Luke Humphries, the reigning world champion, recently faced criticism for expressing a desire to take a break from the demanding darts schedule, which he described as mentally draining and emotionally exhausting.
The World No. 1, who participated in his 11th tournament of the year at the International Darts Open in Germany, opened up about the intense calendar, describing it as a “chore” and revealing its negative impact on his mental well-being. Humphries, who has previously been candid about his struggles with anxiety, mentioned that the relentless schedule had left him feeling “emotionless.”
His comments sparked backlash on social media, with fans accusing the 30-year-old of being out of touch with the realities of life. In response, Humphries posted an emotional message addressing the criticism, vowing that it would make him hesitant to share his feelings publicly in the future.
Mark Webster, the 2008 Lakeside World Champion, defended Humphries, stating that the world No. 1 was simply expressing his emotions. “It’s easy to criticize when you’re at the top, but even the best players can experience moments when they don’t feel like playing,” Webster remarked. “It’s part of the game, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have low points.”
Webster, who empathizes with Humphries’ situation, added that the schedule in darts can be grueling, especially for players involved in the Premier League. He pointed out that while some players may take on additional work, it’s crucial for players to strike a balance and manage their time carefully to avoid burnout. He also mentioned that those not participating in the Premier League have more flexibility.
“It’s important to manage the schedule, especially for Premier League players who are constantly traveling between events. I think Luke just needs to focus on the Premier League for now and everything else will fall into place. He doesn’t need to worry too much.”
Webster concluded by stating that Humphries was being unfairly criticized for simply voicing his feelings, noting that even the top players can struggle from time to time. “Being No. 1 doesn’t mean you’re immune to tough times,” he said.
