In the electrifying world of professional darts, where precision meets passion under the glare of arena lights, few stories have captured the imagination quite like the meteoric rise of Luke Littler. At just 19 years old, the young sensation from Warrington, England, has already etched his name into the annals of the sport with achievements that belie his age. His latest triumph came at the Winmau World Masters, where he outclassed fellow Englishman Luke Humphries in a gripping final, securing yet another major title and solidifying his status as one of the game’s brightest stars.
The Masters victory was no ordinary win. It propelled Littler to joint-third place among the most successful players in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era, with an impressive tally of 11 major titles under his belt. This came hot on the heels of his historic back-to-back PDC World Championship wins in January, making him only the fourth player ever to achieve that feat. As the crowd roared and the confetti fell, Humphries, gracious in defeat, couldn’t hold back his admiration. Standing on stage, he delivered a bold proclamation that sent shockwaves through the darts community: “He has shown that true class. I said to him at the end I don’t think he has a heart. He never folds under pressure. You try your hardest to put him under it but he never folds. It may be premature, but I think he’s the greatest darts player that’s ever lived.”
Those words hung in the air like a perfectly aimed dart, sparking intense debate among fans, pundits, and players alike. Is Littler truly the GOAT—the greatest of all time—at such an early stage in his career? The question has divided opinions, pitting the raw talent and rapid success of the teenager against the enduring legacies of darts legends who dominated for decades.
Enter Michael van Gerwen, the Dutch powerhouse whose own resume boasts a staggering 48 major titles in the PDC era, placing him well ahead of Littler in the all-time rankings. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion known for his fierce competitiveness and unyielding presence at the oche, has faced Littler multiple times, including high-stakes encounters that have showcased the generational clash between experience and youthful brilliance. Ahead of the Premier League’s opening night in Newcastle, where the elite of the sport would once again converge, van Gerwen was asked to weigh in on Humphries’ audacious claim.
With his characteristic candor, van Gerwen offered a measured yet honest verdict, tempering the hype with a dose of reality. “Maybe he said that in his emotions,” he reflected, acknowledging the heat of the moment after a grueling final. “Littler is without a shadow of a doubt a fantastic player and definitely one of the greatest players ever.” But he paused, shrugging off the notion of crowning Littler the absolute best just yet. “But to say he is the greatest player of all times a bit…. if he can continue this for another 10 years or 15 years then yes, he is right. But first, let him do it.”
Van Gerwen’s words highlight a crucial aspect of greatness in darts: longevity. The sport demands not just flashes of genius but sustained excellence over years of relentless competition, travel, and pressure. He draws an implicit comparison to icons like Phil Taylor, the undisputed kingpin who amassed 16 world championships and 16 Matchplay titles, revolutionizing darts and elevating it to global prominence. Taylor’s aura—his ability to intimidate opponents and dominate eras—set a benchmark that few have approached.
Littler himself, ever the humble prodigy, echoed this sentiment when addressing Humphries’ praise. Far from letting the compliments inflate his ego, he remained grounded, recognizing the giants whose shoulders he stands upon. “It’s really good to hear but I’m not one of those to go off and say ‘yeah, I am the best’ because I’m not the best,” he admitted with a maturity beyond his years. “Phil Taylor will always be the best, unless I somehow win more than him, and what he’s done for the sport. So we can only see what happens in my career. Unless I go on and win 16 worlds and 16 Matchplays, or 17 then I’ll get one over him then I’ll be the best, but until someone breaks his records then he’ll always be the best.”
This GOAT debate underscores the evolving landscape of darts. Littler’s emergence a couple of years ago, bursting onto the scene as a teenage phenom, has injected fresh energy into the PDC circuit. His unflappable demeanor under pressure, combined with pinpoint accuracy and strategic acumen, has drawn comparisons to the greats from the outset. Yet, as van Gerwen points out, true immortality requires enduring the grind—the ups and downs, the rivalries, and the inevitable slumps that test a player’s mettle.
As the Premier League kicks off, with Littler, van Gerwen, Humphries, and other top talents vying for supremacy week after week, the narrative promises more twists. Will Littler maintain his blistering form and silence the skeptics? Or will veterans like van Gerwen remind the world that experience still counts for something in this unforgiving game? One thing is certain: darts is in a golden age, fueled by talents like Littler who push the boundaries of what’s possible. For now, the debate rages on, but only time—and countless arrows thrown—will reveal if the young star can claim the throne for good.
The Winmau World Masters itself was a showcase of high drama, with Littler navigating a tough field to reach the final. His victory over Humphries wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was a testament to his mental fortitude, as he held firm against a seasoned opponent who threw everything at him. Humphries, the world number one for much of the past year, has his own impressive credentials, including multiple major wins, but even he bowed to Littler’s composure.
Beyond the individual accolades, this saga reflects the sport’s growing appeal. Darts has transcended its pub origins to become a spectacle watched by millions, with packed arenas and high-stakes tours like the Premier League drawing international crowds. Players like van Gerwen, with his charismatic personality and powerful throws, have been instrumental in this growth, mentoring younger talents while fiercely competing against them.
In the end, van Gerwen’s verdict serves as a reminder that greatness isn’t bestowed lightly. It’s earned through consistency, resilience, and an unquenchable drive. Littler has all the tools to get there, but as the Dutchman wisely notes, the journey is far from over. Fans can only watch in anticipation as this chapter in darts history unfolds, one dart at a time.
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