Luke Littler has built his early career on the edge of controversy, thriving when crowds have expressed hostility toward him, but according to PDC chief executive Matt Porter, the young champion may soon have to adopt a different stance. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Porter addressed the question of whether he was taken aback by the wave of boos Littler has encountered in various venues across Europe this year. Littler, now 19, burst onto the professional darts scene as a 16‑year‑old prodigy at the 2023 World Darts Championship. He reached the final that December, ultimately falling to Luke Humphries on January 3, 2024.
The following two years saw him capture the world title in both 2025 and 2026, cementing his status as a two‑time reigning champion. During the early phase of his meteoric rise, he seemed universally adored, with fans cheering his every throw. That perception shifted dramatically after a series of high‑profile incidents. During the most recent World Championship quarter‑final, Littler reacted angrily to the crowd’s vocal support for rival Rob Cross.
A few weeks later, in Manchester’s Premier League fixture on April 2, he engaged in a heated on‑stage exchange with Dutch competitor Gian van Veen. Those moments marked a turning point, and the audience’s attitude toward him grew increasingly hostile. Littler himself described the atmosphere in Rotterdam on Night 11 of the Premier League as “the worst I’ve experienced,” and he faced another bout of booing in Liverpool just last week.
When Sky Sports asked Porter if the level of derision surprised him, he answered, “Yes and no.” He explained that Littler has always enjoyed interacting with the crowd and does not seem overly bothered by their reactions, at least up to a certain point. Porter noted, “If you’re going to provoke the crowd a little, as Luke has done in the past, you have to expect a response.
Often, when he does that, he does it with a smile and it’s something he’s thrived on.” He added that darts audiences tend to develop patterns, mimicking the reactions they witnessed the week before. “Once you get a run of a particular crowd reaction, you either need to change it or risk it becoming the norm,” Porter said. The PDC chief emphasized that Littler’s future approach will depend on how he personally interprets the boos. “If he’s truly bothered, he may look to change his behaviour.
If he can brush it off like water off a duck’s back, then he’ll be fine. We saw a similar transformation with Gerwyn Price a few years ago; his relationship with the fans completely turned around, and there are other examples as well.” Porter concluded that the decision rests with Littler: whether he finds the antagonism amusing and can ride it, or whether he decides it’s time for a different method of engagement.
Beyond Rotterdam and Liverpool, Littler has also faced confrontations with spectators in Dublin, Brighton, Nottingham and Berlin this season. Some observers argue that, despite his youth, his dominance in a sport that has surged in popularity inevitably brings volatile crowd interactions.
Porter agreed, drawing parallels with other sports where athletes become targets for both opponents and fans. “People are always looking for someone to shoot at, and Luke has a target on his back – not just from other players but from the viewing public as well.
That’s not unique to darts.” He likened the ebb and flow of public sentiment to waves, saying, “These things always go in cycles. One thing dominates today, another takes over tomorrow.” When discussing the latest Premier League action on Thursday night in Aberdeen, Porter commented on Littler’s performance.
“Luke perhaps hasn’t had the Premier League campaign he would have liked. He’s put himself in good positions many times but hasn’t always converted those chances into victories.” In contrast, Michael van Gerwen has shown steadiness, consistently earning points each week and securing the occasional three‑ or five‑point win, which keeps him firmly in contention. Porter added, “The pressure is a little heavier on Luke. He will likely want to win a night soon to re‑establish his place among the top four.
But you can’t rule him out – his talent is undeniable.” The 2026 Premier League will continue at the P&J Live in Aberdeen, featuring a crucial showdown between defending champion Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen as they battle for a Play‑Offs spot. League leader Jonny Clayton will renew his rivalry with Gian van Veen, while Josh Rock and Littler open the evening’s action. Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price will also clash for a semi‑final berth.
Points are awarded each night – five for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist – to compile the league table that determines the top four who will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on May 28.