‘There’s a Littler hype, which overshadows Humphries, & that’s not really fair’ – Darts star Van Gerwen in brutal blast

1 week ago 10

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN believes that it is “unfair” that the hype surrounding Luke Littler has “overshadowed” Luke Humphries’ exceptional year.

The trio are all set to compete in the World Darts Championship later this month.

Michael van Gerwen has waded into the Littler-Humphries debate[/caption]

Luke Littler has enjoyed a stunning season[/caption]

Luke Humphries is No1 in the PDC’s Order of Merit[/caption]

Littler, 17, has had an incredible 2024, having burst onto the scene at last year’s Alexandra Palace showpiece.

But Van Gerwen still believes that Humphries reigns supreme.

Asked by Viaplay who the best player in the world is, the Dutchman claimed: “I think it’s Luke Humphries.”

When it was put to him that many may prefer Littler, the 35-year-old added: “But I don’t agree with that.

“That’s just because there’s a Littler hype, which kind of overshadows Humphries, and that’s not really fair.”

Littler has won the Premier League, Grand Slam and World Series of Darts this season.

Humphries, meanwhile, holds the World Championship, the Players Championship, World Matchplay and the World Cup, while being far clear at No1 in the PDC’s Order of Merit.

Van Gerwen’s Dutch compatriot Vincent van der Voort, 48, agrees with MVG’s stance.

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He added: “I do think Littler’s peak might be a bit higher, but Humphries is the most complete player right now.

“Littler is spectacular. When he’s in full flow, you think, ‘Wow, what am I even watching?’.

“But if you look at the results across the whole year, Humphries is just much more consistent.”

Littler was today confirmed as the most Google searched athlete of 2024 in the UK, ahead of the likes of Lamine Yamal and Simone Biles.

He was the third-most Googled person in the UK this year, only behind Kate Middleton and Donald Trump, and ahead of the likes of Keir Starmer and King Charles.