In the electrifying world of professional darts, where precision meets passion, a new star has emerged to challenge the legacy of the sport’s greatest icon. Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy dubbed “The Nuke,” has taken the darts world by storm, culminating in his historic 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen to claim the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship title at Alexandra Palace. At just 17, Littler became the youngest champion in the tournament’s history, prompting comparisons to the legendary Phil Taylor, whose record 16 world titles loom large. Now, Taylor, the 64-year-old “Power” who dominated darts for over two decades, has issued a heartfelt warning to Littler, offering advice on how to surpass his monumental achievements while navigating the pressures of fame.
Littler’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his debut in 2024, where he reached the World Championship final at 16, to his commanding Grand Slam of Darts win and Premier League triumph, the Warrington teenager has amassed 11 titles and nearly £1 million in prize money. His latest triumph, a dominant performance against Van Gerwen, earned him £500,000 and cemented his status as the sport’s brightest star. “I can’t believe it,” Littler said, clutching the Sid Waddell Trophy. “We both played so well and I needed to get off to a quick start and that’s what I done. Everyone dreams of winning this trophy.” His ambition, however, stretches far beyond one title. “Deep down, if I want to try and break the record of Phil Taylor’s then I’m sure I’ve got the ability to,” he told reporters, exuding confidence tempered by humility.
Taylor, who won his first world title at 29 in 1990 and his last in 2013 at 52, knows the sacrifices required to dominate. His 14 PDC and two BDO world titles, alongside 16 World Matchplay crowns and 11 World Grand Prix victories, set a benchmark that seemed untouchable. Yet, he sees Littler as the one player capable of eclipsing his legacy. “If there’s anybody that could do it, it’s this young lad now,” Taylor said, praising Littler’s composure and focus. However, he cautioned that breaking records requires more than talent—it demands discipline. “It’s entirely up to Luke how long he plays, how dedicated he remains and how many titles he wins,” he emphasized. Taylor’s advice is practical yet profound: prioritize rest and preparation. “If I could give him one piece of advice, it wouldn’t be anything to do with his darts or the way he navigates the board. I would tell him 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.”
Taylor’s guidance extends beyond footwear. He urged Littler to manage his schedule carefully to avoid burnout, a concern echoed by PDC chief executive Matt Porter. “I think the best thing for Luke to do is keep trusting the people around him—he needs to manage his schedule, take time off and make sure he doesn’t burn out,” Porter noted. Taylor also advised Littler to safeguard his earnings, drawing from his own experience as the second-richest darts player ever. “Make sure you look after your money. Two bank accounts—one in one, and half in another. That’s your tax. That’s what I always used to do,” he shared. He warned against distractions like social media, suggesting Littler delegate it to others to maintain mental clarity. “Don’t bother with it. Let somebody else do it for you. You don’t need to read things because it can upset,” he said.
Littler’s potential is undeniable, but Taylor and others, like former champion Dennis Priestley, caution against complacency. Priestley, who won the PDC title in 1994, called Littler’s potential “frightening” but insisted he has “zero chance” of matching Taylor’s 16 titles due to the modern game’s intense competition and distractions. Littler himself acknowledged the challenge, noting, “There’s a record there to be broken, but it’s going to take some doing.” His packed schedule—Premier League nights, European tours, and Pro Tours—leaves little room for practice, with Littler admitting, “My practice is playing in these tournaments every week.” Yet, his mental strength, honed through years of learning to lose before winning, sets him apart. “Luke loves the big stage, he’s got bottle in abundance,” said his former coach Karl Holden.
As Littler eyes more titles in 2025, including the Players Championship Finals and another Premier League run, Taylor’s warning serves as both encouragement and a reality check. The road to 16 world titles is long, requiring not just skill but sacrifice and savvy. With idols like David Beckham sending congratulations—“He said ‘wow, well done’, and I said ‘thank you’,” Littler beamed—and fans packing arenas, Littler’s journey is just beginning. Whether he can surpass Taylor’s records depends on his hunger and discipline, but as “The Power” himself believes, “The sky’s the limit for Littler.”[](https://www.espn.com/darts/story/_/id/43282191/world-darts-championship-luke-littler-says-break-phil-taylor-record)[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/darts/article-14253077/Darts-legend-Phil-Taylor-reveals-TWO-things-Luke-Littler-needs-beat-record-16-world-titles-17-year-old-phenomenon-youngest-champion-history.html)
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