Phil Taylor, the iconic figure who dominated darts for decades, recently took a moment to address the challenges faced by the sport’s newest sensation, Luke Littler. The 16‑time world champion, who stepped away from competitive play in 2018 after a glittering career, warned the 19‑year‑old world number one that learning to live with the inevitable boos and whistles is part of the professional journey. Taylor’s advice came after Littler’s ambitious attempt to capture every major PDC title in the 2026 season was halted at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.
During that tournament, the young Englishman openly complained about the persistent whistling from Dutch spectators, an incident that even led him to suggest he might boycott future events in the Netherlands if the hostility continued. In an interview with Sky Sports News, Taylor offered a candid perspective: "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 emphasized that a player’s reaction to the crowd can make a huge difference. By staying focused, delivering high scores, and ignoring the negative noise, a darts professional can often win over even the most vocal detractors.
Taylor also highlighted Littler’s youthful confidence, describing it as a positive trait. "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," he said. The message was clear: maintain composure, keep playing strong, and let any victories speak for themselves.
"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 added, urging the rising star to treat the boos as background noise rather than a distraction. The retired champion went further, noting that Littler does not yet carry the heavy responsibilities that more seasoned players face.
"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," Taylor advised.
He praised Littler’s natural talent and suggested that, with the right mindset, the young player could transform the hostile reactions into a source of motivation. Taylor also reflected on how Littler’s game could improve dramatically with continued effort.
"I would have loved him to have been about," the 66‑year‑old said, before clarifying that any player who studies his own performance and seeks ways to raise their level will see benefits. He drew a colorful analogy, comparing the mental toughness required in darts to the perseverance of Rocky Balboa: "You have to be a bit like Rocky Balboa by getting the chicken out and chasing it down the garden. It’s great to see him up there and he’s a lovely lad who is not money‑orientated." Taylor’s comments underscored the importance of humility and a love for the game beyond financial gain. The conversation also touched on the broader competitive environment.
Taylor observed that other players are watching Littler closely and learning from his style, which will inevitably increase the mental pressure on the teenager. "What players are doing now is that they’re watching him and they’re jumping on him. Players are getting used to him and they will improve, which will put more mental pressure on Luke," he explained.
This pressure, however, could serve as a catalyst for further growth, prompting Littler to practice more and refine his technique. When asked whether anyone could ever match or surpass his staggering record of 16 world titles, Taylor was realistic yet optimistic. "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 longevity while leaving the door open for future legends.
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. "He’s making a huge amount of money. He’s changing his family’s life and generations beyond, which is what all sports stars should aim for.
He is the best in the world, clearly," Hearn told Sky Sports. He noted that dealing with hostile crowds is part of the professional experience, likening it to the occasional booing a visiting football team might face when taking a penalty on an opponent’s home ground.
"You’ve got to get used to this sort of thing. It’s part and parcel of being a professional," Hearn said.
Hearn reminded listeners that past champions such as Peter Manley and Gerwyn Price also endured sustained booing before eventually winning over the audience. "Manley was the first one I came into contact with, but of late, Price got a lot of stick. He smiled back at them and today, he’s one of the world’s most popular players," Hearn explained.
He encouraged Littler to follow a similar path: let his performances do the talking and the boos will eventually fade. The overarching message from both Taylor and Hearn is that resilience, confidence, and unwavering focus are the keys to thriving in the high‑pressure world of professional darts. As the sport continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with major events such as the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the World Darts Championship broadcast live on Sky Sports, the next generation of talent like Luke Littler will be tested not only by their opponents but also by the reactions of passionate fans.
By embracing the boos, staying true to his game, and continually seeking improvement, Littler can turn criticism into a stepping stone toward a lasting legacy in the sport.