PDC World Masters 2025: Luke Humphries Thrives on Friend Rivalries, Dismissing 'Soft' Darts Talk

World number one Luke Humphries kept his momentum going at the 2025 PDC World Masters, brushing aside young Northern Irish sensation Josh Rock, 4-0, to secure his place in tomorrow’s finals day.

Gone are the days of intense rivalries between players like Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld. Today, there seems to be a strong sense of mutual respect among the sport's best players, including Humphries and current world champion Luke Littler.

At this year's World Championships, there was talk that players now show each other too much respect on stage—something that wouldn't happen in other sports. 

Beating Friends and Rivals Alike

We asked Humphries about these comments, with some suggesting the sport had become ‘soft’. The world number one quickly dismissed any link between his friendships and his competitive mindset. His focus is firmly on winning.

“Honestly, Ryan [Searle] and Stephen [Bunting] are two of my best friends away from the stage, but if I’m on the stage I couldn’t care less. I want to beat them,” Humphries told SportsBoom.com. 

If all goes as planned tomorrow, Humphries could face his two best friends, Bunting in the semis, followed by a potential final clash with Searle. However, this will only serve to fuel his determination to lift the title.

“I don’t feel the difference, it’s dog eat dog on that stage.”

“I want to be the best, and I want to beat the best. I want to be world number one, and world champion again.”

“When you’re on that stage, there is no friends. That’s the difference.”

Childhood Rivalries

Humphries then reflected on his childhood and how early rivalries shaped his character. He suggested that losing to friends can often sting more than losing to others. We asked if he experiences a fiercer rivalry with his friends on the oche.

“Subconsciously you always want to get one over your mates. I’ve never really thought about it too much, but maybe subconsciously you could be right.”

Humphries will now turn his attention to the quarterfinals, where he will face Australia's Damon Heta in tomorrow’s afternoon session.