In the world of professional darts, few phrases carry as much weight as a veteran’s assessment of a rising star. So when James Wade, the ten-time major winner, made a pointed comment about the “laziness” of some top players, the darts community immediately turned its attention to the sport’s most talked-about prodigy, Luke Littler. What followed was a highly anticipated clash at the World Masters, which Littler emphatically dominated, leading to his candid response to Wade’s earlier remarks.
Wade had made his observations following his first-round victory at the World Masters, expressing a nuanced view on the current crop of elite players. “I don’t believe anyone is amazing apart from probably the Luke [Littler] and the Luke [Humphries],” Wade stated, acknowledging the exceptional talent at the very pinnacle of the game. However, he then added a controversial caveat: “And after that, they could be quite lazy. They’re not Phil Taylors, they’re not Michael van Gerwens at their best. But there are gaps in the market and it is what it is.”1 This wasn’t a direct jab at Littler, but a broader commentary on the work ethic he perceived among some players below the absolute top tier.
The irony, however, was not lost on anyone when Littler, still only 18, delivered a devastating performance against Wade in their subsequent last-16 encounter. “The Nuke” put on a masterclass, securing a resounding 4-0 whitewash. His dominance was so absolute that Wade didn’t even get a single dart at a double throughout the entire match. The young sensation averaged more than 15 points higher than Wade, showcasing a level of effortless brilliance that might, to an outside observer, indeed appear to be the product of immense natural talent rather than grueling hours in the practice room.
When pressed on Wade’s earlier comments after his crushing victory, Littler’s response was refreshingly honest and surprisingly agreeable. “I didn’t see it [the claim],” Littler admitted, “But he’s right, I am lazy in the practice room as well.” This unexpected confession, coming from a player who has taken the darts world by storm, highlighted his unique approach to the game. “I don’t have to practice for hours and hours,” he continued, elaborating on his personal philosophy. “You know yourself as a player when you’ve practiced for that long, you’ve warmed up and you’re ready to go.”
Littler’s admission offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a generational talent. While many professional athletes emphasize relentless practice and hours of grinding to hone their skills, Littler suggests that his natural aptitude allows him to maintain peak performance with a more relaxed regimen. This isn’t to say he doesn’t practice, but rather that his innate ability allows him to optimize his preparation without the exhaustive routines typically associated with professional sports.
Despite the apparent ease with which he dismantled Wade, Littler still occasionally surprises himself with his own level of play. “Sometimes I do surprise myself,” he confessed, “but then again, I can look at myself and say you have got the game to do it, you are World Champion, you can beat anyone.” This2 blend of humility and self-belief underscores his remarkable journey to the top of the darts world.
The match against Wade was not just a victory; it was a statement. It demonstrated that even when facing a seasoned veteran and the subtle psychological games that can come with pre-match comments, Littler remains unfazed. His focus is on the oche, and his confidence in his own game appears unshakable.
As Littler continues his ascent, the debate over practice routines and natural talent versus hard work will likely continue to swirl around him. But for now, “The Nuke” is letting his darts do the talking, proving that for some, sheer brilliance can indeed make it look deceptively easy. His next challenge, a quarter-final clash against Jonny Clayton, promises another stern test, but Littler, ever the pragmatist, was simply looking forward to a good night’s rest after his dominant performance.
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