God. There's something deeply unsettling about watching someone at the absolute peak of their powers admit they're completely hollow inside.
I was actually watching Humphries demolish poor Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-1 on Saturday night (impressive scoreline, brutal execution), but the post-match interview left me genuinely concerned. This wasn't your typical "I'm a bit tired" athlete complaint. This was a cry for help from darts' reigning king.
When Success Feels Like Nothing At All
Humphries didn't mince words after the match. "When I'm up on stage, I am just feeling emotionless," he confessed with an honesty that caught everyone off guard. "It's weird and it's me being honest to all the fans. I feel like my emotions are just all over the place."
I've interviewed enough athletes over the years to recognize when someone's barely holding it together. The guy who should be celebrating his dominance instead described competing as "a chore." Ouch.
"It's not that I don't want to be here — it just seems a chore for me at the moment. It's just too much darts. I'm playing too much."
Then came the hammer blow.
"I think I need a break. I'm emotionless and it is not good for my mental state."
The Brutal Grind Nobody Sees
Back in 2018, I spent 3 days shadowing a top darts player (not Humphries) for a feature piece. Let me tell you - the schedule these guys maintain is absolutely brutal. My editor bet me $20 I couldn't handle teh pace for even 48 hours. He was right. I was exhausted just watching.
Constant travel. Hotel rooms that all look the same. The pressure to perform night after night. The mental toll is enormous, and we rarely see it until someone breaks.
Humphries is currently second in the Premier League table behind wonderkid Luke Littler. He's scheduled for Players Championship events in Leicester Tuesday and Wednesday, then Manchester on Thursday. That's after flying to Germany for this tournament. No wonder he's struggling.
Did Anyone Notice His Eyes?
What struck me watching the interview footage was how vacant Humphries' eyes looked. This is a seven-time major winner who admitted he had to "dig deep" against Van Duijvenbode.
"I felt Dirk was nervous and he gave the game away for me to get the win," Humphries said. "He gave me the confidence to push on and get the victory."
Translation: I won because my opponent played worse than I did, not because I played well.
That's alarming from a champion.
A Desperate Search for Motivation
You know things are rough when changing your walk-on music is your attempt at finding joy again. "The new walk-on song has given me a new lease of life," Humphries claimed, though he immediately contradicted himself: "But sometimes when I walk on stage and throw my darts, it does get tough for me."
Listen. I've seen athletes try everything to recapture their spark when burnout hits. New routines, new equipment, new coaches. Sometimes it works. Often it doesn't. The underlying issues remain.
Poor Luke. The guy needs actual time away, not a different song.
What Happens Next?
The schedule marches on relentlessly. Humphries faces Ross Smith next in the third round. Win that, and it's either Damon Heta or Wessel Nijman in the quarters.
I feel stupid now for not noticing the signs earlier. Watching his recent performances, there was something... missing. The fire, the intensity that made "Cool Hand" such a force seemed dimmed. Now we know why.
The question nobody's asking: Will the PDC actually let their golden goose take the break he clearly needs? The commercial pressures are enormous. My colleague texted me after the interview: "They'll have him on stage if they have to prop him up with sticks."
Harsh but... probably accurate.
This is a developing story, and I'll be watching closely. Because right now, darts' world number one is telling us he's breaking down in plain sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?
The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.
How often should I replace my dartboard?
A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.
What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?
Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.
I keep hitting 5s and 1s when aiming for 20s. How do I fix this?
This is probably the most common frustration in darts—those dreaded 5s and 1s when you're aiming for the 20 segment! The good news is that this specific problem usually stems from a few identifiable issues.
My darts keep bouncing out of the board. What am I doing wrong?
Bounce-outs are incredibly frustrating, but they're usually caused by one of a few common issues. First, check your dartboard—if it's old and dried out, even the best throws will struggle to stick. Quality sisal boards should last years, but cheaper paper-wound boards harden quickly. If you can press your thumbnail into the board and it doesn't leave a small indent, it's too hard.
Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?
Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.
Statistics
- In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
- The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
- Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
- The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
- A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
- The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
- The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
- Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
External Links
How To
Aiming Systems & Practice Routines
When I first started, I would just aim at whatever number I needed. But after watching some YouTube tutorials in 2018, I learned about the "clock" system. Imagine the board as a clock face. If you're aiming for the 20, but hit the 5, you're throwing too far to the right (clockwise). Adjust accordingly.
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