When you think of top darts players, fitness and weight loss may not be the first things that come to mind. But for Luke Humphries, dropping over four stone wasn’t just about looking better. It was about feeling better, playing better, and rising to the top of his game. From world No. 58 in 2018 to world No. 1 today, his transformation is nothing short of inspiring.
Let’s take a closer look at how Luke’s journey to a healthier lifestyle made him one of the biggest names in darts.
What Made Luke Humphries Decide to Lose Weight?
At 29, Luke had already experienced the emotional weight of anxiety on the oche. In a candid interview, he admitted he once feared he might have a heart attack during a match in 2019. That moment stayed with him. It wasn’t just nerves — it was a sign that something needed to change.
“I was getting to the point in tournaments where I was tiring after five or six hours,” he told The Times. “I knew I had to go until seven at night if I wanted to win. And I was completely drained.”
That constant fatigue pushed him to look into his diet and physical condition. He started reading about protein, carbs, fiber, and how to eat for energy and performance. The turning point wasn’t a crash diet or a personal trainer. It was education, motivation, and dedication.
How Did Luke Lose Over Four Stone?
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Luke got serious. He didn’t hire a big-name coach or go on a crash course. Instead, he focused on eating better and keeping active.
He used a simple exercise bike for just 30 minutes a day. But more importantly, he completely changed his eating habits. Gone were the late-night takeaways after long games. Instead, Luke started cooking meals using lean ingredients. “If I’m eating a burger now, it’s one I’ve made with mince that contains 5 percent fat,” he shared.
That balance helped him stay consistent. He didn’t try to be perfect. If he had a treat now and then, he didn’t beat himself up over it. “It’s not about being on a diet,” Luke explained. “It’s about changing your lifestyle. That’s the key.”
Did Losing Weight Help His Darts Game?
Absolutely. Some players worry about losing their rhythm or power after a big weight drop. But Luke proved that smart changes, done steadily, can actually make you better.
“When you’re losing four pounds a week while still practicing, your body adjusts slowly,” he told The Daily Star. “If I’d lost all the weight and didn’t throw a dart during that time, it could’ve gone differently.”
But Luke didn’t just keep practicing — he thrived. With more energy, less fatigue, and a stronger mindset, he found himself reaching the later stages of tournaments more regularly. “The European Tour finals are the longest days you can imagine,” he said. “Now I do them at a canter. I could probably go three more games after the final.”
His physical progress translated into real success. In January, Luke lifted the Darts World Championship trophy. That was the crown jewel after a year of winning big at the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the Players Championship Finals.
What Role Did Confidence and Mental Health Play?
This wasn’t just a physical transformation — it was emotional too. Luke has been open about his struggles with anxiety, even considering quitting the sport entirely at one point.
Losing weight didn’t cure everything, but it gave him confidence. He started feeling more in control, both on and off the oche. “It made me feel like a new person,” he told The Times. “I don’t think I’d be in this position if I hadn’t lost the weight.”
When you’re on stage in front of thousands, confidence matters. And for Luke, being healthy gave him the self-belief he needed to shine.
Can Other Players Learn From Luke’s Journey?
Definitely. Luke’s story is a powerful reminder that darts isn’t just about skill. It’s about stamina, discipline, and mindset. He didn’t just slim down to look better — he wanted to compete better.
His approach was honest and realistic. He didn’t chase perfection. He focused on progress. Small steps, healthy habits, and sticking to what worked.
Not every darts player needs to lose weight to win. But Luke’s story shows that when you take care of your body, the benefits go far beyond the scale.
Is Luke Humphries the Future of Darts?
Right now, Luke is the man to beat. He’s heading into a semi-final against Scott Williams, fresh off victories at the majors and riding high on confidence.
Van Gerwen’s exit from the tournament has opened the door for Humphries to add another title to his name. But win or lose, Luke has already proven something much bigger: when you take care of yourself, success follows.
He’s not just the best player in the world — he’s also a role model for how to stay strong, focused, and healthy in a high-pressure sport.
