Darts
2024 World Grand Prix Darts: Luke Humphries is a Better World Champion than Michael van Gerwen, says James Wade
James Wade argues Luke Humphries surpasses Michael van Gerwen as a world champion talent. With Humphries’ skill on the rise, he’s becoming a top pick in darts betting markets, offering exciting opportunities for bettors looking to back a potential champion.
Veteran darts star James Wade has waded into the ongoing discussion surrounding whether Luke Humphries is getting the recognition he deserves, an argument first sparked by Gary Anderson during the 2024 World Grand Prix.
James Wade Weighs In
Wade, fresh from a commanding 3-0 victory over Welsh powerhouse Gerwyn Price to secure his spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals, had one main topic on his mind post-match, current world number one, Luke Humphries.
Humphries has become the centre of a debate questioning whether the media and public are giving him the attention his talent warrants.
Humphries: A Generational Talent
Wade’s relationship with Humphries goes beyond the oche, having trained together as recently as this summer in Blackpool, ahead of the 2024 World Matchplay. This connection, Wade revealed, has given him a unique insight into just how special the 29-year-old is.
"I'm an old boy and I know I can push anyone like him. I know I can push him," Wade declared, underscoring his belief that he has played a role in Humphries’ development.
"It’s very rare that you come along the generational thing where someone’s this special, and he is that special."
Media Criticism and Comparisons to Luke Littler
Echoing Anderson’s earlier sentiments, Wade expressed frustration that Humphries is not receiving the praise and airtime he deserves.
Without mentioning names, Wade suggested that other players, likely alluding to teenage sensation Luke Littler, are being thrust into the spotlight more often than Humphries, despite not matching his skill level.
"I believe the press should be building him up more because he’s bloody good," Wade said bluntly, before going on to express disappointment at how the sport is missing an opportunity to promote one of its brightest talents.
"In any other sport in the world, we’d grab it, and we would be like, 'Look at this guy, he’s amazing.' But instead, we’re publicising other people that aren’t quite as amazing and it’s quite sad," Wade told SportsBoom.com.
Image credit: PDC
Humphries vs. van Gerwen
Wade didn’t stop there. He took the debate to another level, boldly claiming that Humphries might be the second-best world champion the sport has ever seen, second only to the legendary Phil Taylor and ahead of even Michael van Gerwen, the Dutchman widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.
"I’m not someone that cares about darts, but the world champions of the last 10 to 15 years, can you tell me any of them that have progressed and dominated and won tournaments like him?" Wade asked pointedly.
"I actually think he’s a better world champion than Michael [van Gerwen]. I think he’s probably doing better things than Michael, in a short space of time as well."
While acknowledging van Gerwen's undeniable skill, Wade emphasised that what Humphries is doing right now is something extraordinary. "Michael [van Gerwen] is different gravy, but what Luke’s [Humphries] doing at the moment is magical, and we are not grabbing it."
Wade’s comments are sure to fan the flames of the ongoing debate, especially as Humphries edges towards retaining the World Grand Prix title.
For now, as darts fans wait to see if Humphries can add more major titles to his name, one thing is clear: he’s caught the attention of one of the sport’s most seasoned players, and James Wade is making sure everyone else notices too.
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