At just 18 years old, Luke Littler has transformed from darts’ plucky teenage prodigy to a formidable force, and with that meteoric rise comes a new reality: the crowd’s boos. The reigning world champion, who captivated the darts world with his fearless debut in 2024, is no longer the underdog, according to world No. 1 Luke Humphries. As Littler navigates the 2025 Premier League Darts season, hostile receptions in cities like Liverpool and across Germany have marked a stark shift in how fans perceive the young star. Humphries, a seasoned champion and Littler’s rival, offered insight into this phenomenon, suggesting that the teenager’s dominance has made him a target. “I think the reason why it’s happening is because he’s not the underdog anymore,” Humphries said. “When you’re at the top, everyone wants to see you lose.”
Littler’s ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary. Bursting onto the scene as a 16-year-old at the 2024 PDC World Championship, he reached the final, stunning veterans and charming fans with his raw talent and cheeky confidence. Fast forward to 2025, and Littler has cemented his status as a titan, claiming the world title and dazzling in the Premier League with jaw-dropping finishes, like his 141 checkout against Michael van Gerwen in Liverpool. But with success comes scrutiny. Crowds, once enchanted by his youth, now jeer, hoping to rattle the teenager who seems unfazed by pressure. Humphries, both “surprised and not surprised” by the treatment, explained that the boos are a tactic to disrupt Littler’s focus. “When you get booed, they just want to put you off,” he noted. “Luke just has to take it on the chin and accept that this is what happens when you get to the top.”
The Premier League’s grueling Thursday night battles, culminating in the Play-Offs at London’s O2 Arena on May 29, have tested Littler’s resilience. In Liverpool, the crowd’s hostility was palpable, echoing similar scenes in Germany, where fans relished challenging the young champion. Yet Littler’s response has been characteristically composed. His quarter-final performance against Van Gerwen showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, silencing detractors with precision and poise. Humphries, who faced Littler in the Night Four final in Exeter, has long admired his rival’s talent. Reflecting on their encounters, he recalled Littler’s early promise: “We won’t see a kid like this ever again in our sport.” That sentiment, shared after Littler’s 2024 breakout, underscores the teenager’s unique place in darts history.
Despite the boos, Littler’s popularity endures. His social media presence, filled with highlights of audacious checkouts, keeps fans engaged, while his humility—praised by Humphries—prevents any animosity in their rivalry. “I could probably win five world titles and Luke Littler would still be more popular,” Humphries quipped last year, a testament to Littler’s magnetic appeal. For Littler, the boos are a badge of honor, proof that he’s no longer the scrappy outsider but a champion rivals fear. As he prepares for upcoming Premier League nights, including clashes in Rotterdam and Sheffield, Littler’s focus remains unshaken. The teenager’s journey, from underdog to top dog, is redefining darts, and as Humphries suggests, he’s learning to embrace the noise that comes with greatness.
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