Luke Littler’s rise from teenage prodigy to world-stage powerhouse hasn’t just shaken up darts… it’s rattled a few cages. And some of the sport’s biggest names haven’t been shy about lobbing a dart or two his way.
Here are five players who’ve taken real-world digs, shots, or salty swipes at The Nuke.
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1. Michael van Gerwen — The Master of the Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Jab
MVG has been the most vocal about Littler’s meteoric rise. His greatest hits include:
- Pointing out that Littler “still lives at home with his mum,” implying life is easier when you don’t have adult responsibilities dragging you down.
- Warning that the pressures of growing up — mortgages, bills, actual adulthood — might knock Littler off his perch.
- Previously snapping that players shouldn’t treat Littler “like a baby,” after the young star was late to a media shoot.
He respects the talent — but the digs? Oh, they’re real.
2. Dennis Priestley — The “Letting His Country Down” Blast
The two-time world champion didn’t tiptoe around it. He outright said Littler had “let his country down” after a particular performance, a line that hit like a runaway checkout.
Littler clapped back politely, but Priestley’s comment was a full-power tungsten torching.
3. Ricardo Pietreczko — The German Calling Him “Arrogant”
Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko lit things up when he branded Littler “a bit arrogant.”
This wasn’t fan gossip — it was a player giving his honest (and spicy) view of Littler’s on-stage manner and attitude.
A rivalry flickered to life right then.
4. Vincent van der Voort — The Professional Disapproval
After one tournament appearance, Van der Voort criticised Littler’s post-match comments, saying the young phenom needed to show more respect toward fellow pros.
Not a full attack — but darts fans know the difference between a chuckle and a real scolding. This was the latter.
5. Martin Schindler — Banter That Became a Headline
Martin Schindler didn’t slam Littler outright, but his comment about “no one being consistent forever” clearly pushed a button.
Littler joked that he was living rent-free in Schindler’s head, and just like that, a new mini-feud was born.