Luke Humphries has expressed concern that his high-profile rivalry with Luke Littler is losing its edge due to the sheer volume of their encounters. The two players have faced off 27 times in just two years, with Humphries noting that the frequency, especially in the Premier League Darts, risks diluting the excitement of their matchups. He stated, "I think it has been watered down a little bit. I think we have played each other 27 times in two years, which is a lot. It is a lot."
Their latest meeting came in the quarterfinals on Night 2 of the Premier League Darts 2026 in Antwerp, where Littler edged a thriller 6-5 after Humphries missed three match darts. This marked their 28th clash in barely two years, underscoring their dominance but also raising questions about the exclusivity of their rivalry. Humphries highlighted that most meetings occur in later rounds because they are among the best players, but the Premier League format contributes to the dilution. He added, "When we play in the Premier League, people don't really care as much."
Humphries emphasized the difference in context between major finals and league nights, explaining that events like the World Matchplay or World Championship carry more weight. "But when we play in a major final like the Matchplay, then it is more exciting because they are big tournaments. It is not just for a league or a nightly win," he said. He also drew parallels to other sports, citing tennis stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as examples of top athletes facing each other frequently due to crowded calendars. Humphries attributed this trend to the sport's growth, with more tournaments like the ProTour, Europeans, Premier League, and majors leading to increased prize money and exposure but making top matchups less rare.
Despite the rivalry concerns, Humphries is performing well statistically in the Premier League Darts, boasting an average of 101.31, the highest in the field. However, he currently sits sixth in the table, highlighting the fine margins at the elite level. Looking ahead, Humphries is set to face Josh Rock on Night 3 in Glasgow, with Rock yet to score any points after two nights.
