Phil Taylor, the iconic figure who dominated darts for decades, has taken a public stance on the vocal reaction Luke Littler has been receiving from fans at recent events. The 19‑year‑old world number one, who was hoping to claim every major PDC title in the 2026 season, found his campaign halted at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam after repeatedly being whistled and booed by Dutch spectators. Taylor, a sixteen‑time world champion who stepped away from professional competition in 2018, told Sky Sports News that Littler must learn to live with the noise and even turn it to his advantage.
"Littler has got to get used to the boos. Go in there and turn the crowd," Taylor said. "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 retired legend emphasized that reacting to the jeers can be a distraction, and that a calm, confident approach can shift the atmosphere. "He’s young and a little bit cocky at times, but that’s good – that’s confidence.
He just has to accept that crowds will be on his back for a while, then they’ll get bored with it," Taylor added. Taylor’s advice went beyond simply ignoring the noise.
He encouraged Littler to keep playing his natural game, to focus on high scores and spectacular finishes, and to let the audience’s reaction fade into the background. "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," the former champion urged. He also reminded the young player that, unlike seasoned veterans who carry the weight of expectations, Littler can still enjoy the spotlight without the burden of long‑term responsibilities.
"He can just go up there and enjoy himself and win tournaments. Take no notice of the crowd, which isn’t easy, obviously, but work out a way of turning the crowd around," Taylor explained.
In addition to the psychological guidance, Taylor offered concrete suggestions for improvement. He praised Littler’s natural talent, saying the Warrington prodigy could raise his game "100 per cent" by continuing to practice and by learning from the experiences of past champions. "I would have loved him to have been about… any player that used to come through I used to love anyway because I looked at ways of raising my game," the 66‑year‑old reflected.
He likened the journey to a Rocky Balboa‑style fight, urging Littler to keep chasing the metaphorical chicken and never settle. Taylor also noted that the pressure from fellow competitors is mounting.
As more players study Littler’s style and try to emulate his success, the mental strain on the teenager will increase. "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," Taylor warned. He believes this pressure could become a catalyst for further growth, prompting Littler to train harder and refine his technique.
When asked whether anyone could ever match Taylor’s record of sixteen world titles, the legend was modest but 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 greatness.
Former PDC chairman Barry Hearn also weighed in, describing Littler as a "natural‑born darts player" whose success is already transforming his family’s fortunes. Hearn highlighted that the boos are a normal part of the sport, especially when a player competes in an opponent’s home venue.
"When was the last time you saw a penalty being taken in the home end by the visitors? Was it quiet or did they boo? You’ve got to get used to this sort of thing. It’s part and parcel of being a professional," Hearn explained.
He pointed to the experiences of Peter Manley and Gerwyn Price, both of whom endured sustained heckling before eventually winning over the crowds. Hearn concluded that Littler’s challenge is to remain focused on his performance and let his results silence the detractors. "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," he said. The darts calendar remains packed, with Sky Sports broadcasting the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the World Darts Championship later this year.
As the sport continues to attract a passionate fan base, the ability to thrive amid both cheers and jeers will be a defining trait for any rising star. For Luke Littler, the message from two of the game’s most influential figures is clear: embrace the boos, stay confident, and let his dart‑throwing prowess speak louder than any crowd noise.