Nile Gott, who lives in Longfield, Darlington, won the inaugural ‘Coolhand Cup’ – a competition named after Humphries.
And Mr Gott even managed to beat the world number one player while doing it, in a ‘whirlwind’ month for the 22-year-old.
Mr Gott’s journey to the trophy started in his local pub, The White Heifer That Travelled, in Darlington, who convinced him to join in.
“I was entered on the last day,” Mr Gott said.
Nevertheless, after taking part in a round of ‘Around the World’ where he had to hit every number in order on the dartboard in the quickest time, he made it into the finals, managing to produce a performance that was not only good enough to qualify, but was actually better than Humphries himself.
“I qualified with a time of one minute and 28 seconds,” he proudly proclaimed.
The finals were held in Leicester and Mr Gott achieved success after prevailing against a host of players from across the country – but this did not phase him as he often plays in Super League or County matches for Cleveland.
“I was ecstatic to win.” he said.
“There was a sense of pride in representing the North East for a nationwide competition. It’s hard to comprehend.”
Mr Gott even was given a surprise he didn’t expect after claiming victory.
“I didn’t beat him, but he did do a ’round the clock’ in one minute and 43 seconds, so I beat him at that!”
Mr Gott was not expecting to be able to step up to the oche with Coolhand himself, and his excitement was pushed further when Humphries presented him with a cheque for £5,000.
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And Humphries had a brief chat while handing over the money, giving some sage advice to the tungsten trophy winner.
“He told me not to spend it all at once,” he said.
Even so, Mr Gott celebrated by splashing the cash in true Luke Littler style… with a McDonald’s. An order of 20 chicken nuggets, large fries and a large coke were the first things he purchased with his winnings.
