Phil Taylor, the iconic figure who dominated professional darts for over two decades, has taken a candid stance on the recent wave of boos and whistles directed at the sport’s rising star, Luke Littler. The 16‑time world champion, who hung up his competitive darts shoes in 2018 after a glittering career, told Sky Sports News that Littler must learn to "get used to the boos" and turn that hostile energy into a source of motivation. Littler, who entered 2026 as the world number one with the ambition of clinching every major PDC title, saw his clean‑sweep aspirations crumble at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. During the event, Dutch spectators repeatedly whistled at him, prompting the 19‑year‑old to voice his frustration publicly.
The vocal reaction from the crowd was not an isolated incident; it echoed a pattern that has historically followed bold, confident newcomers in darts. Taylor, reflecting on his own journey from a prodigious talent to a legend, emphasized that the ability to thrive under pressure is a hallmark of greatness.
"Littler has got to get used to the boos. Go in there and turn the crowd.
Sometimes if you play well and you start hitting your 140s and 180s, your big finishes, the crowd will turn and don’t react to it, but he does react," the former champion explained. He added that a player’s confidence, even when it borders on cockiness, can be a valuable asset. "He’s young and he’s a little bit cocky at times but that’s good, that’s confidence. He just has to accept crowds are going to be on his back for a little bit, but they will get bored with it," Taylor said.
The advice from Taylor goes beyond simply ignoring the noise. He urged Littler to channel the negative attention into performance, suggesting that a series of high scores—140s, 180s, and clinical finishes—can win over even the most skeptical spectators. "Keep doing what you’re doing, keep playing well, and just concentrate.
Let them boo and then do your little antics when you’ve won," Taylor encouraged. This strategy mirrors the psychological tactics employed by many elite athletes who thrive on the energy of a hostile crowd, converting it into a competitive edge. Taylor also highlighted the relative freedom Littler enjoys compared to more seasoned professionals. "Littler doesn’t have responsibilities.
He can just go up there and enjoy himself and win tournaments. Go up there, enjoy it, take no notice of the crowd, which isn’t easy, obviously, but work out a way of turning the crowd around," he noted. The veteran stressed that the key lies in mental resilience and the ability to stay focused on the board, regardless of external distractions. In addition to mental advice, Taylor praised Littler’s work ethic and potential for improvement.
He suggested that the young Warrington phenom could raise his game "100 per cent" by continuing to practice and treat each match as a learning experience. "I would have loved him to have been about," Taylor said, reflecting on his own career and the mentors who helped him refine his technique.
He drew an analogy to the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, urging Littler to "get the chicken out and chase it down the garden," a metaphor for relentless pursuit of excellence. Taylor also observed that other players are now watching Littler closely, which adds a layer of mental pressure but also serves as a catalyst for growth. "Players are getting used to him and they will improve, which will put more mental pressure on Luke.
He might then think, ‘I need to practise a bit more,’ so he’s doing things to improve his game whereas before he’s going in there and not thinking about it," the legend explained. This self‑awareness, Taylor believes, will push Littler to refine his skills and develop a stronger mental game. When asked whether anyone could ever match Taylor’s record of 16 world titles, the former champion was modest yet realistic.
"To win 16 world titles you’ve got to be very professional and you’ve got to do it for at least 25 years, I’d say. It will be very difficult to match me but whoever has got talent can do it," he said, acknowledging the rarity of such an achievement while leaving the door open for future talent. Former PDC chairman Barry Hearn also weighed in, describing Littler as a "natural‑born darts player" whose success is already reshaping his family’s future.
Hearn emphasized that dealing with boos is part of the professional landscape, comparing it to the inevitable jeering a visiting penalty taker receives in a hostile stadium. "You’ve got to get used to this sort of thing. It’s part and parcel of being a professional," Hearn remarked. He cited past examples like Peter Manley and Gerwyn Price, both of whom endured sustained booing before eventually winning over the crowds.
Hearn’s perspective reinforces the notion that adversity can forge stronger competitors. By confronting the boos head‑on and maintaining composure, Littler can demonstrate to fans and fellow players alike that negative reactions do not dictate performance. As Hearn put it, "He’s good enough to show that he can still win and that basically will keep the boo boys, who are out of order by the way, without doubt, keep them quiet." The broader darts community continues to follow these developments closely. Sky Sports, the primary broadcaster for major darts events, will showcase upcoming tournaments such as the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the World Darts Championship later this year.
These platforms provide ample opportunity for Littler to test Taylor’s advice in high‑stakes environments and perhaps turn the current wave of disapproval into a rallying cry for his supporters. In summary, Phil Taylor’s counsel to Luke Littler is clear: embrace the boos, focus on delivering high scores, and let the crowd’s reaction become a catalyst rather than a deterrent. By adopting a resilient mindset, honing his technique, and maintaining confidence, Littler can not only silence his detractors but also cement his place among darts’ elite. The journey ahead promises challenges, but with guidance from legends and a supportive team behind him, the young champion has the tools to transform criticism into triumph.