Luke Humphries described Luke Littler as "the greatest darts player that's ever lived" after losing to the 19-year-old in the final of the Winmau World Masters.
Littler's 6-5 victory in an epic final in Milton Keynes saw him pick up one of the two televised major titles that had eluded him in his remarkable career to date.
In just over two years on the PDC Tour, he has climbed to No 1 in the world and has won the World Championship twice as well as the World Matchplay, the Premier League, the UK Open, the World Grand Prix, the Players Championship Finals, the World Series Finals and the Grand Slam of Darts twice.
He now just needs the European Championship to complete the set and Humphries believes his achievements make him greater than Phil Taylor who won 16 world titles between 1990 and 2013.
"He has shown that true class," Humphries told ITV.
"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."
Humphries, who was defending the Winmau World Masters title, pushed his opponent to the brink on Sunday evening, leading 5-4 before missing crucial doubles in the closing stages as Littler turned the match around.
The former world champion, who was overtaken at the top of the world rankings by Littler late last year, then warned that his rival needs "to watch his back" for the rest of 2026.
"It's exciting because I can go away this weekend and think my game is in a good place again," he added.
"A little one per cent on top of what I've already done this week could be detrimental to 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."
Reacting to Humphries' comments in his post-match press conference, Littler disagreed with his assessment and insisted he needs to match Taylor's trophy haul to be considered the best of all time.
On top of his 16 world titles, The Power won multiple majors including 16 victories at the World Matchplay and 11 at the World Grand Prix, though was arguably playing against a lower standard of opposition than Littler.
However, Littler insists the trophy count is important.
"I didn't hear him [Humphries] say that.I heard the crowd cheer a few times when he was talking, but I couldn't hear him," Littler said.
"No, no one will ever be [better than Taylor]. I won't be the greatest unless I do win more than what Phil won."
Humphries and Littler will renew their rivalry later this week when Premier League Darts 2026 kicks off in Newcastle - and Littler agrees that the world no 2 will be dangerous in that tournament.
"Luke should go off stage there happy with his own performance," he added.
"I just got the better of him in that last set there. Luke will bounce back.
"The Premier League is coming up and you're going to see performances week in, week out from all of us."
Premier League Darts is back for a new season on Thursday, live on Your Site, with Newcastle hosting the opening night of 17-week schedule in venues across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
The opening night sees Littler take on Van Veen - in a repeat of the World Darts Championship final, with Jonny Clayton or Rock awaiting the winner, while Humphries plays fellow former world champion Price and Michael Van Gerwen goes up against Stephen Bunting.
Your Site remains the home of the Premier League in 2026, with every night exclusively live along with the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and more. .
