World Grand Prix 2026: Luke Humphries wins title
Luke Humphries beat Gerwyn Price 6-4 to win the PDC World Grand Prix 2026 in Leicester, claiming £150,000 in prize money.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Luke Humphries defeated Gerwyn Price 6-4 in the World Grand Prix 2026 final
- The victory ended a 16-month wait for a PDC major trophy for Humphries
- Humphries took home £150,000 in prize money at the Leicester tournament
- Gerwyn Price suffered his fifth consecutive defeat in major finals
World number two Luke Humphries ended a 16-month wait for a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) major trophy by securing a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Gerwyn Price in the World Grand Prix 2026 final held in Leicester, England.
The 31-year-old was at the pinnacle of the sport two years ago, but his dominance was subsequently overshadowed by emerging talents like Luke Littler. Having failed to taste major success since claiming the Premier League title in May 2025 and missing out on ranking titles since winning the Masters in February of the previous year, Humphries demonstrated his true class and immense character at the unique 'double-in, double-out' tournament.
Making a record-breaking fourth consecutive World Grand Prix final appearance, Humphries faced an uphill battle after falling 3-0 behind against Price. The Welshman displayed ruthless form, firing a stunning 132 three-dart average in the opening set and leaving Humphries admitting he genuinely feared suffering a brutal 6-0 clean sweep.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth set. With Price waiting on tops to move within two sets of victory, Humphries pinched the leg by checking out a brilliant 105, describing it afterwards as feeling like the biggest shot of his career. From that moment, his performance levels surged, allowing him to claim four consecutive sets and take firm control of the match.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Although Price rallied in set eight by winning three successive legs to force a deciding set, Humphries found another gear following a short break. He clinched the ninth set in a deciding leg by finishing in 10 darts, sealing his ninth major PDC title and retaining his number two world ranking ahead of the Netherlands' Gian van Veen. Meanwhile, the defeat extends Price's four-year wait for a major PDC title, marking his fifth successive loss in major finals.
"The sport is in such a special place that when you pick these trophies up they mean a lot more. I worked incredibly hard, showed a lot of grit and determination. I think these are a lot sweeter than the ones you win with ease."
Luke Humphries
The World Grand Prix stands out as one of the most demanding tournaments on the PDC calendar due to its strict 'double-in, double-out' format, requiring players to both open and finish every leg with a double. This rule introduces immense pressure and volatility. Humphries' ability to overturn a 3-0 deficit against an in-form opponent like Price highlights not only exceptional technical skill but also the robust psychological resilience required to reclaim supremacy in an increasingly competitive era of professional darts.
Source: BBC Sport
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