In the electrifying world of darts, where precision and pressure collide, few names shine as brightly as Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy who has taken the sport by storm. Crowned the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Champion in January 2025 with a commanding 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen, Littler’s meteoric rise has sparked bold predictions about his potential to surpass Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles. However, darts legend Dennis Priestley, the 1991 World Champion, has delivered a stark verdict, asserting that Littler “wouldn’t get close” to Taylor’s dominance if they competed in the same era. As Littler prepares to team up with rival Luke Humphries for England at the 2025 World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, Priestley’s comments have ignited debate about the teenager’s place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Littler’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Bursting onto the scene at the 2023 PDC World Championship, he reached the final at just 16, only to fall 7-4 to Humphries. His 2024 season was a whirlwind of success, with victories in the Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, and World Series of Darts Finals, amassing over £1 million in prize money. His World Championship triumph in January 2025, where he raced to a 4-0 lead against van Gerwen before sealing a 7-3 win, cemented his status as a global sensation. “I can’t believe it. We both played so well,” Littler said after the final, reflecting on his emotional victory. “I needed to get off to a quick start tonight and that’s what I did.” His ability to deliver under pressure, evidenced by a 103.14 average in a nervy 4-3 win over Ryan Joyce in the fourth round, has drawn comparisons to darts’ greatest players.
Yet, Priestley remains unconvinced that Littler could challenge Taylor’s unparalleled consistency. “I think Phil Taylor in his prime was more consistent than even Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are at the moment,” Priestley remarked, emphasizing Taylor’s dominance across two decades. Taylor, known as “The Power,” won 14 PDC and two BDO world titles, a record Priestley believes is untouchable. “Phil’s records tell us the whole story and he was so good that it was hard for anyone to get close to him,” he added. Priestley, who rates Humphries as the current world No. 1, argues that Littler’s rapid rise, while impressive, lacks the sustained excellence Taylor displayed. Humphries, who bested Littler 11-8 in the 2025 Premier League final, echoed this sentiment indirectly, crediting Taylor’s mentorship for his own success. “Phil Taylor has given me a lot of support over the last couple of weeks,” Humphries said after his victory, highlighting the legend’s enduring influence.
Littler’s journey has not been without challenges. His 2025 Premier League campaign ended in defeat to Humphries, a reversal of his 2024 title win, prompting him to declare, “I have set many records and personally I don’t think they’ll be broken.” Despite this setback, Littler’s confidence remains unshaken. “I want to get No. 1 before the World Championship starts,” he said, eyeing Humphries’ top ranking. His performances, like a record-breaking 16-2 rout of Jermaine Wattimena at the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts with a 105.11 average, showcase his potential to dominate. “I felt very confident coming into tonight,” Littler said after that win, underscoring his ability to thrive under pressure.
Priestley’s critique comes amid broader discussions about Littler’s physical conditioning. Former players like Peter Manley and Priestley have suggested that Littler’s weight could hinder his longevity, with Priestley noting, “While he’s young, Littler can get away with a lot of unprofessional, bad habits.” Humphries’ transformation into a fitter, more focused player has been cited as a model, with Priestley urging Littler to “shed some weight” to sustain his career. Despite such criticism, Littler’s supporters point to his youth and dedication, honed since he began throwing darts at 18 months old. “It’s good the game’s getting bigger because of what I’m doing,” Littler said, embracing his role in inspiring young players.
As Littler and Humphries prepare for the World Cup of Darts, their rivalry—marked by four finals in 2025 alone—promises to captivate fans. Humphries, reflecting on their competition, urged fans to “enjoy it,” saying, “It’s two of the best players in the world playing against each other.” While Priestley’s verdict may temper expectations, Littler’s achievements—10 senior titles, four nine-darters, and a BBC Young Sports Personality award—suggest he’s only beginning to reshape darts’ landscape. Whether he can approach Taylor’s record remains uncertain, but at 18, Littler’s journey is far from over, and his next throw could further silence the doubters.
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