The darts world thrives on big personalities and even bigger opinions, and few deliver both with the effortless swagger of **Luke “The Nuke” Littler**. At just 19 years old, the Warrington phenomenon has already stormed to the top of the PDC world rankings as the undisputed number one player. With a staggering 12 Premier event titles under his belt, he stands as the third most successful player in PDC history by that metric alone. His meteoric rise continues to captivate fans, but Littler showed his cheeky, self-assured side in a recent appearance on the Double Tops podcast, where he didn’t hesitate to carve out his own spot on darts’ mythical **Mount Rushmore**—the ultimate four-man pantheon of the sport’s greatest figures.
When asked for his personal selection of the all-time greats, Littler wasted no time putting himself front and center. “My Mount Rushmore would probably be myself,” he said with a grin that blended confidence and humor. “I’ll be on there. I think I’d have to say Phil Taylor as well, Michael van Gerwen and then, yeah, only one man left, Luke Humphries. It’s very lucky for myself to obviously be playing the likes of Michael and Luke week in, week out. But yeah, why not? Why not get us all on there?”
The choice sparked instant debate across the darts community. Phil Taylor, “The Power,” is a non-negotiable inclusion for almost anyone. With 16 world titles and an era-defining dominance that spanned decades, Taylor set standards of consistency, mental toughness, and trophy haul that remain the benchmark. Littler’s respect for the legend is clear, especially given the shared moments they’ve had, including a memorable meal together ahead of a World Championship.
Joining Taylor and Littler on this modern Mount Rushmore are two of the teenager’s toughest on-stage rivals. **Michael van Gerwen**, the explosive three-time world champion, brings raw power, blistering 180s, and an intensity that has defined the sport for over a decade. Littler and MVG have clashed in numerous high-profile matches, pushing each other to breathtaking levels of performance. Then there’s **Luke Humphries**, “Cool Hand Luke,” the composed 2024 world champion whose smooth technique and big-stage temperament make him a constant threat. By placing both current stars alongside himself and Taylor, Littler highlights just how fiercely competitive the elite level is right now.
At an age when most players are still finding their feet on the tour, Littler’s inclusion of himself might seem bold to traditionalists. Yet the numbers tell a compelling story. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenage sensation, he has rewritten record books at breakneck speed. Multiple World Darts Championship triumphs, dominant Premier League campaigns, and consistent high averages have made him the face of a new generation. His presence has boosted viewing figures, packed arenas, and injected fresh global excitement into the sport. In Littler’s mind, the current crop—including himself, van Gerwen, and Humphries—is already writing a historic chapter worthy of the mountain.
The conversation didn’t stop at all-time greats. Littler also opened up about his off-board darts sessions with popular online personality **Angry Ginge**, who has publicly floated the idea of attempting **Q-School** in a bid to turn professional. Ginge’s streaming averages often sit in the respectable 60-70 range, but Littler offered a grounded reality check rooted in his own relentless work ethic.
“I’ve played darts with Ginge quite a few times,” Littler explained. “He’s got a little bit about him, but if he wants to be pro it would take him many years to reach the top. I think he was on stream one time and he said he wants to have a go at it. But I think when he’s playing, I think he’s near enough 60-odd average, 70-odd average, which obviously isn’t too bad. But yeah, I said to him a few hours a day for probably a year, maybe even longer before he can obviously reach what I’m playing at.”
The comments reflect Littler’s no-nonsense approach to the game. Despite his phenomenal success and the intense spotlight that comes with being world number one so young, he remains refreshingly honest about the grind required to stay at the summit. Hours of daily practice, unbreakable focus, and an innate competitive fire have propelled him this far, and he sees no easy shortcuts—even for a high-profile friend with a massive online following.
Littler’s Mount Rushmore selection is sure to fuel lively discussions among fans. Some will champion more historical icons like Raymond van Barneveld or Eric Bristow, whose contributions laid the foundations for today’s professional era. Others might argue that van Gerwen and Humphries still have plenty of major titles left to chase before securing their places. Yet Littler’s willingness to insert himself into such exalted company speaks volumes about his self-belief and the extraordinary trajectory he is carving.
As the 2026 season rolls on, with Premier League nights, Players Championships, and major televised events still to come, Littler continues to back up his words with world-class performances. Whether his cheeky self-inclusion eventually looks like prescient foresight or youthful bravado remains to be seen. One thing is undeniable: the darts landscape feels more electric with The Nuke at the center of it.
From cheeky podcast revelations to trophy-laden dominance on the oche, Luke Littler is not just playing the game—he’s actively shaping its legacy. And if his current form is anything to go by, that Mount Rushmore might need a much larger piece of stone in the years ahead to accommodate everything he still plans to achieve.