The debate over the greatest darts player of all time has been reignited once again, and this time it has been sparked by the astonishing rise of teenage sensation Luke Littler. Fresh from another landmark triumph, Littler has found himself at the centre of glowing praise that few players in the sport’s history have ever received — praise that inevitably invites comparisons with the legendary Phil “The Power” Taylor.
Littler’s latest success came in dramatic fashion at the Winmau World Masters, where he edged past long-time rival Luke Humphries in a gripping final that went right down to the wire. The 6–5 victory was not only a showcase of elite-level darts but also a demonstration of Littler’s composure, maturity, and mental resilience under immense pressure. At just 19 years old, he produced a performance that left fans and fellow professionals in awe.
In the emotional aftermath of the final, Humphries did not hesitate to heap praise on the young champion. Reflecting on Littler’s ability to rise to the biggest occasions, Humphries described him as a player who never crumbles when the stakes are highest. He went even further, boldly claiming that Littler could already be considered the greatest darts player the sport has ever seen. It was a statement that sent shockwaves through the darts world and immediately reignited the long-running GOAT debate.
Despite the extraordinary compliment, Littler himself was quick to play down the idea. Known for his grounded attitude, he responded with humility, making it clear that such a title cannot be claimed lightly. Littler insisted that no one can be considered the greatest unless they surpass the achievements of Phil Taylor, pointing directly to the staggering trophy haul and dominance that defined Taylor’s era. In his view, greatness is measured over decades, not seasons.
Taylor’s record remains the gold standard in professional darts. With 16 World Championship titles and an era of sustained dominance rarely seen in any sport, his legacy looms large over every new generation. For many fans and players alike, Taylor is still the benchmark against which all greatness must be judged.
Taylor himself has not ignored the growing chatter around Littler’s potential. While acknowledging the teenager’s exceptional talent, he has been careful to frame the discussion in terms of longevity and consistency. Taylor has previously spoken about how difficult it is to maintain dominance year after year, especially once opponents begin raising their level simply to beat you. He has highlighted that breaking records is about far more than natural ability — it requires relentless focus, discipline, and the ability to evolve over time.
At the same time, Taylor has made it clear that Littler possesses something special. His scoring power, fearless approach, and calmness in decisive moments suggest a player who thrives on the biggest stage. Taylor has openly acknowledged that if anyone is capable of challenging historic records in the future, Littler may well be that player — provided he sustains his hunger and commitment over the long term.
Littler’s achievements so far are already remarkable. In a short space of time, he has climbed to the top of the world rankings and collected an array of major titles that many professionals spend entire careers chasing. With the World Masters now added to his résumé, only one major honour remains elusive as he edges closer to completing a career Grand Slam at an age when most players are still finding their feet.
The GOAT debate, however, is unlikely to be settled anytime soon. For now, Taylor’s legacy stands tall, built on years of unmatched dominance and record-breaking success. Littler’s story, by contrast, is still being written — but the early chapters suggest a generational talent capable of reshaping the sport’s future.
Whether Littler ultimately surpasses Taylor or not, his rise has already transformed darts, bringing new energy, global attention, and a sense that history could be unfolding in real time. One thing is certain: the conversation around greatness in darts has never been louder, and Luke Littler is right at the heart of it.
When Taylor started there were two darts orginisation that meant the best players were split between two camps, where as now all the best player are in one orginisation.