Teenage darts phenomenon Luke Littler has firmly rejected rival Luke Humphries' recent assertion that he surpasses legendary player Phil Taylor as the greatest darts competitor of all time. The 19-year-old prodigy, who has dominated the sport since his spectacular 2024 World Championship debut, offered a respectful rebuttal while acknowledging the immense legacy of the 16-time world champion.
A Rivalry Forged in Competition
Since Littler's breakthrough performance at the 2024 World Championships, he and Humphries have developed one of the most compelling rivalries in modern darts. The two British stars currently stand as the world's premier players, having faced each other in numerous high-stakes matches across multiple tournaments.
Littler's remarkable ascent has seen him secure two world titles, the prestigious World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix, and the Premier League championship, alongside numerous other trophies. This extraordinary collection of achievements at such a young age has prompted inevitable comparisons with the sport's historical greats.
Humphries' Controversial Assessment
The debate intensified when Humphries, known by his nickname 'Cool Hand', made a bold declaration following his defeat to Littler in last week's Masters final. The world number two stated: "You look back on the whole game. It's hard to pick holes in it. That's the pressure he puts you under. He has shown that through class. He never folds under pressure. I think he's the greatest darts player who has ever lived."
This direct comparison with Phil Taylor, widely regarded as the most successful darts player in history with 16 world championships to his name, sparked immediate controversy within the darts community and among fans worldwide.
Littler's Respectful Rebuttal
When questioned about Humphries' comments, Littler displayed remarkable maturity and perspective for his age. The young champion responded: "I'm trying to tick majors off at the moment. I am only a couple away, including the World Cup, and then I have the set. Comparing myself to [Phil] Taylor, though... no one will be as good as him. Unless I win 16 Matchplays and World Championships!"
Littler further elaborated on the challenges of maintaining longevity in the sport, noting: "There is a long way to go but also there's the question of whether I want to be playing darts in 30 or 40 years time. Darts is changing; there are more youngsters coming through and the world of darts is better now. If I can do enough now to settle down in the future, then hopefully I won't need to be playing as long as that."
Humphries Clarifies His Position
Following Littler's response, Humphries has since refined his original statement, drawing a distinction between career achievements and raw talent. He explained: "I said it in the moment but I'll still stand by it in a way that maybe the wrong word was used. I still mean what I said but using the word 'the greatest' maybe what I meant to say is 'the most talented darts player ever' and I stand by that I think he is."
Humphries added: "Phil Taylor has achieved so much so maybe it's a bit harsh to not call him the greatest, but I definitely still stand by the fact Littler is the most talented ever." This nuanced clarification acknowledges Taylor's unparalleled career accomplishments while maintaining Humphries' belief in Littler's exceptional natural ability.
The Evolution of Professional Darts
This exchange highlights the changing landscape of professional darts, where younger players are achieving success earlier in their careers than previous generations. Littler's comments about the sport's evolution and the influx of young talent reflect a broader transformation in darts' competitive environment.
The debate between career longevity versus peak performance continues to engage fans and commentators alike, with Littler's unprecedented early success challenging traditional metrics for evaluating sporting greatness. As both players prepare for their Premier League Darts commitments, this respectful disagreement adds another layer to their compelling rivalry while paying homage to the sport's legendary figures.
