“You can’t be everyone’s favourite and he certainly not a favourite in Germany” – Luke Littler is set for a hostile reception on Berlin return amid boycott

Luke Littler is bracing for another hostile reception in Berlin on Thursday, as the reigning world champion prepares for Night Eight of the Premier League Darts. The teenage star has often been met with boos from German crowds, and former world champion Mark Webster believes it’s something he simply has to learn to deal with.

Littler hasn’t hidden his frustrations with playing in Germany, previously admitting he’s considered skipping events there after repeated jeering. Despite that, he’ll be back on the oche at the Mercedes-Benz Arena this week, aiming to secure his third nightly title of the season.

Webster, speaking on the Love The Darts podcast, suggested the situation could actually work in Littler’s favour. He pointed out that the youngster has been vocal about his dislike for playing in Germany, but competitions like the Premier League and European Championship make appearances there unavoidable. He also hinted Littler is still likely to feature in other major events, including the World Cup.

Importantly, Webster believes Littler knows exactly how to channel the energy of a tough crowd. Rather than letting the boos affect him, he can use them as motivation—especially if it drives him to deliver a standout performance and claim another nightly win in front of a critical audience.

The tension between Littler and German fans has been building for some time. Last year, he even threatened to boycott events after being booed at the German Darts Grand Prix, and similar reactions followed him across other European Tour stops. Littler admitted he was puzzled by the hostility, saying the negative reaction often began the moment he stepped on stage, without any clear reason.

Although he has since returned to compete in Germany, including appearances at the World Cup of Darts and the European Championship, the frosty reception has largely remained.

Webster sees this as a natural consequence of Littler’s rapid rise. In his view, top players who win consistently often attract negative reactions—especially in countries where fans prefer to support local or alternative favourites. For him, it’s a clear sign Littler is now firmly among the sport’s elite.

Thursday night in Berlin could prove pivotal. Littler faces Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals, knowing a victory would move him closer to the Play-Offs and potentially set up his third nightly win of the 2026 campaign.

Elsewhere, the Berlin lineup features several blockbuster clashes. Jonny Clayton takes on Josh Rock, Luke Humphries meets Michael van Gerwen, and Gerwyn Price goes head-to-head with Gian van Veen for a place in the semi-finals.