The darts world is buzzing over the brewing tension between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, sparked by comments from two darts legends, Gary Anderson and James Wade.
The controversy began at the World Grand Prix when Anderson voiced his frustration about the media and public’s apparent neglect of world champion Luke Humphries, despite his recent achievements. Anderson believes that Humphries, currently ranked world No. 1, isn’t getting the recognition he deserves, with the spotlight instead focused on the 17-year-old prodigy, Luke Littler.
Over the past year, both players have been at the forefront of the sport. Humphries crowned an exceptional year by defeating Littler in the final of the World Championship. However, it was Littler’s debut run at Alexandra Palace that grabbed headlines. Littler soon avenged his loss, beating Humphries in the Premier League final, adding more fuel to their rivalry. Despite both players enjoying successful seasons, many—including Anderson—feel the attention is disproportionately on Littler.
During a press conference, Anderson didn’t hold back, defending Humphries: “What has Luke [Humphries] won in the last two years? Just about everything. He’s not just a world champion; he’s won so much more. And yet, he’s overlooked every time, which I think is rubbish.”
James Wade echoed Anderson’s sentiments, criticizing how the darts community seems to be “failing” Humphries, despite the sport’s rising popularity. Wade even ranked Humphries among the best world champions in the sport’s history, alongside legends like Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor.
Humphries, typically soft-spoken, agreed with the sentiment but refused to downplay Littler’s accomplishments. “I do feel like I’ve gotten a lot of credit, but it’s hard to ignore a superstar like Luke [Littler]. He’s making the sport bigger for all of us,” Humphries said. While he acknowledges that perhaps he could receive more recognition, Humphries is content with his current status, preferring to focus on his game rather than the debate.
Meanwhile, Littler, who was knocked out of the World Grand Prix early, hasn’t directly addressed the controversy. However, he has always expressed admiration for Humphries, and their camaraderie off the oche is well known. Despite the brewing debate, the mutual respect between these two rising stars remains evident.
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