Luke Humphries made history in Prague on Sunday, claiming his third Gambrinus Czech Darts Open title with an 8-5 victory over Josh Rock. The world number one lifted his eighth European Tour crown in front of a sell-out crowd at the PVA Expo, completing a memorable hat-trick in the Czech capital.
Rock punished a slow start from Humphries to move into a 3-1 lead, and even responded to a strong spell from the World Champion with a superb 153 checkout in leg eight to level at 4-4. Humphries, however, turned the match in his favour, punishing three missed darts from Rock to make it 7-5, before sealing the win on double 10.
“I feel a little bit emotional to be honest,” admitted Humphries, who had also lifted the Czech Darts Open title in 2022 and 2024. “In every game I’ve played this weekend I felt the love from the crowd. You don’t win three events at the same venue for no reason – this tournament is really special to me.”
After a below-par display against Dirk van Duijvenbode on Saturday, Humphries raised his level significantly on Finals Day. He opened Sunday’s action with a 6-3 victory over Martin Schindler, averaged 103 in overturning a 5-3 deficit against Wessel Nijman – surviving two match darts in the process – and then powered past James Wade 7-1 in the semi-finals. It marked his first stage title since winning the US Darts Masters in June.
“Since winning the Premier League it’s been tough for me. I’ve been struggling, but it felt amazing being up here tonight,” continued the 2023/24 World Champion. “Now I feel dangerous again. This is the part of the year when you need to be at your best. I know that if I want to remain world number one I have to put the effort in and work hard. I want to be World Champion again – and it all starts from now.”
Rock reaches second straight European Tour final
Josh Rock contested his second consecutive European Tour final in Prague, overcoming a trio of Dutch opponents on Finals Day. The World Cup Champion began by defeating Michael van Gerwen 6-4 with a 103 average, then produced a sensational 110 average in a 6-1 quarter-final demolition of Jermaine Wattimena, before booking his place in the final with a 7-3 win against Gian van Veen.
“Luke and I didn’t play to our full potential there,” admitted Rock after the final. “I never had a good record here in Prague, but now I’ve improved on that. It’s not every day you reach back-to-back European Tour finals, so I’m pleased with how the last two weekends have gone. I’ll win another title soon. I feel like I’m becoming a proper darts player now, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Other highlights from Prague
- Gian van Veen produced a breakout run in Prague, ending World Champion Luke Littler’s 19-match winning streak on the big stage with a 6-4 victory, before whitewashing Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals despite the Welshman averaging 104. His run eventually came to an end against Rock in the semi-finals.
- James Wade maintained his superb 2025 form, reaching a third successive European Tour semi-final. The world number five defeated Nathan Aspinall, Ross Smith and Stephen Bunting to secure his spot in the final four.
What’s next
After a thrilling weekend in Prague, the European Tour 2025 continues later this month with the Hungarian Darts Trophy (ET12) in Budapest from September 19-21, where Michael van Gerwen will be looking to defend his title.
