LUKE HUMPHRIES has appeared to row back on his bold claim about Luke Littler after previously hailing the teenager as the greatest darts player of all time.
Humphries sparked debate across the sport following his dramatic World Masters final defeat to Littler in Milton Keynes, where he labelled the 19-year-old “the greatest darts player that’s ever lived.” The comment, made in the immediate aftermath of a narrow 6-5 loss, quickly made headlines and split opinion among fans and former players.
However, speaking more reflectively days later, Humphries struck a noticeably different tone, suggesting his original remarks may have been driven by the emotion of the moment rather than a definitive judgment on darts history.
The world No2 clarified that while Littler’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary, comparisons with legends such as Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen still require time and longevity.
“There’s no doubt Luke is unbelievable,” Humphries said. “What he’s doing at his age is something we’ve never really seen before. But darts is a long career, and greatness is measured over years, not just moments.”
Humphries was keen to stress that his admiration for Littler has not changed, but acknowledged that calling anyone the greatest ever comes with enormous historical weight.
“When you talk about the greatest, you’re talking about what Phil did over decades, what Michael’s done over such a long period,” he added. “Luke has the potential to get there, absolutely — but he’s still at the start of that journey.”
The comments mark a clear shift from Humphries’ post-final praise, which had seen him suggest Littler was already unmatched. Littler himself was quick to dismiss the label at the time, insisting he could not be considered the GOAT unless he surpassed Taylor’s record haul of 16 world titles.
“I won’t be the greatest unless I win more than what Phil won,” Littler said. “That’s just how it is.”
Despite the apparent U-turn, Humphries’ words still underline the growing respect Littler commands among the game’s elite. The teenager has already collected back-to-back World Championships, multiple major titles and sits atop the world rankings — achievements that would be remarkable at any age, let alone 19.
Humphries also admitted that facing Littler now feels different from playing any other opponent on tour.
“You know if you give him even a sniff, he’s gone,” he said. “That’s what makes him so dangerous.”
As the Premier League season gathers pace, the rivalry between the two Lukes looks set to remain one of darts’ defining narratives. While Humphries may have softened his stance on Littler’s place in history, there is no doubt he sees the teenager as the sport’s present — and very possibly its future. 🎯
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