In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of professional darts, few names carry the weight of Phil Taylor, the 16-time World Champion whose dominance defined an era. Yet, as the sport evolves, 18-year-old prodigy Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” has sparked a lively debate about how the legendary “The Power” would fare in today’s fiercely competitive landscape. Speaking on a recent episode of *The Overlap’s Stick to Football* podcast, Littler offered a candid perspective, suggesting that even a prime Phil Taylor might find it challenging to keep pace with the modern game’s elite. His comments, delivered with a mix of respect and confidence, have ignited discussions among fans and players alike, underscoring the generational shift in darts.
Littler, who burst onto the scene with a remarkable run to the PDC World Championship final at 16 and clinched the title a year later by defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3, is no stranger to breaking barriers. Now, as the reigning world champion and a dominant force in the 2025 Premier League—where he leads the standings by eight points after winning half of the nightly events—Littler is often compared to Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time. Taylor’s record is staggering: 16 World Championship titles, 16 World Matchplay crowns, and a career that spanned decades, from his first BDO world title in 1990 to his final PDC triumph in 2013 at age 52. But Littler, reflecting on the evolution of the sport, believes the current era’s intensity might test even Taylor’s legendary prowess.
“There’s a record there to be broken, but it’s going to take some doing,” Littler said, acknowledging the monumental challenge of surpassing Taylor’s 16 world titles. “He also won the World Matchplay 16 times, so he’s won two of the big majors 16 times—it’ll take some doing.” When pressed on whether Taylor’s era faced weaker competition, Littler was forthright: “I think it [the competition] is a lot better now. You still had Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow—it was still a good field. But nowadays, I think Phil could struggle.” His words reflect the confidence of a young star who has faced and defeated the best in the modern game, from Michael van Gerwen to Luke Humphries, in an era where 100-plus averages are commonplace and the margins for error are razor-thin.
The modern darts landscape is a different beast from Taylor’s heyday. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Taylor’s averages often hovered in the mid-to-high 80s, with a 100 average considered exceptional. Today, elite players like Littler and Humphries regularly post averages above 100, a testament to advancements in technique, equipment, and preparation. Littler’s own performances—averaging over 100 in 51 of his 87 matches this year and leading the PDC Order of Merit in 180s with 435—highlight the relentless pace of the current game. Yet, Littler’s respect for Taylor remains evident. “Phil Taylor was my idol,” he admitted, a nod to the inspiration he drew from watching “The Power” dominate. Still, he believes the depth of talent today, with players like Humphries, Gerwyn Price, and emerging stars like Josh Rock, would pose a unique challenge for Taylor.
Littler’s ambition to eclipse Taylor’s records is no secret. At 18, with one world title already in hand, he has time on his side. “If I can be bothered to stay in darts for that time, I could maybe beat his record,” he said with a hint of humor, acknowledging the grueling schedule that sees him compete nearly every week. The PDC’s packed calendar—Premier League Thursdays, international tournaments from Friday to Sunday, and Pro Tours on Mondays and Tuesdays—leaves little room for traditional practice. “Some people practice, but I barely practice,” Littler revealed. “My practice is playing in these tournaments every week.” This relentless schedule, he argues, sharpens the modern player’s edge, a reality he believes would test even Taylor’s legendary consistency.
The debate over Taylor’s hypothetical performance in 2025 isn’t without counterpoints. Former players like Chris Mason have defended Taylor, arguing that his ability to thrive under pressure and maintain high averages—sometimes reaching 108 or 113 over long matches—would still make him a formidable force. Mason dismissed claims that Taylor couldn’t compete with Littler as “absolute b******s,” pointing to Taylor’s unmatched mental fortitude. Meanwhile, darts legend Dennis Priestley suggested that Taylor’s prime consistency surpassed even Littler’s current form, emphasizing that “Phil’s records tell us the whole story.” Yet, Littler’s perspective resonates with a younger generation that sees the sport’s evolution as a new benchmark.
As Littler prepares for his next challenge, including a World Cup of Darts appearance alongside Humphries in June 2025, his focus remains on building his own legacy. The prospect of chasing Taylor’s records is daunting, but Littler’s confidence is unshaken. “If I want it, then I should get it,” he said after his Grand Slam of Darts triumph, a sentiment that echoes his belief in his ability to dominate. With the PDC recently increasing prize money—the World Championship winner’s purse doubling to £1 million—Littler jokingly noted that “probably just the money” would keep him motivated. For now, as he continues to dazzle on the oche, Littler’s bold take on Taylor’s place in the modern era has added fuel to a fascinating debate, one that underscores his own ambition to redefine darts history.
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