Luke Humphries Claims Broadcaster Plays on His Emotions: “Sky Know It Gets the Views”

World number one Luke Humphries continued his remarkable consistency on Friday night, booking his place in a third consecutive semi-final at the 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix with a 3-1 win over Scotland’s Cameron Menzies.

While the reigning world champion wasn’t at his scintillating best, he still showed the composure and control that have made him the man to beat on the PDC circuit. 

Frustration Claims Spark Reaction

Despite the victory, however, Humphries’ visible frustration on stage once again became a talking point, and the Englishman was quick to set the record straight after his match.

As Sky Sports cameras frequently panned to his reactions between throws, many viewers might have assumed Humphries was battling with annoyance at his own performance. 

But when asked post-match whether he had been frustrated, the world number one bristled at the suggestion and launched into an impassioned defence of his on-stage persona, as well as a pointed criticism of the broadcaster’s coverage.

“No, definitely not. I was not frustrated at all. I think the doubling in was a little bit annoying. In a couple of moments, it was frustrating,” Humphries said.

“I think it gets highlighted because everyone looks at me being the most frustrated player, then I get Sky Sports always putting my face on the camera because they know that I'm the most frustrated player.”

“I’m not the only one who shows emotion”

The 29-year-old believes television producers deliberately focus on his reactions more than other players, creating a perception that he is constantly battling with his emotions on stage.

“I'm not the only frustrated player in the world of darts. There's so many players out there that show their emotion. It kind of feels like they only show my emotion. They don't realise that everyone feels emotion.”

Humphries, who has developed a reputation for his perfectionism and high standards, says his visible reactions come from his sheer drive to succeed, not from anger or self-pity. 

Although, he feels broadcasters often capitalise on these moments of intensity to make him appear moody or volatile.

“I strive for so much. I try my best. I don't ask for the cameras to be on my face every time I've hit a bad shot. They do it on purpose because they want to see me berating myself.

“They want everyone to be like, oh, look at him, he's moody again.”

Composed Under Scrutiny 

Despite the criticism, Humphries insists that the added scrutiny has never impacted his performances or his winning mentality. The evidence, as he points out, is clear in his ever-growing trophy collection.

“But how many majors have I won? It's never affected me. It's not stopped me from winning. It's just I'm there trying to gee myself up. ‘Come on, that's not good enough. You need to be better.’ And it is never affected me in my performances.”

Humphries believes Sky Sports knows that showing his emotional reactions generates engagement and discussion, but he remains focused on the only thing that truly matters, performing to his best every time he steps on stage.

“I don't ask Sky Sports to show my face on the camera every time I have a bad shot, but they do because they know it gets the views.” 

“I try to stop it, but I'm there to dedicate my whole life on the stage to make sure I'm as good as I can be. So yeah, I felt like I was pretty decent for most of the game, to be honest.”

For Humphries, the attention, and the occasional controversy that follows, are simply part of life at the top of world darts. 

What remains undeniable is that “Cool Hand Luke” continues to deliver on the oche, reaching yet another major semi-final and showing why he’s the sport’s undisputed number one.