Luke Littler makes feelings clear after Luke Humphries called him 'greatest ever' following Masters triumph

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 02/02/2026

- 08:40

The 19-year-old has added another title to his collection

Luke Littler has responded after Luke Humphries dubbed him the 'greatest player ever' following his Masters triumph on Sunday night.

The 19-year-old added yet another title to his collection in Milton Keynes, defeating his rival 6-5 to continue his sensational start to the year.


After their showdown, Humphries paid Littler the ultimate compliment - acknowledging that the teenage sensation was in a league of his own.

The world No 2 said: "He has shown that true class. I said to him at the end I don't think he has a heart. He never folds under pressure. You try your hardest to put him under it but he never folds.

"It may be premature, but I think he's the greatest darts player that's ever lived."

Littler has now responded to that huge compliment.

The darts star has shown modesty, insisting that isn't the case, and that Phil Taylor is worthier of that title instead.

The youngster said: "I didn't hear him say that.

Luke Littler has responded after Luke Humphries dubbed him the 'greatest player ever' following his Masters triumph on Sunday night

Luke Littler has responded after Luke Humphries dubbed him the 'greatest player ever' following his Masters triumph on Sunday night

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“I heard the crowd cheer a few times when he was talking, but I couldn’t hear him.

"But no - no one will ever beat Phil. I won’t be the greatest ever, even if I do win more than what Phil won.”

Later this week, Premier League Darts returns.

Littler previously won the prize in 2024, beating Humphries in the final.

Luke Littler factsFive things to know about Luke Littler | PA

However, Humphries is the defending champion in the wake of his brilliant triumph last year.

Littler is eager to win his trophy back, while he's also set his sights on winning the European Tour and World Cup of Darts.

"Obviously it [Winmau World Masters win] means a lot and to pull myself from 5-4 down to win 6-5 means everything," he continued.

"It's another one ticked off now.

"We can focus on the European Tour and the World Cup [of Darts] when it comes to that time, but I'm looking forward to the Premier League now."

Littler added: "That [European Championship] is obviously the main goal for this year, but obviously another goal is to go and get the Premier League trophy back.

Luke Humphries Luke Littler

Luke Littler and Luke Humphries' rivalry continues to captivate the world of darts

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"I'm looking forward to the European Tours as well. The one in Belgium I've won back-to-back, so obviously want to go and do the hat-trick there.

"But we can't look too far ahead - we can only look at next week for the Premier League."

Humphries, however, is determined to keep challenging Littler with the 30-year-old warning his young rival that he's 'got to watch his back'.

"It's exciting because I can go away this weekend and think my game is in a good place again," he stated. "A little one per cent on top of what I've already done this week could be detrimental to challenging Luke a bit more.

"He's got to watch his back. I'm feeling really good about my game. Of course I'm gutted not to win it but you do take the positives. it's been a great tournament for me.

"I proved again why I am the second-best player in the world. I know it's not an achievement, but I proved that today and this week. I'm going to try and be the best, but it's going to be hard, trust me."