Humphries, 29, is rarely one to become embroiled in a war of words. And sure enough, last year’s runner-up didn’t have any complaints about the eight players selected.

“For selfish reasons, I was happy with it because I get on really well with Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey, so I was pleased they were in,” he told Express Sport. “But it’s a hard scenario because I don’t think anybody in 2024, apart from me, Luke, and Michael (Van Gerwen), were really putting their hand up and consistently having a great year.

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“I see why people are annoyed but it happens every year. I was annoyed, and I know Joe Cullen and Danny Noppert were annoyed back in 2023. And then last year I know there were more players angry not to be selected. So it’s the same every time and you can’t please everybody.”

Humphries was indeed overlooked two years ago. And he responded in the best possible manner, rising to the top of the world rankings amid a formidable 18 months - and now he’s challenged his rivals to try and do the same.

“Eight players it whittles down to,” he added. “It’s a small field and hard to pick out of a great array of talent. I guess the guys that didn’t get picked will just have to use me as inspiration from that year I didn’t get selected. I then went and had one of the best years of my life. If they can take inspiration from that, they can get themselves picked in 2026.”

Humphries has five major television titles on his CV, but the Premier League crown has thus far eluded him after being beaten in the final by Littler last May. But while the world focuses on the 17-year-old star, Humphries is determined to this time raise the trophy at finals night at The O2.

“That’s the target for me, to win that,” he declared. “It’s got a great field of players and lots of experience, so it’s definitely something that I’m targeting along with the Matchplay and the World Championships. It’s something that everybody wants and that’s the main one I want to win.”