Former darts pro Vincent van der Voort has criticized the current Premier League Darts lineup, accusing several players of showing too much admiration for teenage sensation Luke Littler.
Littler, 18, has stormed through the 2025 season so far, winning four of the first eight Premier League nights and sitting comfortably at the top of the table. But Van der Voort believes some of his rivals are making it too easy for him.
“Every little thing, they’re giving him fist bumps or smiles,” Van der Voort told Sky Sports. “There are too many Littler fanboys right now.”
He singled out Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall—both recent opponents of Littler—as examples of players being overly friendly rather than competitive.
Bring in the Fire: Van Duijvenbode Gets the Nod
Van der Voort, who retired from professional darts in early 2024, believes the Premier League needs more intensity and edge. His pick? Fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Although Van Duijvenbode, currently ranked World No. 29, hasn’t yet secured a major TV title and was left out of the 2025 Premier League lineup, Van der Voort insists he would bring the kind of energy the sport needs.
“Compared to some of the current players, I’d much rather watch Dirk,” he said. “There’s always something happening when he’s on stage.”
“Some players just show up and act like the perfect son-in-law—that doesn’t bring much excitement. Dirk steps up to compete, and he does everything to win.”
What’s Next in the Premier League?
The action continues this Thursday, April 3, in Berlin at the Uber Arena. The night features a marquee matchup between Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price, while Luke Littler takes on Chris Dobey.
