Luke Humphries is an English professional darts player who has risen to the top of the sport remarkably. He is the current World No. 1 and World Champion, as well as the reigning World Grand Prix champion, Grand Slam of Darts champion, and Players Championship Finals champion. He also won the 2019 PDC World Youth Championship.

But Humphries’ journey to success was not easy. He had to overcome many challenges, including his weight, mental health, and self-confidence issues. In this article, we will explore how Humphries managed to lose weight and transform his body, his career, and his life.

The weight loss journey

Humphries started playing darts at the age of 15 and soon showed his talent and potential. He joined the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in 2011 and competed in various events and tours. He won five PDC Development Tour titles in 2017, finishing top of the Development Tour Order of Merit. This earned him a place in the 2018 PDC World Darts Championship, where he made his debut and lost to Jeff Smith in the first round. He also received a PDC Tour Card for the 2018 and 2019 seasons, which allowed him to participate in more tournaments and gain more experience.

However, Humphries was not happy with his physical appearance and health. He was overweight, weighing around 18 stone (114 kg), and felt sluggish and tired. He also suffered from anxiety and depression, which affected his performance and motivation. He decided to make a change and adopt a healthier lifestyle and diet.

He started to exercise regularly, using an exercise bike for about half an hour a day. He also ate more clean and nutritious food, avoiding junk food and alcohol. He gradually lost weight, shedding over four stone (25 kg) in three years. He felt better in himself, more energetic and confident. He also noticed an improvement in his throw and stamina, which helped him in longer and tougher matches.

Humphries credits his weight loss for his rise to the top of the world rankings and his remarkable achievements in the past two years. He believes that being fitter and healthier helps him cope with the pressure and demands of the sport, as well as his mental health issues. He says that losing weight is a key part of where he is now, as he would not be able to perform as well as the unfit and unhealthy version of him.

The career breakthrough and success

Humphries had a fantastic run at the 2019 World Championship, where he beat Adam Hunt, Stephen Bunting, Dimitri Van den Bergh, and defending champion Rob Cross, before eventually losing 1–5 to Michael Smith in the quarter-finals. He also won the 2019 PDC World Youth Championship, where he beat Adam Gawlas 6–0. He was selected as one of the ‘contenders’ to replace Gary Anderson in the 2019 Premier League, where he played a one-off match against Gerwyn Price on night four in Exeter.

In 2020, Humphries once again reached the quarter-finals of the World Championship, before losing 3–5 to eventual champion Peter Wright. He was also selected for the Premier League again, this time as a ‘challenger’. He won his first senior PDC title at the Players Championship 2 in Barnsley, beating Adrian Lewis 8–3 in the final. He also reached the final of the UK Open, where he lost 5–11 to Michael van Gerwen.

In 2021, Humphries had his best year ever, winning four European Tour events, the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the Players Championship Finals. He also reached the semi-finals of the World Series Finals and the quarter-finals of the European Championship. He became the World No. 1 for the first time in his career, overtaking Gerwyn Price.

In 2022, Humphries achieved his ultimate dream, becoming the PDC World Champion. He beat Scott Williams 7–4 in the semi-finals, and then defeated Michael van Gerwen 7–5 in a thrilling final. He became the first player to win both the World Youth Championship and the World Championship, and the youngest player to win the latter at the age of 26.

Humphries is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, and one of the most popular and charismatic ones. He has a loyal fan base, who admire his skill, passion, and personality. He is known for his nickname “Cool Hand Luke”, which he got from the 1967 film of the same name, and his walk-on music “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE. He is also known for his signature celebration, where he points his index finger to his temple, indicating his mental strength and focus.

The personal life, spouse, and kids

Humphries is in a relationship with Kayley Jones, who is also a darts player. They met at a local darts league in 2018 and have been together ever since. They live in Crewe, Cheshire, with their two children, Grace and Rowan Ellis. Humphries is a devoted father and partner, who loves spending time with his family. He also enjoys playing video games, watching football, and supporting his favourite team, Leeds United.

Humphries is open about his mental health struggles, and has spoken publicly about his anxiety and depression. He has received support from his family, friends, fans, and fellow players, as well as professional help. He says that darts has been a therapy for him, and that he wants to inspire others who are going through similar issues. He is an ambassador for the charity Mind, which provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Humphries is also a man of faith, who believes in God and follows Christianity. He says that his faith has helped him cope with the challenges and pressures of his life and career. He often prays before and after his matches, and wears a cross necklace as a symbol of his belief.

FAQ

How old is Luke Humphries?

Luke Humphries is 28 years old. He was born on February 11, 1995, in Newbury, Berkshire, England.

What is Luke Humphries’ net worth?

Luke Humphries has an estimated net worth of around $1.5 million. Most of his income comes from his career as a professional darts player, where he has earned over $2 million in prize money.

What is Luke Humphries’ religion?

Luke Humphries is a Christian. He believes in God and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. He says that his faith has been a source of strength and guidance for him.