The Debate Over Luke Littler and Luke Humphries: Are Fans and Media Overlooking the World Champion?
The world of darts is currently embroiled in a heated debate over two of its biggest stars: Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. While both players have dominated the sport over the past year, there is growing controversy over the level of attention each receives from the media and fans.
Gary Anderson sparked the discussion during the World Grand Prix, criticizing what he perceives as a lack of recognition for World Champion Luke Humphries, while Littler, the teenage sensation, continues to dominate the headlines. The debate has since gained traction, with other top players, including James Wade, weighing in on the matter. Even Humphries himself has acknowledged the imbalance in media coverage but has chosen to take a diplomatic stance on the issue.
Littler vs. Humphries: The Two Dominant Forces in Darts
Over the past year, Luke Humphries and Luke Littler have been the two standout names in professional darts. Humphries, the world number one, capped off an incredible run by winning the World Championship, beating Littler in the final to claim the most prestigious title in the sport.
However, Littler’s journey to that final stole the spotlight. The 17-year-old’s historic run at Alexandra Palace captivated audiences worldwide, making him an overnight sensation. Despite finishing as runner-up, he was the main talking point of the tournament, drawing comparisons to legends of the game and quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Littler soon got his revenge, defeating Humphries in the Premier League Darts final, marking another milestone in his rapid rise. With both players enjoying incredibly successful campaigns, the discussion has shifted toward how the media portrays their achievements—and whether Littler is unfairly overshadowing the reigning world champion.
Anderson: Humphries Is Not Getting the Respect He Deserves
It was Gary Anderson who first voiced his frustrations, unprompted, at a press conference during the World Grand Prix. The two-time world champion expressed his belief that Humphries is being unfairly overlooked despite his exceptional achievements.
“It’s not just being world champion. What has Luke [Humphries] won in the last two years? This is the thing. He has won just about everything,” Anderson said.
“He’s not just a world champion. He’s there for a reason. World Champion was added onto his CV. He’s won so much more, and the boy gets looked over every time, which I think is a load of b*****s to be honest.”
The Scotsman further argued that Humphries, despite his dominance, is rarely discussed compared to Littler.
“He’s deserved everything that he’s worked for, everything that he’s got. And just to talk about other players—rubbish, absolute rubbish. Just give him a bit of respect. He’s never ever mentioned, it’s always other people. Luke [Humphries] just goes along with it.”
Anderson also acknowledged that while Humphries may not publicly complain about the lack of attention, deep down, it must be frustrating for him.
“As long as they’re talking about other people, he just carries on what he does. He’s handled it well. But deep down, he must be a bit cheesed off. No, he just does what he does. He plays darts, runs, and that’s it.”
James Wade Joins Anderson in Defending Humphries
James Wade, another veteran of the sport, echoed Anderson’s sentiments, suggesting that the darts world, including both fans and media, is failing to give Humphries the recognition he truly deserves.
“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 continued by emphasizing Humphries’ remarkable consistency and success.
“We have had [lots of] world champions. Luke Humphries has won almost everything after the World Championship, and before it.”
Wade even compared Humphries to some of darts’ greatest champions, claiming:
“I really think the public and yourselves [the media] are failing a bit. We have never had a world champion like it. The last world champion we had as good as him, maybe Michael [van Gerwen], but before him, Phil Taylor.”
Humphries Acknowledges the Debate But Stays Diplomatic
Unlike Anderson and Wade, Humphries himself has taken a more neutral stance. While he acknowledged that Littler gets the lion’s share of attention, he did not express resentment towards his younger rival.
“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. “I just think when you’ve got a superstar [Littler], it’s hard not to go with that.”
The 29-year-old world champion went on to praise Littler for the impact he has had on darts.
“Luke has grown the sport to absolutely incredible levels and he’s making the sport bigger for all of us, let’s be honest.”
While he admitted that he may deserve more recognition, he also acknowledged that Littler’s media coverage is justified.
“I can see the media attention is on him. Maybe I deserve a bit more, maybe I deserve a bit more alongside with him. But the media attention he gets, he deserves and that’s no disregard to that. I do think I get a little bit of credit. I think it’s not as bad as it seems.”
Littler Remains Silent But Continues to Show Respect for Humphries
Thus far, Littler has not commented on the debate, having recently been knocked out of the World Grand Prix in the first round by Rob Cross. However, the teenager has never shown any sign of disrespect toward Humphries, and the two appear to have a strong mutual admiration.
During the Premier League campaign, the pair regularly shared the stage before events, chatting before the action began. Littler has also publicly encouraged fans to support Humphries.
After the World Championship final, Littler even urged his growing fanbase to follow Humphries on Instagram, helping boost the newly crowned champion’s popularity. This small but meaningful gesture highlighted the respect he has for his rival.
Conclusion: A Fair Debate or Just the Nature of Stardom?
The debate over Littler and Humphries’ media attention is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Littler’s rise has been unprecedented, drawing in new fans and boosting the sport’s profile. However, Humphries’ dominance in terms of titles and rankings cannot be ignored.
While Anderson and Wade believe Humphries is being unfairly overlooked, the world champion himself appears content with his place in the sport. As both players continue to battle for major honors, the debate over recognition versus success will undoubtedly continue.
For now, however, both Lukes remain at the forefront of darts—and their rivalry is only just beginning.
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