World number one Luke Humphries says being made an MBE shows how far he has helped to take darts.
Humphries has been given the accolade in the King’s Birthday Honours along with great rival Luke Littler for their achievements over the last 18 months.
The 30-year-old has won eight major titles, including the 2024 World Championship, and set a standard that only Littler has been able to match.
The 18-year-old is primarily responsible for opening up the sport to a new audience, but Humphries has stood alongside him.
“It’s something that me and Luke have really done together,” he told the PA news agency.
“I know he’s done it on a much bigger scale, and from a younger generational part of it, but I think him having someone that can compete with him, compete against him and push him all the way, it’s made it really exciting for the sport.
“I think that’s grown so many new fans. Everyone’s talking about darts now, and I think that we’re two of the pioneering parts of that.
“We’ve changed the face of darts over the last couple of years. It’s starting to become a younger man’s game. It’s nice to be at the forefront of that.”
Less than two years ago, Humphries’ future was in doubt after he suffered anxiety attacks, but he went on a winning spree that has turned his life around and will lead to a visit to the royal family.
“I feel really good about it, it’s obviously something that was very unexpected,” he added.
“When I got the letter, I kind of couldn’t believe when I opened it and it’s a very proud moment.
“My mum and dad are obviously incredibly proud as well. Their son’s obviously getting an MBE, which is quite a feat, to be honest.
“It usually happens later on in people’s careers, but it’s happened in mine pretty early.
“I feel pretty blessed, to be honest, I’m fortunate enough to get one.
“My girlfriend and my son will be very, very proud, especially my son. When he grows up and understands what it means, I’m sure he’d be very, very proud.”
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Humphries was congratulated on his honour by Littler, who earlier this year became the youngest ever world champion at the age of 17 years and 347 days.
“He’s a fantastic ambassador for darts and, although he’s a rival, I can’t wait to partner him in the World Cup this weekend,” Littler said on the PDC website.
On being made an MBE himself, Littler added: “This is an amazing and unexpected honour, but one which I am very grateful for.
“To receive a recognition like this is something I had never thought would be possible and it is a proud moment.
“It’s unbelievable what I’ve done for my sport. I’m happy, my family is happy and I can’t wait to receive it.”
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