Bobby George’s claim about Luke Littler and Phil Taylor rubbished as darts icon has his say

In the world of professional darts, few debates ignite as much passion as comparisons between legends of the past and rising stars of the present. Recently, this discourse was reignited when Bobby George, a prominent figure in darts, made a bold assertion regarding Phil Taylor, a 16-time world champion, and Luke Littler, an 18-year-old prodigy taking the darts world by storm.

George opined that even at his peak, Taylor would struggle against Littler’s current form. He stated, “Taylor was a great player, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think he would have beaten Littler, even in his heyday, because his scoring power is so good, his finishing is unbelievable.”

This perspective stems from Littler’s meteoric rise in the sport. At just 18, he clinched the World Darts Championship by defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final, becoming the youngest ever champion. His victory was celebrated widely, garnering praise from figures such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Hollywood star Matt Lucas.

Littler’s dominance isn’t limited to the World Championship. He also secured the Premier League title in 2024, overcoming Luke Humphries in the final. His rapid ascent has drawn parallels to Taylor’s reign, but George believes Littler’s current prowess surpasses even Taylor’s prime. He remarked, “Taylor was a great player but not as good as Littler. That’s my opinion, mind you.” citeturn0search0

Phil Taylor, now 64, has transitioned away from the main professional circuit. Despite his unparalleled achievements, including 16 world titles, recent performances in senior circuits have been less stellar. George highlighted this decline, suggesting that a match between Taylor and Littler would be lopsided. He commented, “If he played Littler now, he’d get slaughtered; it’d be most embarrassing.”

The notion of a face-off between Taylor and Littler has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits alike. However, Taylor himself has dismissed the idea, emphasizing his respect for Littler’s talent and acknowledging the generational shift in the sport. In a candid moment, Taylor humorously recounted a game of Jenga with Littler, saying, “He beat me at that! The little b******! He’s a lovely lad, though.”

Littler’s approach to the game reflects a blend of youthful exuberance and mature professionalism. His preparation routine includes ample sleep, limited practice sessions of one to one-and-a-half hours daily, and relaxation activities involving Xbox and spending time with friends. This balanced approach has not only led to on-field success but also garnered him significant earnings, with over £1.5 million in prize money since turning professional in January 2024. citeturn0news28

The young champion’s humility and focus have endeared him to fans and peers alike. He remains grounded, often attributing his success to hard work and the support of his family. Littler’s disciplined approach extends to his personal life, where he remains humble and uninterested in monetary gain, prioritizing his family’s well-being.

The debate sparked by George’s comments underscores a broader discussion about the evolution of darts. The sport has seen a surge in young talent, with players like Littler pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. This influx of youthful competitors has raised questions about how legends of the past would fare against today’s top players.

Vincent van der Voort, another respected voice in darts, echoed George’s sentiments. He expressed concerns about the potential mismatch between Taylor and Littler, stating, “You don’t want to see Taylor humiliated, do you?” citeturn0search14

While comparisons between eras are inherently speculative, they highlight the dynamic nature of sports. Each generation builds upon the last, with advancements in training, strategy, and competition level. Littler’s achievements at such a young age exemplify this progression, showcasing the heights that dedication and talent can reach in the modern era.

As the darts community continues to celebrate Littler’s accomplishments, discussions about his place among the greats are likely to persist. Whether he would have bested Taylor in his prime is a debate that may never be settled. However, one thing is certain: Luke Littler’s impact on the sport is profound, and his journey is only just beginning.

In reflecting on the evolving landscape of darts, it’s essential to appreciate both the legends who paved the way and the new talents propelling the sport forward. Bobby George’s provocative comments serve as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics in competitive arenas and the excitement that comes with witnessing history in the making.

As fans and analysts continue to debate and celebrate these developments, the world of darts remains vibrant, with its rich history and promising future intertwined in the narratives of players like Phil Taylor and Luke Littler.