Luke Humphries Admits “Littler Has a Higher Ceiling Than Me” as World No.1 Race Intensifies

World number one Luke Humphries kept his bid for a second Grand Slam of Darts title alive after edging past former world champion Michael Smith 16–18 to reach the semi-finals. 

Yet, while lifting the Eric Bristow trophy is usually the main talking point, this year’s spotlight is firmly fixed on the rapidly intensifying rivalry, and world number one race, between Humphries and teenage phenomenon Luke Littler.

“Higher Ceiling” Comment Raises Eyebrows

Humphries has always spoken highly of his young rival, but after his win over Smith, he said something to Wayne Mardle and Emma Paton that he never had before: he believes Littler has a “higher ceiling” than he does in the sport.

Typically used to describe someone’s long-term potential, the phrase suggested Humphries sees Littler as capable of achieving even more than him, an admission that could easily be viewed as somewhat pessimistic.

Humphries Explains His Post-Match Admission

With that in mind, we pressed Humphries backstage on why he felt this way and whether he could expand on the remark.

"I think you just say things in the moment, but I think his ceiling is a lot more consistent than mine,” Humphries told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

"I can perform at these levels, but I don't maybe do it as often as he does."

"Maybe that's just a credit to him. He's got such a great throw, and he just does it time after time.”

Statistics Paint the Picture

Humphries insisted he wasn’t trying to downplay himself, only acknowledging the numbers. Littler has been hitting the bigger averages more regularly, he said, though Humphries feels he’s now rediscovering that level too.

"I know you're kind of saying you shouldn't really be negative. I'm not, I'm not. I think he just does it a lot more, like these big 100 plus averages.”

"But now I'm starting to feel a little bit comfortable. I can perform at that level as well.”

“We’re close to each other, but at the moment he’s got the edge. It’s up to me to get better and try and keep on his tail.”

A Complicated Dilemma in the Number One Race

Humphries has repeatedly spoken about how much he enjoys facing Littler and how the rivalry tends to bring out his best darts. But this weekend presents a unique dilemma. 

Usually he’d be urging Littler on, hoping for another blockbuster final. This time, though, the world number one race complicates matters.

Because Humphries is defending his 2023 prize money, even if he beats Littler in the Grand Slam final and wins the title again, he would still lose his world number one ranking. To stay on top, he needs Littler to fall before the final.

"Of course I'd love to meet in the final. I know that wouldn't go my way being one number one. But I love playing him. I get on really well with him and it's always a good prospect playing him in a good final. I really get up for it, and he does as well.”

So does he quietly hope for Littler to slip up?

"I don't really know how I feel. I always want him to win and I want to play him in the final. I’ll just let fate take control.”

Why World Number One Isn’t Everything

Humphries stressed that world number one isn’t everything. With the PDC World Championship winner now set to earn a staggering £1 million and inevitably take the top ranking, he knows January will determine the true number one regardless of what happens in Wolverhampton.

"For me I'm not really thinking about world number one anymore because the worlds [championships] are going to be the one. If I'm stood here, the Grand Slam champion but not world number one, I'm sure I'll be happier.”

"I'm not here to just be world number one."

"If I can win then I put myself in a good state going into the worlds and if I can win that then I'll win it back [world number one] anyway."

"For myself, I have to win the worlds to be world number one. If I don't win the worlds then I won't be anyway. So, this is all just a little bit of a free run for me."