In a shocking and thrilling conclusion to the 2024 World Grand Prix Darts Championship, Belgian darting sensation Mike De Decker defied the odds to claim his first major PDC title, defeating tournament favorite Luke Humphries in an exhilarating final. Held at the packed Citywest Convention Centre in Dublin, this year’s Grand Prix will be remembered for its surprises, but none more dramatic than De Decker’s inspired performance to lift the trophy.The victory marks a pivotal moment in De Decker’s career, announcing his arrival as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. As the final dart hit its mark and the Belgian dropped to his knees in celebration, the crowd erupted in disbelief and admiration. For De Decker, it was a culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and overcoming adversity, while for Humphries, it was a bitter pill to swallow after coming so close to what would have been a career-defining triumph.Heading into the final, the narrative was clear: Mike De Decker, an unseeded underdog, had been quietly making his way through the tournament, while Luke Humphries, the 2023 UK Open champion and one of the most consistent performers on the PDC circuit, was widely regarded as the man to beat. Humphries had breezed through the earlier rounds, his clinical finishing and heavy scoring making him the favorite to add another title to his growing list of accolades.In contrast, De Decker’s journey to the final was a testament to grit and determination. The 28-year-old Belgian had never reached a major final before and was ranked outside the top 16 in the world, but that didn’t stop him from taking out several top players en route to the final. His campaign included notable victories over former world champion Rob Cross and reigning Premier League champion Jonny Clayton, and each win only bolstered his confidence.The final itself promised an intriguing clash of styles. Humphries, known for his rapid-fire, heavy-scoring game, was expected to overpower De Decker with relentless pressure. However, the Belgian had shown throughout the tournament that he was no stranger to the big stage, excelling in the unique double-start format of the World Grand Prix, which requires players to both start and finish on a double. His precision on the doubles had been a key weapon, and he would need every bit of that accuracy to challenge the favorite.From the outset, it was clear that De Decker was not intimidated by the occasion or his opponent. In fact, it was the Belgian who struck the first blow, taking the opening set with a calm and composed display of darts. Humphries, by contrast, seemed to struggle to find his rhythm, missing crucial doubles and allowing De Decker to seize the early initiative.The Belgian’s early success came from his ability to hit the all-important starting doubles quickly, putting immediate pressure on Humphries to respond. His finishing was equally impressive, as he closed out legs with clinical precision. De Decker’s high-scoring visits put him in prime position to capitalize on any mistakes from his opponent, and Humphries, who had been so consistent throughout the tournament, suddenly found himself on the back foot.Humphries is known for his resilience, and he didn’t take long to fight back. After losing the first set, the Englishman regained his composure and began to display the form that had made him the favorite. His scoring improved, and he started to find his doubles with more consistency. Humphries took the second set to level the match, and for a moment, it appeared as though the tide was turning.But De Decker wasn’t about to let the momentum slip away. The third set saw both players trading blows in a tense and closely contested affair. Humphries’ scoring power was on full display, as he hit several maximums, but De Decker refused to be overwhelmed. The Belgian’s calm demeanor and steady play frustrated Humphries, who began to show signs of frustration as missed doubles once again came back to haunt him.The pivotal moment of the match came in the third set, when De Decker produced a stunning 116 checkout to break Humphries’ throw and take a 2-1 lead in sets. The Belgian’s ability to take out big finishes under pressure was becoming a defining feature of the match, and it was clear that Humphries was rattled.With the pressure mounting, the fourth set saw De Decker at his very best. Sensing an opportunity to press his advantage, the Belgian raised his game to a new level.
