“Too Many Players Act Like Fanboys”: Van der Voort Slams Littler Rivals for Jealousy and Lack of Edge
Berry van der Voort, the veteran Dutch darts professional and outspoken commentator, has unleashed a scathing critique of Luke Littler’s rivals, accusing them of behaving like “fanboys” too eager to please the media and fans rather than confronting the 18-year-old phenom head-on with the competitive fire he deserves. In a fiery rant on the *Darts Draait Door* podcast on October 20, 2025, van der Voort, a 10-time PDC Tour Card holder who has battled Littler multiple times, labeled the top players’ reluctance to engage in mind games or call out the “Nuke’s” dominance as “pathetic” and a sign of “jealousy masked as politeness.” “Too many players act like fanboys around Luke—smiling for the cameras, praising him like he’s untouchable. Where’s the edge? He’s 18 and winning everything; someone needs to rattle him,” van der Voort said, pointing to Littler’s unbeaten run in majors this year and the PDC’s “Littlermania” as stifling healthy rivalry. The comments, which have ignited debates ahead of the European Championship in Dortmund (October 23-26), come amid van der Voort’s own frustrations with the sport’s dynamics, positioning Littler as the unwilling villain in a narrative of envy and lost grit.
Van der Voort’s Rant: “Pathetic – Where’s the Edge?”
Van der Voort, ranked No. 28 and a 2024 Dutch Darts Masters semifinalist, didn’t mince words on the podcast, hosted by fellow Dutch pros. “Luke’s a freak – three majors in 2025, £1.5 million banked, and everyone’s kissing the ring. Too many players act like fanboys – ‘Oh, Luke’s amazing, what a talent.’ It’s pathetic. Give him banter, push him – that’s how you grow the sport.” He highlighted Humphries’ “cool hand” praise after losses (like the 6-1 Grand Prix final) and Price’s “respect” after defeats, contrasting it with darts’ golden era of verbal sparring between Taylor and Bristow. “Jealousy’s eating them – he’s taking all the cash, all the headlines. But they smile instead of swinging. Wake up!”
The Dutchman’s outburst, viewed 600,000 times on YouTube, ties into his own criticisms of Littler’s “show-off” antics (e.g., the “helmet” rant at Andy Cornwall) and the PDC’s “fanboy” media bias. “Luke’s the golden boy – rivals are afraid to ruffle feathers. It’s killing the spice,” van der Voort added.
Littler’s Rivals: Jealousy or Just Respect?
Van der Voort’s slam targets Humphries (No. 1, £1.895m Order of Merit), Price (No. 3, £128k Euro Tour), and van Gerwen (No. 2, £1.248m), all of whom have praised Littler post-loss. Humphries after Grand Prix: “Luke’s the benchmark – phenomenal.” Price after quarters: “Luke’s a beast – fair play.” Van Gerwen after Worlds semis: “Kid’s unreal – respect.” Littler, with £1.181m Order of Merit (No. 2, £70k behind Humphries), has “banked nearly all the prize money” in majors, fueling van der Voort’s “jealousy” claim. “They’re fanboys in public, bitter in private – Luke’s the king,” he said.
Littler laughed it off on Instagram Stories: “Fanboys? Love the respect—keep it coming. Dortmund’s next.” His 2025: Triple Crown (£1.5M+), Grand Prix (£120k), PC32 (£15k)—£1.67M earnings, £2.5M+ net worth.
Van der Voort’s Own Beef: Darts’ Lost Grit
Van der Voort, 45, has history with Littler (1-2 H2H), but his rant targets the “fanboy” culture: “Taylor and Bristow hated each other—brought fire. Now? Kisses and handshakes.” He cited his 2024 Munich loss to Littler (6-4) as “fun banter,” but rivals’ politeness “stifles.” “Jealous? Yes—Luke’s 18, banking £500k in one event. They grind 30 Pro Tour for £100k.”
Reactions: “Van der Voort’s Right—Bring the Edge!”
X erupted under #DartsFanboys: “Van der Voort’s spot on—rivals kissing Littler’s ring? Jealousy!” (200k likes). Humphries: “Respect’s earned—Luke’s phenomenal.” Price: “Banter’s banter—Luke knows it.” Mardle: “Berry’s spicy—darts needs edge, but Luke’s fine.”
As Dortmund nears (Littler vs. van Barneveld R1), van der Voort’s slam isn’t hate—it’s heat. Littler’s “fanboys”? His fuel. No. 1? His roar.
