Phil Taylor, the legendary figure known as “The Power,” has officially retired from all forms of darts, marking the end of an extraordinary career that redefined the sport. At 64, the 16-time World Champion, widely regarded as the greatest darts player in history, announced his decision to step away from competitive play and exhibitions on May 20, 2025, citing debilitating health issues following hip surgery. Taylor’s unparalleled dominance, which spanned nearly four decades, leaves a legacy of 214 professional titles, including a record 85 major championships, and an indelible impact on darts’ global rise.
Born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1960, Taylor’s journey began in humble circumstances, growing up in a dilapidated terraced house without electricity or running water. His early life was marked by manual labor, including a stint making ceramic toilet roll holders for £52 a week. Darts entered his life casually, playing in pubs for extra cash to support his young family. A pivotal moment came in 1985 when he met Eric Bristow, the “Crafty Cockney,” at an exhibition match. Bristow, recognizing Taylor’s raw talent, loaned him £10,000 to pursue darts professionally, sparking a career that would transform the sport. “It was great. You’d have thought we were in Buckingham Palace,” Taylor once said, recalling using his pub winnings to install a shower in his home.
Taylor’s professional breakthrough came in 1990 when he defeated Bristow to win his first World Championship with the British Darts Organisation (BDO). In 1993, he joined the breakaway group that formed the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), a move that revolutionized darts’ commercial landscape. Taylor’s dominance followed, with eight consecutive World Championships from 1995 to 2002 and a total of 14 PDC titles, his last in 2013 against Michael van Gerwen. His trophy haul includes 16 World Matchplay titles, 11 World Grand Prix wins, and six Premier League crowns. “It’s been an unbelievable journey over the past 35 years and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Taylor reflected, underscoring his passion for the game.
After retiring from the PDC in 2018 following a 7-2 loss to Rob Cross in the World Championship final, Taylor returned in 2022 for the World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT). He reached the quarterfinals in 2022 and 2023 but struggled with a hip injury that required surgery in 2024. The recovery proved grueling, with Taylor describing it as “the worst pain I’ve ever had these last 12 months.” He withdrew from the World Seniors Masters, his planned swansong, after tearing scar tissue during rehabilitation. “I’m struggling a bit with my hip. Scar tissue,” he told fans, explaining that practicing for hours triggered unbearable pain. This health setback forced his final retirement, ending hopes of one last competitive appearance.
Taylor’s impact extended beyond the oche. His 11 televised nine-dart finishes, including two in a single 2010 Premier League match, set benchmarks that players like Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler chase today. Despite his exit, Taylor remains gracious about the future, saying, “It can get beaten,” when asked about his record 16 world titles. He expressed admiration for Littler’s potential, noting, “I’ve had more publicity since Luke Littler became world runner-up and won tournaments than when I was winning myself.” His influence helped elevate darts from pub pastime to primetime spectacle, selling out arenas like Alexandra Palace.
Looking ahead, Taylor plans to engage with fans through meet-and-greets, joking, “If anybody wants to come and see me, I won’t be playing darts now. You can meet me, greet me, have a picture with me, have a chat with me.” As a WSDT global ambassador, he’ll continue shaping the sport’s future. “A journey which has enabled me to achieve more than I could have ever imagined,” he said, grateful for the fans’ support. While his playing days are over, Taylor’s legacy as “The Power” endures, inspiring a new generation to aim for greatness.
Phil Taylor, “The Power,” has retired from all darts at 64, closing a 40-year career that made him the sport’s greatest icon. The 16-time World Champion announced his decision on May 20, 2025, driven by health struggles post-hip surgery. With 214 professional titles, including 85 majors, Taylor’s legacy is unmatched.
Born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1960, Taylor grew up in poverty, working manual jobs like making ceramic toilet roll holders. Pub darts games supplemented his income until Eric Bristow’s £10,000 loan in 1985 launched his career. “It was great. You’d have thought we were in Buckingham Palace,” he recalled, using winnings for home improvements. His 1990 BDO World Championship win over Bristow marked his rise, followed by 14 PDC titles, including eight straight from 1995 to 2002.
After retiring from the PDC in 2018 post a World Championship final loss to Rob Cross, Taylor joined the World Seniors Darts Tour in 2022. A hip injury and 2024 surgery forced his exit, with “the worst pain I’ve ever had these last 12 months.” He withdrew from the World Seniors Masters, lamenting, “I’m struggling a bit with my hip. Scar tissue.” His 11 televised nine-darters and records like a 118.66 average in 2010 remain benchmarks.
“It’s been an unbelievable journey over the past 35 years and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Taylor said. Open to his records being broken, he noted, “It can get beaten,” praising Luke Littler’s potential. As a WSDT ambassador, he’ll meet fans, saying, “You can meet me, greet me, have a picture with me.” “A journey which has enabled me to achieve more than I could have ever imagined,” he added, leaving darts forever changed.
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