Phil Taylor, the 16‑time world darts champion who hung up his competitive shoes in 2018, has taken a keen interest in the young prodigy Luke Littler, the current world number one. After Littler’s recent run at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam was marred by a chorus of boos and whistles from the Dutch crowd, Taylor stepped in with a straightforward piece of advice: "Get used to the boos." Littler, only 19, entered the 2026 season with the ambition of clinching every major Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) title in a single year. His quest hit a snag in Amsterdam when he publicly complained about the persistent whistling and jeering from local supporters.
The reaction was strong enough that the back‑to‑back world champion hinted at possibly boycotting future events in the Netherlands if the hostile atmosphere continued. During an interview with Sky Sports News, Taylor explained why he believes Littler should learn to thrive under such pressure.
"When you’re hitting 140s, 180s and finishing on the double, the crowd can flip in an instant. The key is not to react to the negativity but to let your performance speak for itself," he said.
"Littler is young, a little cocky – which is good – because confidence fuels success. He just needs to accept that some fans will try to get under his skin, but they’ll tire out eventually." Taylor urged the teenager to keep his focus on the game: "Play your darts, ignore the noise, and when you win, celebrate in your own style. Let the boos be background music while you concentrate on the board." He also highlighted that Littler, unlike many seasoned professionals, does not yet carry the weight of long‑term expectations. "He can go out there, enjoy the spotlight, and chase titles without the baggage older players have.
It isn’t easy to ignore a vocal crowd, but he must find a way to turn that energy to his advantage," Taylor added. The former champion went on to praise Littler’s attitude, noting that the Warrington native shows a willingness to improve that could boost his game "by a full 100 percent." He likened the process to the classic underdog story of Rocky Balboa: "You have to chase the chicken, keep moving, and never stop grinding. Luke is a lovely lad, not driven by money alone, and that humility will serve him well." Taylor observed that other players are already taking note of Littler’s rise. "His peers are watching him, learning from his style, and that will increase the mental pressure on Luke.
That pressure can be a catalyst for even more practice and refinement." When asked whether anyone could ever match his record of 16 world titles, Taylor was realistic but optimistic. "Winning that many crowns requires a professional mindset and a career spanning at least 25 years. It’s a tall order, but talent can always surprise us," he said. Former PDC chairman Barry Hearn echoed many of Taylor’s points, emphasizing that Littler’s response to the boos will define his legacy.
"He’s a natural‑born darts player. At 19 he’s already changing his family’s future and that’s what every sportsperson should aim for," Hearn told Sky Sports.
"Boos are part of the game, especially when you’re playing away from home. Think of it as being in someone else’s backyard – you learn to adapt." Hearn referenced past players who endured similar hostility, such as Peter Manley and Gerwyn Price, both of whom eventually won over skeptical audiences. "Manley was the first I met who faced that, and Price has turned the tables by smiling back at his critics.
Luke can do the same – focus on winning, and the boo‑boys will quiet down," Hearn asserted. The broader darts community continues to rally behind the sport, with Sky Sports broadcasting major events like the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the World Darts Championship. Fans can stream these tournaments via NOW without a contract, ensuring the excitement reaches a global audience.
In summary, Phil Taylor’s counsel to Luke Littler is clear: embrace the boos, let your performance do the talking, and keep honing your craft. The young champion’s journey is still in its early chapters, but with guidance from legends and a resilient mindset, he has the tools to silence doubters and cement his place among darts’ elite.