end.”

Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will be defending his title and you can watch the action every Thursday from February to May on Sky Sports. Stream darts and other top games NOW.