At just 18 years old, Luke Littler has already cemented his place in darts history as a prodigy with a fearless attitude and a trophy cabinet that’s rapidly filling up. The teenage sensation, who became the youngest PDC World Darts Champion in January 2025 with a commanding 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen, isn’t shy about his ambitions—or his opinions. In a recent interview, Littler took a bold swing at the legendary Phil Taylor, suggesting that the 16-time world champion might not fare as well in today’s fiercely competitive darts landscape. Yet, when it comes to chasing Taylor’s iconic record, Littler’s confidence comes with a cheeky caveat: he’ll only do it if he “can be bothered.”
Littler’s meteoric rise has captivated the darts world and beyond. His journey began just over a year ago when, as a 16-year-old debutant, he stormed to the World Championship final, only to fall short against Luke Humphries. That loss lit a fire in him, and 2024 became a breakout year. He scooped up major titles like the Premier League, World Series, and Grand Slam of Darts, amassing over £1.5 million in prize money and rocketing to second in the world rankings. Then, in early 2025, he returned to Alexandra Palace and claimed the sport’s biggest prize, etching his name into the record books as the youngest world champion ever. It’s a feat that has drawn inevitable comparisons to Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time.
But Littler isn’t one to bow to history. Reflecting on Taylor’s dominance, which spanned from his first world title in 1990 at age 29 to his last in 2013 at 52, Littler offered a provocative take. “Phil was incredible, no doubt,” he said with a grin, “but I think he’d struggle against the modern-day elite. The game’s moved on—faster, tougher, more players at the top level.” It’s a statement that’s sure to ruffle feathers among Taylor’s legion of fans, who watched “The Power” dominate an era with unmatched consistency. Yet Littler’s point isn’t without merit. Today’s darts scene is a relentless grind, with a packed calendar and a new generation of hungry, precision-honed players pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the oche.
When it comes to Taylor’s towering record of 16 world titles, Littler’s ambition shines through—though it’s tempered by his laid-back, teenage charm. “If I want to break that record, I’ve got the ability,” he declared, echoing sentiments he’s shared since his world title win. “Deep down, if I really want it, I’m sure I can achieve a lot more. But it’s a long haul, and I’ll only keep going if I can be bothered to stay around that long.” The quip drew laughs, but it also hinted at a pragmatic streak. Taylor was 52 when he hoisted his final world championship trophy, a testament to his longevity. Littler, by contrast, isn’t sure he sees himself throwing darts into his 50s. “Probably just the money, to be fair,” he added cheekily when pressed on what might keep him motivated.
The darts world has taken notice of Littler’s blend of talent and nonchalance. His 2025 World Championship triumph wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a cultural moment. Fans clad in his signature shirts filled Alexandra Palace, a mix of kids, families, and die-hard supporters chanting his name. Even celebrities like David Beckham sent congratulations, a nod to how Littler has propelled darts into the mainstream. PDC chief executive Matt Porter praised his impact, noting, “What Luke’s achieved has opened doors for the sport that were closed before. We’ve never had a teenager at the top like this.” Porter also cautioned that Littler’s challenge now is to sustain his brilliance without burning out, a sentiment Taylor himself has echoed with practical advice about comfortable shoes and good sleep.
For now, Littler remains focused on the present. He’s currently atop the Premier League standings, defending his title with four nightly wins already under his belt, and he’s gearing up for his next challenge in Berlin. “I’m performing at a really good level,” he said, exuding quiet confidence. “I just want to keep adding titles—maybe 10, 11, or 12 this year.” Whether he’ll chase Taylor’s record remains an open question, one that hinges as much on his whims as his undeniable skill. But one thing is clear: Luke Littler is rewriting the darts narrative, one dart at a time, and he’s doing it his way—whether he can be bothered or not.
Leave a Reply