Phil Taylor, the iconic figure who dominated professional darts for more than two decades, has taken a public stance on the recent wave of boos and whistles aimed at the sport's rising star, Luke Littler. The 16‑time world champion, who hung up his competitive darts shoes in 2018 after a glittering career, told Sky Sports News that the 19‑year‑old world number one needs to learn to ignore the hostile reactions of certain sections of the audience and turn that negativity into motivation.
Littler’s quest for a historic clean sweep of all major Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) titles in 2026 hit a snag at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. During his matches, Dutch fans repeatedly whistled and jeered, prompting the young Englishman to voice his frustration. The incident sparked a broader conversation about how the sport’s fans interact with players, especially those who are still carving out their legacies.
Taylor, who captured his final world crown in 2013 before retiring five years later, offered a seasoned perspective. "Littler has got to get used to the boos. Go in there and turn the crowd," he 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 player’s reaction to hostility can either amplify the negativity or dissolve it. By staying focused on high scores and finishing legs with precision, a player can shift the audience’s mood from antagonistic to supportive. Taylor also praised Littler’s confidence, describing him as "young and a little bit cocky at times but that’s good, that’s confidence." He urged the youngster to accept that crowds will occasionally be "on his back" but warned that such sentiment is usually short‑lived.
"They will get bored with it," Taylor added, encouraging Littler to keep his composure, keep playing well, and let any subsequent celebrations speak for themselves. The veteran further noted that Littler, unlike many seasoned professionals, does not yet carry the weight of extensive responsibilities.
"He can just go up there and enjoy himself and win tournaments. Go up there, enjoy it, take no notice of the crowd, which isn’t easy, obviously, but work out a way of turning the crowd around," Taylor explained.
This advice mirrors the mental‑strength strategies employed by champions across sports, where the ability to block out external noise is often as crucial as technical skill. Taylor did not shy away from discussing how Littler could improve his game "100 per cent." He likened the process to the classic underdog story of Rocky Balboa, urging the Warrington prodigy to "get the chicken out and chase it down the garden." In other words, Littler should pursue relentless practice, maintain his natural talent, and avoid becoming overly focused on financial rewards. "He’s a lovely lad who is not money‑orientated," Taylor said, highlighting the importance of passion over profit.
The former champion also observed a shift in the broader darts community. Younger players are now watching Littler closely, and many are beginning to emulate his style. This increased scrutiny, Taylor suggested, could add mental pressure but also serve as a catalyst for further improvement. "He might then think, ‘I need to practise a bit more,’ so he’s doing things to improve his game whereas before he’s going in there and not thinking about it," Taylor noted.
When asked whether anyone could ever match or surpass his record of sixteen world titles, Taylor was realistic yet hopeful. "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 longevity while leaving the door open for future legends.
Former PDC chairman Barry Hearn echoed many of Taylor’s sentiments, describing Littler as a "natural‑born darts player" whose success is already reshaping his family’s future. Hearn emphasized that boos are part of the professional environment, drawing a parallel to football crowds who often jeer visiting teams. "You’ve got to get used to this sort of thing. It’s part and parcel of being a professional," he said, adding that the sport’s governing bodies still aim to encourage respectful audience behavior.
Hearn also referenced past players who endured similar treatment, such as Peter Manley and Gerwyn Price, both of whom eventually won over skeptical fans. "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 asserted. The ongoing dialogue around crowd conduct underscores a broader issue within darts: balancing passionate fan engagement with sportsmanship. As the PDC continues to expand its global footprint—highlighted by upcoming events like the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the World Darts Championship—players will increasingly encounter diverse audiences.
For Littler, the challenge will be to harness his youthful confidence, refine his technique, and develop the mental resilience needed to thrive under any circumstance. In summary, Phil Taylor’s counsel to Luke Littler is clear: embrace the boos, focus on high scores, and let victories do the talking.
By doing so, Littler can not only silence his detractors but also set a benchmark for future generations of darts players, proving that a strong mind is just as vital as a steady hand on the oche.