Phil Taylor, the iconic figure who dominated professional darts for two decades, has taken a candid stance on the vocal reaction that Luke Littler, the current world number one, has been receiving at recent events. In a recent interview with Sky Sports News, Taylor told the young English prodigy that he must "get used to the boos" and learn to turn that negative energy into a source of motivation. Taylor’s advice comes after Littler’s ambitious attempt to capture every major PDC title in the 2026 calendar fell short at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, where the Dutch audience repeatedly whistled and booed the 19‑year‑old during his matches. The atmosphere in Amsterdam was charged.
As Littler stepped up to the oche, sections of the crowd expressed their displeasure with sharp whistles and vocal jeers. The young champion, who has already amassed several major titles, voiced his frustration publicly, even hinting that he might consider boycotting future tournaments in the Netherlands if the hostility persisted.
Taylor, a 16‑time world champion who retired from competition in 2018, stepped in to offer perspective and encouragement. "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 former champion emphasized that a strong performance can change the audience’s mood.
He noted that when a player begins to hit high scores consistently—those coveted 140s, 180s, and clutch finishes—the spectators often shift from antagonism to admiration. Taylor urged Littler not to let the noise distract him, but to use it as fuel.
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," the 66‑year‑old legend explained. He encouraged the rising star to accept that crowds will sometimes be on his back, but reassured him that the intensity will fade as the audience grows bored with the negativity.
"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, stressing the importance of maintaining composure and celebrating victories without being swayed by external criticism. Beyond the immediate advice, Taylor reflected on the broader responsibilities that come with being a top‑level player.
He told Littler that, unlike many seasoned veterans, he still has the freedom to enjoy the sport without the weight of legacy expectations. "Littler doesn’t have responsibilities. He can just go up there and enjoy himself and win tournaments," Taylor said.
He acknowledged that ignoring the crowd is easier said than done, but urged Littler to find a personal strategy for converting hostility into support. When asked about Littler’s potential for improvement, Taylor was unequivocal: the young phenom could elevate his game "100 per cent" by continuing to play the board and embracing the competitive pressure.
He likened the mental toughness required to the perseverance of a fictional boxer, saying, "You have to be a bit like Rocky Balboa, getting the chicken out and chasing it down the garden." Taylor praised Littler’s humility, noting that he is not primarily motivated by money, which he believes will serve him well in the long run. Taylor also observed a shift in how other players respond to Littler’s presence. "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 heightened scrutiny, according to Taylor, could prompt Littler to practice more diligently, thereby raising his overall standard of play. The conversation turned to Taylor’s own legendary record of 16 world titles.
When asked whether anyone could ever match or surpass his achievements, he responded modestly: "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." His words underscored the rarity of such sustained dominance in darts.
Former PDC chairman Barry Hearn also weighed in, describing Littler as a "natural‑born darts player" whose success is already transforming his family’s future. Hearn noted that Littler’s schedule requires careful management, but affirmed that a solid support team is in place to guide him. Regarding the booing, Hearn put it in context: "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 cited past examples, such as Peter Manley and Gerwyn Price, who endured similar hostility before eventually winning over the crowds.
He urged Littler to follow their lead: smile back at the detractors, keep delivering strong performances, and let the results speak for themselves. "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," Hearn concluded. The darts community continues to rally around its stars, with Sky Sports broadcasting the sport’s marquee events—including the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and the World Darts Championship—through its NOW streaming service. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Luke Littler to see whether he can transform the jeers of today into the cheers of tomorrow, following the sage counsel of legends like Phil Taylor and Barry Hearn.