Luke Littler Rejects 'Greatest Ever' Label, Eyes Phil Taylor's Historic Records
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has firmly dismissed suggestions he is already the greatest player in the sport's history, insisting he must first eclipse the legendary achievements of Phil Taylor before such claims can be taken seriously. The 19-year-old reigning world champion responded to comments from world number two Luke Humphries, who described him as "the greatest darts player that ever lived" following their recent World Masters final encounter.
Humphries' Praise Meets Littler's Realistic Assessment
Luke Humphries made his bold declaration immediately after losing to Littler in the World Masters final over the weekend, but the young champion was quick to redirect the praise toward the sport's established icon. "It's just he is the greatest, unless I go on and win 16 worlds and 16 matchplays," Littler stated as he prepared for his BetMGM Premier League title defence in Newcastle. "Seventeen, get one over him then yes, I'll be the best. But until someone breaks his records, then he'll always be the best."
Taylor's remarkable career includes 14 world championship titles, a record that Littler acknowledges represents the ultimate benchmark for greatness in professional darts. The teenager's respectful deference to the sport's history highlights his understanding that sustained excellence over many years, rather than early brilliance alone, defines true legendary status.
Humphries Qualifies His Comments But Stands By Talent Assessment
Speaking at the same event where Littler made his comments clear, Humphries slightly qualified his initial praise but maintained his belief in the young champion's extraordinary abilities. "Phil having achieved so much, it's kind of harsh to not call him the greatest, so maybe I used the wrong term," Humphries conceded. "But I definitely still stand by the fact he is the most talented darts player ever, not just his ability to throw good darts, it's his temperament, it's his way of being so good under pressure and to bounce back, all the credentials."
Humphries, who faces Gerwyn Price in his Premier League opener, emphasized that his admiration for Littler's talent doesn't mean he's resigned to defeat in their future encounters. "That's not me saying that I'm going to accept defeat every time. I'm still up for it, still willing to challenge him, still going to push him all the way, but I'll still stand by that he's definitely the most talented darts player ever."
Littler's Ambitious Targets for the Coming Season
As he prepares to defend numerous titles throughout 2026, Littler has set specific financial and competitive goals that demonstrate his professional approach to the sport. Having lost to Humphries in last year's Premier League final, regaining that title represents a key priority, but his broader ambition reveals his strategic thinking about the sport's biggest stage.
"Just double and triple the titles that I've already won," Littler said when asked about his remaining ambitions. "Coming into this year, I've got a lot of titles to defend, and obviously the worlds at the end of the year, that prize money. The worlds is £500,000, so as long as I can win £500,000 before the worlds, then going into the worlds, I've got really nothing to lose on the rankings."
A Rivalry That Could Define a Generation
Both players recognize the potential for their competition to develop into one of sport's great rivalries, with Humphries specifically targeting a place among darts' all-time top five by the time he retires. "We're the best two players in the world and we both push each other – that final in the Masters was amazing – but I know we can play even better than that, we've proved it," Humphries observed.
"For us as players, it's exciting, it is a rivalry that's exciting. If we're battling it out like this for another 10 years, then it probably will go down as one of the greatest ones ever." This mutual respect combined with fierce competitiveness suggests darts fans could be treated to a decade-long battle between two exceptional talents, with Littler's pursuit of Taylor's records providing a compelling narrative backdrop to their ongoing contests.
