The darts world is no stranger to bold statements, but when the sport’s brightest young star opens up about its all-time greats, ears perk up across every pub, arena, and online forum. At just 19 years old, Luke “The Nuke” Littler already sits atop the PDC world rankings as the number one player, boasting an astonishing 12 Premier event titles and a rapidly growing legacy that has many wondering how high he can climb. Yet in a recent candid conversation on the Double Tops podcast, the Warrington wonderkid delivered one of his most entertaining and self-assured takes yet: he cheekily inserted himself straight onto darts’ Mount Rushmore—the hypothetical stone carving of the four greatest players the sport has ever seen.
Littler didn’t hold back when naming his personal pantheon. “My Mount Rushmore would probably be myself. I’ll be on there,” he declared with characteristic confidence and a hint of humour. “I think I’d have to say Phil Taylor as well, Michael van Gerwen and then, yeah, only one man left, Luke Humphries. It’s very lucky for myself to obviously be playing the likes of Michael and Luke week in, week out. But yeah, why not? Why not get us all on there?”
The selection blends undeniable legends of the past with the dominant forces of the present—including Littler himself and two of his fiercest current rivals. Phil Taylor, universally regarded as the greatest of all time with a staggering 16 world titles (including 14 in the PDC era), naturally takes pride of place in most fans’ eyes, and Littler is no exception. The Power’s unparalleled longevity, consistency, and sheer dominance across decades set a benchmark that still feels almost untouchable.
Next comes Michael van Gerwen, the three-time world champion who exploded onto the scene with a similar teenage promise and has since become one of the most feared names on the oche. MVG’s explosive scoring, clinical finishing, and intense on-stage presence have made him a perennial rival for Littler. The pair have produced some of the most memorable clashes in recent years, including high-stakes finals where The Nuke has occasionally got the better of the Dutch maestro. Including van Gerwen reflects the deep respect Littler holds for a player he faces “week in, week out” on the PDC circuit and in the Premier League.
Rounding out the quartet is Luke Humphries, the 2024 world champion and another standout of the current generation. “Cool Hand Luke” has established himself as a major force with his smooth technique, big-stage temperament, and consistent high averages. Littler’s decision to place him on the Mount Rushmore alongside himself and van Gerwen underscores how tightly contested the top of the sport feels right now. These three—Littler, Humphries, and van Gerwen—form the core of the modern elite, trading blows in major tournaments and pushing each other to ever-higher standards.
At 19, Littler’s inclusion of himself might raise eyebrows among traditionalists, but the numbers back up his bravado. Already the third most successful player in PDC history by Premier event titles won, he has rewritten record books at a pace few could have imagined when he burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old qualifier. Back-to-back World Darts Championship triumphs (in 2025 and defending in 2026) have only added to the aura, cementing his status as the face of a new darts era. His meteoric rise has brought fresh excitement, record viewing figures, and a youthful energy that has helped grow the sport globally.
Interestingly, Littler’s list leaves out several iconic names that often feature in all-time debates, such as Raymond van Barneveld, Eric Bristow, or Gary Anderson. Yet his choices highlight a perspective shaped by both fandom and direct experience on the tour. He has spoken warmly about conversations with Taylor, including sharing a meal ahead of a World Championship, and clearly admires the pathways carved by predecessors while believing the current crop is writing its own historic chapter.
Beyond the Mount Rushmore discussion, Littler also shared insights into his off-board life, including casual darts sessions with popular online personality Angry Ginge. Ginge has openly expressed ambitions of attempting Q-School and turning professional, but Littler offered a realistic assessment grounded in his own relentless dedication. “I’ve played darts with Ginge quite a few times. He’s got a little bit about him, but if he wants to be pro it would take him many years to reach the top,” he explained. Littler noted Ginge’s streaming averages hover around the 60-70 mark—respectable for an amateur, but far from the 100+ territory required at elite level. “I said to him a few hours a day for probably a year, maybe even longer before he can obviously reach what I’m playing at.”
Such comments reveal the grounded, no-nonsense side of Littler. Despite his phenomenal success and the enormous spotlight that comes with being world number one at such a tender age, he remains refreshingly honest about the grind required to stay at the summit. Hours upon hours of practice, mental resilience, and an unquenchable competitive fire have propelled him this far, and he sees no shortcuts for others chasing the same dream.
Littler’s Mount Rushmore may spark lively debate among darts aficionados. Some will argue for the inclusion of more historical figures whose foundations built the modern professional era. Others will point out that Humphries or van Gerwen still have plenty of chapters left to write. Yet the teenage sensation’s willingness to place himself in such exalted company speaks volumes about his self-belief and the extraordinary trajectory he is on.
As the 2026 season unfolds, with the Premier League and further major titles on the horizon, Littler continues to prove that his name belongs in any conversation about the greatest. Whether his cheeky self-inclusion eventually looks prescient or overly bold remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the darts Mount Rushmore is looking a lot more dynamic with The Nuke carving out his space on it. The sport’s future has never felt more exciting, and Luke Littler is determined to ensure his face is etched into its history for generations to come.
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