Luke Humphries feels overwhelmed by excessive darts schedule
- Luke Humphries has played 11 tournaments this year and expressed feeling emotionless from the packed schedule.
- He and other players, including Gerwyn Price, have criticized the demanding tournament calendar.
- Littler supports Humphries and suggests focusing on balancing their commitments to improve mental well-being.
In Germany, Luke Humphries experienced emotional distress during his participation in the International Darts Open, marking his 11th tournament of the year. He openly admitted that the intense competition has resulted in him feeling 'emotionless' and viewing the sport as a 'chore'. This admission comes against a backdrop of a packed schedule that many players have found challenging, impacting their mental well-being. Both Humphries and fellow player Gerwyn Price have voiced similar concerns regarding the demands of frequent tournaments, suggesting the need for a break to maintain mental health. Luke Littler, the current world champion, showed support for Humphries by acknowledging the difficulties posed by the busy schedule. He referred to comments made by Gerwyn Price and indicated that the travel demands, including trains and flights, exacerbate the situation for players. Littler emphasized the importance of players balancing their commitments and suggested focusing efforts on events like the Premier League to mitigate the stress of constant competition. Humphries' comments did not go unnoticed, provoking backlash from fans who perceived his feelings as a disconnection from reality. In response to the criticism, he expressed frustration and suggested he would refrain from sharing his emotions publicly in the future, indicating a desire to avoid further backlash. The emotional toll of the competitive darts scene has led players to reflect on their mental health, highlighting the sport's intense demands in the 2025 calendar year. As they prepare for upcoming matches in the Premier League, both Littler and Humphries contend with the pressures of performance and the need for personal well-being. The challenge remains how to navigate a demanding schedule while upholding the integrity and passion for the sport they love. Their experiences underscore a critical dialogue within the darts community about mental health and the sustainability of professional sports commitments.