Luke Humphries has stated that making a record-extending fourth consecutive final at the World Grand Prix holds no significance unless he defeats Gerwyn Price to claim the title in Leicester. The darts star secured his place in Sunday’s showpiece at the Mattioli Arena by overcoming James Wade 5-3.
Humphries has made history at the double-in event, becoming the first player to reach the final in four straight years. However, he acknowledged past heartbreaks, including a 6-1 defeat to Luke Littler last year and a surprise 6-4 loss to Mike de Decker in 2024. He is now aiming to replicate his 2023 triumph over Price, when the two former world champions previously met in the final.
Talking to Sky Sports, Humphries admitted his path to the final had been more challenging than in previous campaigns. “It has been one of those journeys this year that hasn’t been playing sailing,” he said. “A few of the years before have felt a lot easier than it has done this year.”
He added: “To make four Grand Prix finals on the trot is super special. It’s history for myself and I’m proud of that but, unless I pick that trophy up, unfortunately that history doesn’t mean anything. I’ve come here to win it. If I win the trophy, I’ll look back at the history and think that’s amazing.”
The win over Wade featured a moment of sportsmanship, with Humphries acknowledging a spectacular 141 checkout by his opponent. Humphries described the semi-final as possibly his most controlled and consistent performance in some time, comparing it to his feeling before the Premier League final against Littler.
This victory offers a chance to break a streak of runner-up finishes in televised finals since winning the Premier League in May 2025. Humphries has finished as runner-up in the 2025 European Championship, the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts, and this year’s Premier League final.
“The way I haven’t been playing hasn’t been the best, but the way I’ve bounced back and performed in that way is great,” Humphries noted. “I’ve got to do it again tomorrow because there’s so many major finals I’ve let slip.”
Gerwyn Price, the 2020 champion, advanced to his fourth World Grand Prix final and first since 2023 after defeating Nathan Aspinall 5-2 in the opening semi-final. Price admitted frustration with Aspinall’s demeanor on stage, particularly regarding the crowd’s support for the Welshman.
“Nathan was complaining about the crowd but they were on his side,” Price revealed. “I’m 3-0 up and I go back and say to Nathan ‘they’re on your side bud, come on. Stop performing on the board and just play darts’. I was a little bit upset with him.”
Price reflected on his own performance, describing himself as frustrated for 90 percent of the match. “I think it was a bit of a poor game, it was up and down. In patches, I’m playing well. When my game is there, I’m playing some of the best stuff in the world,” he said. “I’m here to win trophies and money, but I’m into another final, third one on the bounce – happy days!”
Sky Sports analyst Wayne Mardle predicted a compelling clash, suggesting Humphries enters with growing confidence while noting Price’s inconsistency since his opening round brilliance. “Who was the star of the opening round? It was Price… since then, he hasn’t reached those heights – it doesn’t mean that he can’t again,” Mardle said.
Mardle expressed hope that both players would “come out guns blazing” for what he termed a “brilliant final.” The World Grand Prix final between Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries airs live on Sky Sports Main Event from 8pm on Sunday.
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