Nando's Fuels Darts Champ Humphries While He Dreams of McLaren Splurge

By Lewis Barnett 2 May, 2025 4 mins read 48 Views

God. There's something about watching a grown man destroy his opponents while fueled by nothing more exotic than medium-spiced chicken that makes me laugh. And that's exactly what Luke Humphries has been doing - dominating the Premier League darts circuit with six nightly finals already, all apparently powered by his religious pre-match Nando's ritual.

I caught his quarter-final against Price last Thursday in Birmingham. Devastating loss for Humphries despite a ridiculous 107 average. My mate Dave texted me during it: "Price is in his head rent-free." Couldn't argue with that assessment.

Listen Now

Chicken vs. Kebab: The Real Darts Rivalry

The World No.1 isn't shy about his Peri-Peri addiction. "Usually, it's chicken butterfly with rice and chips, Peri Tamer," he revealed in a recent chat with Red Dragon. "Sometimes it can be medium heated, four chicken thighs, mash and broccoli."

Let's be honest - this culinary confession creates a delicious subplot in his rivalry with 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler, who famously demolishes kebabs between demolishing opponents. The battle of pre-match meals! Nando's loyalty card vs. the greasy goodness of döner meat.

Humphries sits nine points behind Littler in teh Premier League table. Not ideal.

Fast Cars & Hairy Chests

Off the oche, 'Cool Hand' Luke has expensive taste that goes well beyond Portuguese chicken chains. The 30-year-old Cheshire thrower is eyeing up some serious automotive bling.

"There's a few cars I like and want to get next year," he admitted. "I like the McLaren 540C, Ferrari California and the Aston Martin Vantage as well. Hopefully, one of them is my next car."

That McLaren would set him back around £130k. Not exactly pocket change, but when you're collecting tournament checks like grocery receipts...

Wait... What's This About Chest Hair?

Strangest revelation from Humphries? His apparent bet with Michael van Gerwen about body grooming. Seriously.

"Apparently, we made a bet that I was going to have to shave it off if I won the World Championships," he explained with what I imagine was a mixture of pride and embarrassment.

"It's the maintaining, I can't be bothered with that. He thinks he is like God because he shaves his chest hair."

I spent three hours at a darts event last month and overheard two fans debating the aerodynamic advantages of a smooth chest while throwing. This sport never ceases to amaze me.

The Mental Game: Price Gets Under His Skin

When asked about the toughest opponents mentally, Humphries didn't hesitate.

"James Wade and Gerwyn Price, they are tough people to play against because they are sort of in your face a little bit," he confessed.

"Gerwyn is hard because when he celebrates, you just want to do something to celebrate back. He drags you into that a little bit. But he is not off-putting, just hard to play against."

I watched Price's celebrations up close during the Birmingham night. Absolute psychological warfare. His reaction after hitting that 170 checkout against Humphries? Pure theater.

What's Next for the Chicken Connoisseur?

Humphries returns to action tomorrow at the European Grand Prix in Sindelfingen, Germany. I'm betting my last tenner he's already located the nearest Nando's to his hotel.

Seven major titles already. And he's only 30.

Wonder if the McLaren dealership delivers to Sindelfingen...

Frequently Asked Questions

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's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?

Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.

How far should I stand from the dartboard?

The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) measured from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). In American darts, this distance is sometimes 8 feet, so check local rules if you're playing in the States.

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.

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.

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

Statistics

The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).

External Links

How To

Taking Your Game Public

Playing at home is one thing; throwing in a crowded, noisy bar is another beast entirely. My first league night was a disaster—I couldn't focus with people walking behind me and the pressure of teammates watching. Now I wear headphones with low music between throws and have a specific pre-throw routine to center myself.