LUKE HUMPHRIES is absolutely gobsmacked. Why? Because “silly money” has come knocking on his door ever since he claimed the title of World Champion. So, what do you do with a windfall that makes you question reality? You head to the Dutch Darts Masters, of course! After all, what’s a dart player without some drama onstage?
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Credit: AP
Humphries, also known as “Cool Hand,” is 29 years old and has an enlightening confession to share on the Jaackmate Happy Hour podcast. Spoiler: it involves being rich beyond his wildest dart-playing dreams. While Luke Littler may have snatched the world title from him, Humphries wasn’t left rummaging through the couch cushions—he’s pocketed a cool £1.8 million in prize money over just two years.
Remember his first big cheque? “Really nice!” he exclaimed. “You see the number—£50,000—and your mind does a beautiful somersault. It’s like seeing your bank account gain muscle overnight! But wait—don’t forget Uncle Sam and ‘management’ get a slice of that pie.” In the end, you’re tantalizingly left with about 65% of it—70% if the universe is feeling generous that day.
But with great winnings comes great responsibilities (and more sponsors). Taking a stroll down memory lane, Humphries reminisced about getting an extra £5,000 or £10,000 simply for showing up with a corporate logo on his shirt. “That’s already your salary without winning anything, which really smooths out your financial worries,” he added. Today? Forget it—it’s “ridiculous, silly money.” No more just counting the potatoes; he’s living the spud life with a side of gold.
Even after losing to Peter Wright for a chance to keep hold of his world title, Humphries pops back onto the scene, only to be knocked into the semi-finals by winner Stephen Bunting at the Bahrain Masters. Talk about a rollercoaster of victories and defeats that makes a good soap opera look like a rom-com!
All jokes aside, it’s clear that Humphries is riding high on an impressive career—winning titles like the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam, Players Championship, World Cup, and World Matchplay within just 16 months. Who knew throwing sharp objects at a board could be so lucrative? So here’s to darts—in a world where one can earn “silly money” and still find time for a podcast rant about it.
