Humphries falls short in European Championship final
Luke Humphries expressed a candid reaction after narrowly losing to Gian van Veen in the European Championship final, admitting he had hoped his opponent would “s**t himself” under pressure, reports BritPanorama.
The reigning world champion led the match 4–1 but ultimately succumbed to the rising Dutch star, who claimed victory with an 11–10 finish in a thrilling final held in Dortmund.
Van Veen, 24, showcased remarkable composure, surviving a match dart from Humphries in the deciding leg to secure the most significant win of his career, earning £120,000 and a place in the world’s top ten for the first time.
Despite the defeat, Humphries retained his position at the top of the world rankings and took home £60,000 in prize money. “I was hoping he was going to s**t himself in the end, but he didn’t,” he quipped post-match, adding, “The way Gian played in that second and third session was incredible.”
Humphries described the loss as tough to accept but acknowledged Van Veen’s skill and determination throughout the encounter. “This is a tough one to take for me. I’m devastated, but I’m accepting of defeat. It just wasn’t my night,” he reflected. Despite missing the European Championship title, Humphries remains focused, with only a few major trophies absent from his roster.
Van Veen’s victory capped a remarkable weekend following a semi-final where he battled through injury against Michael van Gerwen. He showed no signs of distress in the final, demonstrating precision when it mattered most.
The young Dutchman’s success represents a pivotal moment in his rising career, as he is already a former World Youth Championship winner and could further his accolades next month.
Both Humphries and Van Veen will next compete at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, where a significant prize fund of £650,000 awaits, including £150,000 for the winner. For Humphries, the quest to add another title to his collection continues amid a competitive landscape.
In a sport where fortunes can shift in a heartbeat, this match serves as a reminder of darts’ unpredictable nature — where even the most seasoned players can falter, and fresh talent emerges to seize the moment.
