James Wade Joins Gary Anderson in Calling for More Respect for Luke Humphries Amid Luke Littler Hype
The world of darts is currently witnessing a debate over media coverage and recognition between World Champion Luke Humphries and rising teenage sensation Luke Littler. While both players have dominated the sport over the past year, the question being raised by top professionals is whether Humphries, despite being the world’s number one player and a serial tournament winner, is being overshadowed by the media frenzy surrounding Littler.
This controversy gained momentum after Gary Anderson made a passionate statement at the World Grand Prix, expressing his frustration at how Humphries has been overlooked in favor of Littler. Now, James Wade has weighed in, agreeing with Anderson’s assessment and emphasizing that Humphries deserves more recognition for his achievements.
Anderson’s Fiery Rant: Humphries Is Being Overlooked
Gary Anderson, a two-time world champion, did not hold back when discussing the treatment of Luke Humphries. In a strongly worded statement, he expressed his belief that Humphries has achieved far too much in the sport to be treated as an afterthought.
“It’s not just being world champion, what has Luke won over the past two years?” Anderson questioned. “This is the thing—he has won just about everything this last year. He’s not just world champion, he’s there for a reason.”
Anderson pointed out that Humphries’ World Championship title was just one of many accolades on his impressive resume and criticized the media and public for focusing too much on Littler’s rise while Humphries’ dominance goes underappreciated.
“World Champion was added onto his CV, but he’s won so much more. And the boy gets looked over every time, which I think is a load of b*****s,”* Anderson continued. “He’s deserved everything that he’s worked for, everything he’s got. And yet, people keep talking about other players—it’s rubbish, absolute rubbish.”
Anderson also suggested that Humphries is too humble to publicly complain about the lack of recognition but that, deep down, he must be frustrated.
“Just a little respect, it’s always other people,” Anderson said. “But Luke just gets on with it. As long as they’re talking about other people, the limelight is off him, so he can just carry on with what he does. He’s handling it well, but deep down, he must be cheesed off.”
James Wade Backs Anderson: Humphries Is One of the Greatest World Champions
While James Wade has historically had his fair share of differences with Gary Anderson, he put those aside to show solidarity with his rival’s views.
“I would like to say me and Gary Anderson don’t get on very well, at times,” Wade admitted. “But what I will say is, I believe Luke Humphries is probably the second or third-best world champion we have ever had.”
Wade went on to highlight Humphries’ consistency and success, pointing out that very few world champions have matched his level of dominance in the period following their title win.
“We have had [lots of] world champions,” Wade continued. “Luke Humphries has won almost everything after the World Championship, and before it.”
The multiple-time major winner then turned his attention toward the media and the wider darts audience, arguing that they have failed to give Humphries his due credit.
“I really think the public and yourselves [the media] are failing a bit,” Wade said. “We have never had a world champion like him. The last world champion we had as good as him, maybe Michael [van Gerwen], but before him, Phil Taylor.”
This comparison to Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor, two of the greatest players in darts history, speaks volumes about Wade’s respect for Humphries. Wade believes the level at which Humphries is performing should be celebrated rather than overlooked.
“I feel really sorry for Luke Humphries. I don’t need to do this. I could have finished the conversation 30 seconds ago and walked out of the door. You’re not going to get someone as great as him for a long time. I think we need to celebrate it. The things he’s doing are magnificent.”
Wade Calls for More Recognition for Humphries’ Achievements
Wade also reinforced just how much Humphries has accomplished in such a short period, noting that few other world champions have won as many major titles immediately after their World Championship triumph.
“I’m not going to rant on as much as Gary did, but the things he’s done and the things he’s won—tell me another world champion that’s won as much as he’s done afterwards,” Wade said. “It’s quite sad for darts.”
Humphries’ Quiet Response and Littler’s Position in the Debate
For his part, Luke Humphries has not publicly criticized the media for prioritizing Littler, but he has acknowledged that he may deserve more recognition. However, the world champion has also stated that he understands why Littler is getting so much attention, given his unique story and the way he has captivated fans.
“I do feel like I’ve got a lot of credit. I don’t feel like the media hasn’t given me credit. I don’t feel that way,” Humphries said in a recent interview. “I just think when you’ve got a superstar [Littler], it’s hard not to go with that. Luke has grown the sport to absolutely incredible levels and he’s making the sport bigger for all of us, let’s be honest.”
Littler himself has not commented on the growing debate, but he has consistently shown respect for Humphries. The two players have formed a strong rivalry on the oche, but they remain on good terms away from it. Littler even encouraged his fans to follow Humphries on Instagram after the World Championship final, in an effort to boost the new champion’s profile.
Conclusion: A Fair Debate or Simply the Nature of Stardom?
The controversy over Luke Humphries’ recognition versus Luke Littler’s media coverage is unlikely to die down anytime soon. With Littler being a 17-year-old prodigy and bringing a new audience to darts, it is understandable why he has become the sport’s biggest talking point.
However, Humphries’ achievements are undeniable. He has won more major titles than almost any other player in recent memory, and many believe he should be getting far more attention than he currently receives.
While Anderson and Wade have called for more respect for the reigning world champion, Humphries himself seems content to let his darts do the talking.
Regardless of the media debate, one thing is clear—both Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are here to stay, and their rivalry is only just beginning.
Leave a Reply