For years, Luke Humphries has been the name on everyone’s lips in the world of darts. A steady hand, a mind sharp as a tack, and a heart even sharper, he was reigning champion, holding the prestigious world title. Crowds cheered his every throw, and sponsors lined up to attach their names to his success. But life, as it often does, had other plans for the 29-year-old.
It started with fatigue. A nagging tiredness that Luke couldn’t shake off, no matter how many hours of rest he tried to get between tournaments. He brushed it off at first. After all, life on the darts circuit was grueling. But when he started losing weight unexpectedly and found himself struggling to concentrate during matches, it became impossible to ignore.
At first, the doctors told him it was nothing more than stress or perhaps a minor illness. But when they sent him for more tests, Luke’s world came crashing down. He was diagnosed with stage three lymphoma—a cancer that had taken hold of his lymphatic system. His world of dartboards and applause was about to come to a screeching halt.
Luke’s family and team have been rallying around him, offering support, but the prognosis isn’t good. The doctors told him he’d need extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, and it would take at least two years before he could even consider returning to the professional stage.
The PDC has promised to give Luke Humphries all the support he’ll need and has asked fans to do same.
The news was devastating. For someone who had spent nearly his entire life perfecting his throws, working toward championships, and basking in the adoration of fans, this diagnosis felt like being told he could never play the game he loved again. He has begun his treatments and all Darts fans wish him the best.