Phil Taylor, the celebrated 16‑time world darts champion who stepped away from professional competition in 2018, has taken a firm stance on the recent wave of boos and whistles aimed at the sport’s current world number one, Luke Littler. In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, the retired legend urged the 19‑year‑old prodigy to embrace the hostile reactions he’s been receiving, especially from Dutch crowds, and to use them as fuel for his game. Littler’s quest for a historic clean sweep of all major PDC titles in the 2026 season hit a snag at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.
During that event, the young Warrington‑born star complained publicly about the persistent whistling and booing from the local supporters. The backlash was so intense that Littler hinted he might consider boycotting future Dutch tournaments if the atmosphere did not improve. Taylor, who amassed his final world crown in 2013 before hanging up his darts in 2018, offered a seasoned perspective on handling crowd hostility.
"Littler has got to get used to the boos," Taylor told Sky Sports. "Go in there and turn the crowd. If you start hitting your 140s, 180s, and big finishes, the audience will often change their tune. The key is not to react to the negativity but to let your performance speak for itself." The former champion emphasized that a degree of confidence – even a touch of cockiness – can be an asset for a young player.
"He's young and a little bit cocky at times, but that's good, that's confidence," Taylor said. "He just needs to accept that crowds will be against him for a while, but eventually they'll tire of the noise. Keep doing what you're doing, keep playing well, and stay focused. Let them boo, then celebrate your victories with your own flair." Taylor also reminded Littler that, unlike many seasoned professionals, he does not yet carry the weight of extensive responsibilities.
"Littler can just go out there, enjoy himself, and win tournaments," the 66‑year‑old noted. "He should ignore the crowd – which is easier said than done – and find a way to win them over." When asked how Littler could improve his game, Taylor was unequivocal: "He could improve 100 percent if he keeps working on his board practice and mental toughness. I would have loved to see him become the player I always admired, someone who constantly looks for ways to raise his level." Taylor drew a colorful analogy, likening the mental battle to a scene from the Rocky movies.
"You have to be a bit like Rocky Balboa, getting the chicken out and chasing it down the garden," he joked, praising Littler’s humility and lack of a money‑first mindset. "Players who were better than me pushed me to thrive. I loved that challenge." Looking ahead, Taylor believes that as other competitors study Littler’s style and begin to adapt, the mental pressure on the young star will increase.
"Players are watching him, they’re learning from him, and they’ll improve, which adds extra mental strain on Luke. He might think, ‘I need to practice a bit more,’ and that’s a good thing because it forces him to keep sharpening his skills." On the subject of matching Taylor’s own record of sixteen world titles, the legend was realistic yet encouraging.
"To win sixteen world titles you need to be professional for at least twenty‑five years. It will be very difficult to match me, but anyone with talent can try." Former PDC chairman Barry Hearn weighed in, describing Littler as a natural‑born darts player whose success is already transforming his family’s future. "He’s making a huge amount of money and changing his family’s life for generations to come – that’s what every sportsperson should aim for," Hearn told Sky Sports.
He also put the boos into perspective: "When a visiting player takes a penalty in the home end, the crowd rarely stays quiet. It’s part of being a professional. You have to get used to it." Hearn recalled that other high‑profile players, such as Peter Manley and Gerwyn Price, endured similar hostility early in their careers before eventually winning over the crowds.
"Manley was the first I dealt with, and more recently Price faced a lot of stick. He smiled back at the fans and now he’s one of the most popular players in the world. Luke needs to focus on that – show the boos don’t affect him, keep winning, and the boo‑boys will eventually quiet down." The broader darts community continues to showcase the sport on major stages.
Sky Sports remains the primary broadcaster for marquee events, including the World Grand Prix (running until October 4), the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14‑22), and the World Darts Championship (December 10‑January 3). Fans can stream all these tournaments and more through the NOW platform without a long‑term contract. In summary, Phil Taylor’s advice to Luke Littler is straightforward: embrace the negativity, let stellar play silence the critics, and keep sharpening both skill and mental resilience. As the young champion navigates the inevitable ups and downs of a high‑profile darts career, the support of legends like Taylor and seasoned administrators like Hearn may prove crucial in turning today’s boos into tomorrow’s applause.