In the electric world of darts, where precision meets passion under the glare of spotlights, a legendary figure has stepped into the spotlight once more—not with a dart in hand, but with wisdom to impart. On March 18, 2025, Phil Taylor, the 64-year-old icon whose 16 world titles have cemented his status as the sport’s greatest, revealed he’s been in touch with the family of Luke Littler, the teenage prodigy who’s taken the darts universe by storm. Littler, at just 18, has already etched his name into history as the youngest PDC World Champion, a feat he accomplished in January with a stunning 7-3 rout of Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace. Now, as the young star navigates the dizzying heights of fame and fortune, Taylor’s offering a guiding hand, pinpointing two crucial changes Littler must embrace to secure a legacy that could eclipse even his own.
Taylor’s connection to Littler isn’t new. The two share a sponsor, and their orbits have overlapped as Littler’s meteoric rise—from a £200,000 runner-up cheque at the 2024 Worlds to a £500,000 champion’s haul this year—has dazzled fans and foes alike. “I’ve been in regular contact with Luke’s family,” Taylor shared, his voice carrying the weight of decades spent atop the oche. His advice isn’t about tweaking Littler’s throw or sharpening his already lethal aim—no, Taylor’s focus is on the unseen pillars of longevity: comfort and rest. “If I could give him one piece of advice, it wouldn’t be anything to do with his darts or the way he navigates his way around the board,” he explained. Instead, he’s zeroed in on the essentials that kept him dominant for over 20 years. “Shoes—if you’re not standing comfortably on the oche, you’re not going to hit a target the size of your little fingernail, so make sure your shoes fit perfectly and take two or three pairs with you everywhere.”
The second nugget? Sleep, that elusive luxury in a sport that demands late nights and razor-sharp focus. “Make sure you get enough rest,” Taylor urged. “I still take a mattress topper with me everywhere I go because some hotel beds are like sleeping in the middle of the road. Your darts won’t go where you want them to land if you’re bleary-eyed after a restless night.” It’s a lesson drawn from his own playbook—Taylor’s reign, spanning 1987 to 2018, saw him win his first world title at 29, a stark contrast to Littler’s teenage triumph. “I was nearly 30 when I won my first world championship,” he recalled, marveling at Littler’s head start. “To win 16 of them in a 23-year period took a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifices. Only Luke himself knows, deep down, if he’s prepared to put in the hours.”
Littler’s 2025 has been a whirlwind—11 titles, a No. 2 world ranking, and a cool million-plus in earnings since turning pro. His World Championship victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement, a 7-3 demolition of a three-time champ that left the darting world in awe. Yet, Taylor sees beyond the glitter of trophies and the roar of the Ally Pally crowd. “It’s entirely up to Luke how long he plays, how dedicated he remains, and how many titles he wins,” he mused, his tone a blend of pride and pragmatism. “He’s a world champion at 17 years old, the youngest to do it by a mile, and he’s just brilliant.” For Taylor, Littler’s youth is his superpower—time stretches before him like an open board, offering the chance to chase 15, 16, even 17 world crowns and surpass the record many thought untouchable.
The advice comes at a pivotal moment. Littler’s already planning to splash some of his £500,000 prize on a Mercedes A-Class—despite not yet knowing how to drive—and the trappings of fame are piling up fast. Taylor’s words are a lifeline, a reminder that greatness isn’t just about talent but endurance. “Let’s enjoy him, let’s celebrate a kid who’s the best in the world at what he does,” he said, urging fans to savor the moment before worrying about Littler’s tally when he eventually hangs up his darts. “If he’s still playing at 40, it will mean he’s won a lot more.” It’s a vision of a future where Littler, now a millionaire before his 19th birthday on January 21, could redefine the sport’s ceiling.
For Taylor, who watched Littler dismantle Van Gerwen with the fearlessness of youth, this is personal. “Youngsters now are fearless, almost disrespectful,” he observed, a nod to a generation that shrugs off reputations to take their shot. Littler’s path won’t be easy—rivals like Luke Humphries and Van Gerwen loom large—but Taylor’s counsel could be the edge he needs. Shoes and sleep might sound mundane, but in the hands of a legend, they’re the secrets to a dynasty. As Littler strides into darts’ stratosphere, Taylor’s voice rings clear: comfort your feet, rest your mind, and the board will be yours for decades to come.
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