Gerwyn Price makes stance clear after Luke Humphries 'emotionless' comments sparked backlash

Welsh whiz has shown solidarity with after the latter due to a busier schedule. Price, 40, confided he was "so happy" to be going home after being knocked out in the last 16 of the 2025 International Darts Open by Nathan Aspinall on Sunday.

Humphries - who has played 11 tournaments already in 2025 - made it all the way to the semi-finals before he was ousted by eventual champion Stephen Bunting. The 2024 champion has struggled to get back to his best so far this year, and his recent confession over darts feeling like "a chore" may reveal a big reason as to why.

"I feel a bit emotionless," Humphries said. "I feel like I'm up here and my emotions are all over the place," said Humphries. "It's not that I don't want to be here, it just seems a chore for me at the moment. I'm playing too much. I need to give something away, I need a break. It's not good for my mental state."

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While many expressed sympathy for the strained star, others criticised Humphries as sounding ungrateful in his comments. Some pointed out "things could be worse" and other sentiments suggesting his life is simple compared to the average worker.

'Cool Hand' later took to X and announced that candid moment would be "the last time I ever confess my real feelings to the public." However, he warned the public would have to be content with the likelihood that darts player will "all give the same answers in interviews like robots," rather than be their true selves.

Humphries sits second in the rankings after winning two of the first four events this season. However, results have tailed off slightly following a string of first-round exits in the weekly competition.

And Price hinted he agrees there are now too many commitments on the PDC Tour after taking to social media following Sunday's defeat. Despite the loss, he wrote on his story: "Gutted to lose today but so happy to be on the way home. To (sic) much darts [at the moment]."

Darts is enjoying a renaissance in popularity following the emergence of Luke Littler, with PDC bosses understandably keen to capitalise. However, an increase in events and prize money at certain tournaments could have a detrimental effect on certain stars.

Price - who was crowned world champion in 2021 - also features on the Premier League circuit and has commented on feeling overworked in the past. 'The Iceman' previously on the fact he was distracted while opening a fish and chip shop in his hometown, Markham.

The veteran has also confessed that he's been for years. However, he hasn't had a chance to get it treated properly because he's "too busy."

Many of those fans suggesting Humphries shouldn't complain appear to be of the belief the life of a pro darts player is a walk in the park. However, one can't blame the world No1 feeling stretched given the amount of travel involved in roday's darts circuit, which often keeps players away from their families and friends.

The tight turnaround means there's little rest between this weekend's International Open in Germany and the next major stop. Humphries is expected to feature at the AO Arena in Manchester on Thursday for Night 10 of the Premier League campaign.