The darts world is buzzing once again as seasoned commentator and former pro Wayne Mardle weighed in on who currently holds the crown as the planet’s top player. In the wake of the latest Premier League Darts action, Mardle made a bold declaration that has sparked plenty of debate among fans and players alike.
Speaking on Sky Sports following Night Three of the 2026 Premier League in Glasgow, Mardle pointed to Luke Humphries as the man leading the pack. “I still think Luke Humphries is playing the best darts on the planet right now, the most consistent darts on the planet,” he asserted confidently. This assessment came despite Humphries not claiming the nightly victory, highlighting Mardle’s emphasis on sustained excellence over isolated flashes of brilliance.
Humphries, the defending Premier League champion and a former world champion, has been a model of reliability in recent months. His ability to maintain high averages and grind out results even on off nights has impressed pundits like Mardle, who values consistency above all in the high-pressure environment of professional darts. Mardle noted that while Humphries has occasionally struggled against certain opponents, it’s a challenge shared by nearly everyone in the field.
This opinion notably sidesteps the meteoric rise and current world No. 1 status of teenage sensation Luke Littler. The young star, who has captured back-to-back World Darts Championship titles and electrified audiences with his fearless style and prodigious talent, has dominated headlines for over a year. Littler’s explosive scoring power and clutch finishing have made him a fan favorite, often drawing comparisons to the sport’s all-time greats. Yet Mardle, known for his straightforward analysis, chose to highlight Humphries’ steadier form in the current climate.
Adding context to his view, Mardle addressed Littler’s recent performances in the Premier League. The young champion endured a tough Night Three, suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat to Jonny Clayton, the eventual winner of the night. Littler received a bye into the semi-finals after Michael van Gerwen withdrew due to illness, but he couldn’t capitalize, leaving him with just four points after three weeks and no nightly victories so far this season.
Mardle didn’t mince words about the implications. “I didn’t think I’d be saying it so soon, that there’s a tiny bit of pressure on Luke Littler,” he remarked. He pointed out that the world champion hasn’t yet hit his signature heights, noting, “It’s a real small sample but he’s not playing to his 105/106 average, which seemingly he can do on his head.” Mardle observed that Littler’s game “is not working for him, it’s not going his way,” particularly against an opponent like Clayton, who “doesn’t fear him.” He framed the upcoming clash as a significant test for the teenager.
Despite this, Mardle showed no real alarm for Littler. The pundit emphasized that the Premier League is still early, and Littler’s track record suggests he can turn things around swiftly. The young player’s ability to produce relentless, high-level darts has been evident throughout his short but spectacular career, making any current dip appear temporary rather than terminal.
The darts landscape remains fiercely competitive. Humphries’ consistency has him in pole position according to Mardle, but Littler’s raw talent and championship pedigree keep him firmly in the conversation. Other stars like Clayton, who showcased his own form by winning the night, and perennial threats such as Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen, ensure no one can afford complacency.
As the Premier League progresses through its demanding schedule of weekly venues and high-stakes matches, the debate over who truly reigns supreme will only intensify. Mardle’s take underscores a key truth in modern darts: peak form can shift rapidly, but consistency often separates the elite from the rest. Whether Humphries can maintain his edge or if Littler rediscovers his devastating rhythm, fans are in for an exhilarating ride as the season unfolds.
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