Luke Woodhouse has stepped up as a vocal advocate for his fellow competitor Luke Littler, urging the darts‑watching public to recognise and back the 19‑year‑old’s extraordinary abilities. In recent weeks Littler has endured a wave of boos and jeers from sections of the crowd, a reaction that Woodhouse believes is both unwarranted and damaging to the sport’s growing reputation.
The latest episode unfolded at the World Grand Prix in Leicester, where Littler entered the arena as the defending champion. He was slated to defend his title on Monday night, but his campaign was cut short when Woodhouse, a seasoned professional, edged him out in a tightly contested first‑round match, 2‑1. The match statistics reflected a sub‑par performance from the world number one, who posted an average of just 82.41 points per throw. Woodhouse, after dropping the opening set, rallied to claim the second and then surged ahead in the decisive third set, ultimately sealing the victory with a 75‑checkout.
In the post‑match interview, Woodhouse didn’t mince words about the treatment Littler has received. “Luke isn’t a robot; he’s going to have days when his game isn’t at 100 percent,” he said, emphasizing the human element of any athlete’s performance. “He’s a one‑of‑a‑kind talent, and I think people need to sit back and truly appreciate how good he is rather than constantly putting him down.” Woodhouse went on to suggest that the darts community may never see another player of Littler’s calibre again, underscoring the rarity of his skill set. The hostility towards Littler is not a new phenomenon.
Earlier in September, during the World Series of Darts Finals in the Netherlands, the young star was met with boos and whistles from certain sections of the audience. He faced a hostile reception both in his opening round against Danny Noppert and later in the round of 16 when he faced Nathan Aspinall.
The situation escalated to the point where referee Charlie Corstorphine had to intervene to calm the crowd. The backlash was severe enough that Littler threatened to boycott future events in the Netherlands and ultimately withdrew from two Players Championship tournaments held there. He eventually bowed out of the Dutch tournament in the quarter‑finals after a loss to Jonny Clayton. When asked why the darts community seemed to single out the back‑to‑back PDC World Darts Championship winner, Woodhouse admitted he had no definitive answer.
“I don’t know why some people are giving him a hard time,” he said, before drawing a parallel between Littler’s impact and that of legends such as Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld and Gary Anderson. “He’s taken the game to the next level, and I just hope people give him the support he deserves.” Woodhouse acknowledged that Littler had a rough patch, noting, “He wasn’t on his game tonight and he lost last week, but I’m confident he’ll win many more titles.” Woodhouse’s own performance in the match was a study in resilience. After losing the first set, he fought back to level the match, then launched a commanding start in the third set, taking the first two legs before Littler managed to claim the third. Woodhouse closed out the deciding set 3‑1, celebrating with a checkout of 75.
Reflecting on his win, Woodhouse described his emotions as a “mix of feelings,” explaining that he initially felt he had squandered his chance in the first set, which left him angry with himself. “I thought he wasn’t firing on all cylinders, so I told myself not to let him take two sets when he was off his game. It was a huge relief when I finally secured the win.” He also highlighted the significance of beating the world number one on a major stage, calling it “over the moon” and acknowledging that a victory over a player of Littler’s stature is a career milestone. Yet, Woodhouse made it clear that his ambitions extend beyond a single upset.
“Winning tournaments is what I’m here for,” he affirmed, noting that while the short‑format nature of the Grand Prix demands quick starts and precise finishing, he remains hungry for more titles. Looking ahead, the tournament will progress with the second round spread over Wednesday and Thursday, followed by quarter‑finals on Friday, semi‑finals on Saturday, and the final on Sunday.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, with continuous coverage through to the championship match. Woodhouse’s plea for empathy and support for Littler carries broader implications for the sport.
Darts, once a niche pastime, has blossomed into a global spectacle with millions of viewers. The treatment of its rising stars can shape public perception and influence the next generation of players. By championing Littler’s talent and urging fans to move past negativity, Woodhouse hopes to foster a more inclusive and appreciative environment.
He believes that when audiences focus on the skill, dedication, and excitement that players like Littler bring to the oche, the sport will continue to thrive and attract new talent. In summary, Woodhouse’s message is clear: Luke Littler is a singular talent whose contributions to darts deserve recognition, not ridicule. The young champion’s recent experiences of crowd hostility have sparked a conversation about sportsmanship, fan behavior, and the responsibilities of both players and spectators in nurturing a positive competitive atmosphere.
As the World Grand Prix unfolds, all eyes will be on how Littler responds to the challenges ahead and whether the broader darts community heeds Woodhouse’s call to rally behind one of its most promising stars.