Darts star Jonny Clayton has firmly disagreed with James Wade’s recent assertion that he is the second-greatest darts player of all time. While praising Wade’s impressive career, Clayton argues that only legends Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen truly stand at the pinnacle of the sport, with emerging sensation Luke Littler now hot on their heels. Clayton believes Taylor’s unparalleled trophy haul will never be surpassed, and that Van Gerwen’s dominance puts him on par, making Wade’s claim a “big call.”
The “Machine’s” Bold Claim: Is Wade Darts’ Second Best?
The world of darts is buzzing after James Wade, known as “The Machine,” recently declared himself the second-best darts player in history, placing himself right behind the legendary Phil Taylor. This bold statement, made at his Grand Prix press conference, certainly stirred the pot and prompted a response from fellow darts ace, Jonny Clayton.
Jonny Clayton’s Respectful Disagreement
Jonny Clayton, the 2021 Premier League champion and recent Swiss Darts Trophy winner, holds immense respect for James Wade. He openly admires Wade’s consistent performance and impressive career longevity, even expressing surprise that Wade has never managed to win a World Championship.
“I think James Wade is a fantastic player,” Clayton stated. “I always wonder how he hasn’t lifted more titles, and how he’s never been a World Champion, I honestly don’t know. Because he really is that good!”
However, when it comes to Wade’s claim of being the sport’s second-best, Clayton drew a clear line.
“I think it’s a big call, saying he’s the second-best darts player, especially when you’ve got MVG (Michael van Gerwen). MVG’s trophy cabinet says it all, it speaks volumes.”
Clayton reiterated his personal admiration for Wade, describing him as a “funny guy” and a “fantastic” player, but maintained his stance on the “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) discussion.
Who Truly Belongs in the Elite Tier? Clayton’s Top Picks
When asked to weigh in on who truly belongs in darts’ highest echelon, Clayton was unequivocal. For him, the discussion boils down to two undisputed giants of the game, with a phenomenal new talent joining the conversation.
“To me, Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen are the best two players that have lived so far,” Clayton declared. He elaborated on why these two stand apart:
- Phil Taylor: The Unbeatable Legacy
Clayton believes Taylor’s incredible trophy cabinet will never be beaten. This isn’t just about skill, but also about the changing landscape of professional darts. The prize money in darts today is so significant that players might not stay in the game long enough, or play as many tournaments, to accumulate a similar number of major titles. Taylor’s era allowed for a sustained level of dominance that is arguably no longer possible. - Michael van Gerwen: The Modern Maestro
While Taylor is the undisputed GOAT, Clayton sees Michael van Gerwen as being “on par” due to their different styles of play and sheer dominance in their respective eras. Taylor was known for his precise, “regimented” patterns on the dartboard, hitting specific numbers consistently. Van Gerwen, on the other hand, utilizes the entire dartboard, adapting and hitting different numbers with incredible accuracy and speed. Both are phenomenal, but in distinct ways.
The Rise of Luke Littler: A Future GOAT?
Just when the debate seemed settled between Taylor and Van Gerwen, a new phenomenon has burst onto the scene: Luke Littler. Clayton is clearly mesmerized by the young prodigy’s talent.
“And now you’ve got Luke Littler coming along who can do everything,” Clayton observed. “I think Luke Littler could play blindfolded and still be just as good.”
He concludes that while Taylor and Van Gerwen currently hold the top spots, “they are now being chased by Luke Littler, who is fantastic!”
Clayton’s insights reflect a widely held view among darts aficionados: the GOAT discussion will continue for years, but the current frontrunners are clear, with a new generation talent already making his mark.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
