Luke Humphries can not quite believe that victory in the Paddy Power World Darts Championship happened “so early on in [his] career.

Humphries defeated 16-year old Luke Littler in an excellent game on Wednesday night at Alexandra Palace to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for the first time in his career. Not only that, the 28 year old from Newbury became the new world number one during the tournament.

“It’s one of those things that I think is going to take a very long time to sink in,” said Humphries, as he sat down with Online Darts to discuss his amazing run which saw him claim the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam, Players Championship Finals and the Paddy Power World Darts Championship in the space of 87 days.

“There’s some incredible names [on the trophy], and to add my name on there now is something that you don’t ever believe or know that’s going to come true.

“You can be such a good darts player, but there’s no guarantee you’ll ever be World Champion. So for me to do that in my first instance of being in a world final, that’s always going to live me. I’ll always be a World Champion.”

Humphries looks back on incredible year

Cool Hand Luke struggled to put into words just how amazing his 2023, and in particular the last three months had been.

“I can’t believe what I’ve achieved in such a short space of time. When I won my first major at the Grand Prix, if that’s how the season would have ended, I’d have looked at it as a success.

“Then going and picking up the Grand Slam as well, that was even more of a dream, then another one with the Players Championships.

“To go and win the Worlds as well and be world number one, it’s unprecedented. I never would have imagined this would have happened so early on in my career, but I’m so very proud that it has.”

His tournament at Alexandra Palace was not without scares, breaking a point before his first game, before coming through two gruelling ties against Ricardo Pietreczko and Joe Cullen in the third and fourth round respectively.

“I worked so hard in the game against Ricardo, even though I wasn’t at my best there,” said Humphries. “Against Joe, I thought I played well, but he was the better player for the best part of the start, but I came back again and showed that so many times.

“I’m never down and out, I’ve always got that fight and attitude to never give up and it allows you to go on and win major titles.”

Humphries silences doubters after World Darts Championship victory

Before the tournament, other players and darts fans suggested that Cool Hand would not be ready to win a Paddy Power World Darts Championship, but Humphries dismissed those doubts empathically during his run to the title.

“They know I’m ready now,” added the World Champion. “I’m not going to get arrogant about it, but sometimes it’s played into the mind games.

“They know all about those sorts of things, they try and play and down your chances. They want you to believe that they don’t believe you can win, and I know they knew I could win.

“I sent out a massive statement to the people that don’t believe in me, particularly the people at home. I always get those doubts, and I’ll always have them, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore. I’ve achieved everything I’ve ever wanted.”

You can watch our full interview with the new World Champion Luke Humphries with Phill Barrs below: