Luke Littler raised concerns about elite darts players experiencing burnout after top-ranked player Luke Humphries admitted feeling overwhelmed by the demands of competition. Despite initial backlash on social media, Littler, a rising star on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit, showed support for Humphries.
At just 18 years old, Littler suggested to the former world champion that focusing on the 17-week Premier League tour could help manage the stress. Highlighting the challenges of extensive travel in the sport, Littler emphasized the importance of balancing schedules to avoid exhaustion.
Humphries, competing in his 11th tournament of the year, expressed emotional fatigue following a recent defeat at the International Darts Open in Germany. Facing criticism online, Humphries lashed out at the lack of understanding and hinted at players resorting to robotic responses in interviews due to public indifference towards their well-being.
Echoing Humphries’ sentiments, Gerwyn Price, set to face Littler in the upcoming BetMGM Premier League, shared his own struggles with the rigorous PDC schedule. Price, after a tough loss in Riesa, vented about the toll of constant competition and travel on players’ mental and physical health.