In the ever-evolving world of professional darts, few names carry as much weight as Phil Taylor, the undisputed “Power” who dominated the sport for decades. The 16-time world champion, whose career redefined what success looks like on the oche, has long been vocal about the transformative split that shaped modern darts. Now, in reflections that continue to resonate amid the record-breaking prize pots of today’s PDC events, Taylor has singled out one player he believes could have amassed a fortune had he made the leap to the Professional Darts Corporation.
That player is Martin Adams, the three-time BDO world champion known as “Wolfie.” Adams, a stalwart of the British Darts Organisation, chose loyalty over the lucrative opportunities that beckoned from the breakaway PDC in the early 1990s. While Taylor and a group of elite players—including legends like Eric Bristow and Dennis Priestley—formed what became the PDC, Adams remained steadfast with the BDO, captaining England for years and building a legacy rooted in tradition.
Taylor, who was instrumental in the 1993 split that revolutionized darts by attracting massive television deals, sponsorships, and skyrocketing prize money, has no doubts about Adams’ potential. “He’s a player I thought, ‘You should have come over to the PDC,'” Taylor remarked. “He sticks by what he believes in. But when I look at Martin now, I think, ‘You could have been a multi, multi-millionaire.’ He might be one, I don’t know.”
The admiration doesn’t stop there. Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest of all time with over 200 professional titles and earnings exceeding £8 million despite retiring in 2018, praised Adams’ sheer talent. “He had the talent to get up there and be in the top three in the world,” he said. “Could he have made a splash on the PDC? I don’t think he would. I know he would have done. It would have improved Martin and his game.” Highlighting Adams’ technical prowess, Taylor added, “He was a good practicer. If you look at his style, I think he probably has one of the nicest styles in darts. He’s a good finisher, a good scorer. Very good under pressure.”
The contrast between the two paths couldn’t be starker today. The PDC has exploded into a global phenomenon, with the current World Championship boasting a prize fund that has climbed to unprecedented levels—offering life-changing sums even for early-round participants. Top players now routinely earn seven-figure incomes annually through tournaments, endorsements, and appearances. In stark comparison, the BDO struggled financially, with significantly smaller payouts that limited the earning potential of even its biggest stars.
Adams did dip his toes into PDC waters on occasion, accepting invitations to events like the World Matchplay, where he reached the semi-finals in 2001—only to be stopped by Taylor himself in a thrilling encounter. That match remains a “what if” moment for fans, as no BDO player had won a PDC major at the time. Yet Adams never made the full switch, later explaining his decision stemmed from deep-rooted commitment. As England captain for two decades, he valued the role and the support from officials that helped him rise through the ranks.
This loyalty earned Adams immense respect in the darts community, including three Lakeside world titles in 2007, 2010, and 2011, along with a reputation as one of the most consistent performers of his era. But as Taylor points out, the financial landscape shifted dramatically after the split. Players who joined the PDC early, like Taylor, reaped the rewards as the organization grew into a powerhouse, drawing millions of viewers and massive commercial backing.
The debate over “what could have been” adds another layer to darts’ rich history of rivalries and pivotal decisions. While stars like Raymond van Barneveld eventually crossed over and thrived in the PDC, winning his fifth world title there, Adams’ choice to stay put symbolizes a different era—one of passion over profit. Still, Taylor’s words serve as a poignant reminder of how timing and bold moves can alter careers forever.
As the sport continues to boom, with young phenoms chasing records and million-pound paydays, reflections like Taylor’s highlight the human stories behind the arrows. Adams may not have the multi-millions Taylor envisions, but his legacy as a BDO icon endures—a testament to sticking to one’s principles in a game where paths diverge dramatically.
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