Is Taylor the Best? Littler Responds to Humphries' Greatest-Ever Praise

Luke Littler, the reigning world champion and world number one in darts, has reaffirmed that Phil Taylor remains the greatest player of all time despite fellow competitor Luke Humphries dubbing him the best ever. Littler's recent victory at the Masters solidified his status among the top players in the sport, yet he humbly credits Taylor's unparalleled achievements as the benchmark for greatness in darts.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Luke Littler's ascent in the darts world has been meteoric, marked by his recent triumph in the Masters, where he defeated Luke Humphries. This victory has catapulted Littler to joint-third in the list of most successful players in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era, with 11 major titles to his name. His performance has sparked discussions about his position in the sport, leading Humphries to proclaim that Littler is "the greatest darts player who has ever lived." However, Littler himself insists that Phil Taylor, with his 79 major titles, still holds that title, reflecting a deep respect for the sport's history and its legends.

Key takeaways

• Luke Littler acknowledges Phil Taylor as the greatest darts player of all time.
• Littler's victory at the Masters has brought him level with James Wade on 11 major titles.
• Luke Humphries has praised Littler's talent but admits he could have phrased his comments better.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to Littler's current status in darts can be traced through several key milestones:

• 2016: Phil Taylor retires, leaving behind a legacy of 79 major titles.
• 2021: Luke Littler emerges on the PDC scene, quickly gaining recognition.
• 2023: Littler wins the Masters, marking his ascent to joint-third in major titles.
• 2024: Humphries calls Littler the greatest, prompting Littler's respectful rebuttal.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In recent statements, Littler has publicly stated his admiration for Phil Taylor, reiterating that he does not consider himself the best until he surpasses Taylor's record of 79 major titles. This perspective highlights the respect he has for the sport’s history and its champions.

What was already established

Phil Taylor's standing as the greatest darts player has been uncontested since his retirement, with no player yet approaching his record. Littler's recent achievements have, however, ignited discussions about the next generation of players and their potential to redefine greatness in darts.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing rivalry and narrative surrounding Littler and Taylor could boost interest in darts, potentially leading to increased viewership and ticket sales for events. This heightened attention may also foster a new generation of players, inspiring children and young adults to engage with the sport.

Businesses and jobs

As darts gains popularity, there may be economic implications for businesses associated with the sport, including manufacturers of darts equipment, venues hosting competitions, and media outlets covering these events. Increased sponsorship opportunities could also arise as more brands seek to align with successful players like Littler.

Policy and regulation

The rise of influencers in darts, as noted by Gary Anderson's comments, raises questions about the direction of the sport and how it is perceived by traditional audiences. This could lead to discussions about the regulation of professional darts, especially concerning the involvement of non-traditional players in competitive settings.

Numbers that matter

• 79: Total major titles held by Phil Taylor, the highest in darts history.
• 48: Major titles won by Michael van Gerwen, the second-highest in the PDC era.
• 11: Major titles now held by Luke Littler and James Wade, placing them joint-third.

Definitions and jargon buster

• PDC: Professional Darts Corporation, the governing body for professional darts.
• World Champion: The title awarded to the winner of the World Darts Championship, the sport's most prestigious event.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should watch for upcoming tournaments where Littler will compete, as each match could further define his legacy in the sport.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the 2024 season progresses, observe how Littler's performance impacts the competition landscape, especially against established players like Taylor and van Gerwen.

Signals to watch

• Upcoming match results and player rankings in the PDC.
• The performance of new players entering the circuit, particularly those with social media followings.

Practical guidance

Do

• Keep track of player performances and emerging talents in darts.
• Engage with darts content on social media to gauge community sentiment and trends.

Don’t

• Underestimate the impact of social media influencers in sports.
• Dismiss the achievements of young players like Littler based solely on their age.

Checklist

• Follow the PDC calendar for upcoming events.
• Engage with darts communities online to expand knowledge.
• Watch live competitions to understand the evolving dynamics of the sport.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Luke Littler's potential is evident, the competitive nature of darts means that success is not guaranteed. The longevity of his career and ability to maintain peak performance will determine his standing in history. Additionally, the evolving landscape of darts, particularly with the rise of social media influencers, will influence how the sport is perceived and consumed.

Bottom line

Luke Littler's recent successes mark him as a significant figure in the world of darts, yet he remains grounded in the legacy established by Phil Taylor. As the sport evolves, the interaction between traditional champions and new talents will shape its future, heralding an exciting era for darts in the UK and beyond.

FAQs

Who is the greatest darts player of all time?

According to Luke Littler, Phil Taylor is still regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, due to his record of 79 major titles.

How many major titles does Luke Littler have?

Luke Littler currently holds 11 major titles, which places him alongside James Wade in the PDC rankings.

What impact do influencers have on darts?

Influencers in darts can attract new audiences and promote the sport, although their involvement has raised concerns among traditional players about the quality and authenticity of the sport.