In the world of darts, where precision meets passion, few names evoke as much reverence as Phil Taylor. The legendary Englishman, now 65, dominated the sport for decades, amassing an astonishing 16 world championships—two under the British Darts Organisation and 14 with the Professional Darts Corporation. His reign seemed unbreakable, a benchmark that aspiring players could only dream of approaching. But the emergence of teenage sensation Luke Littler has shaken the foundations of that legacy, and for the first time, Taylor has openly addressed the possibility of the young prodigy surpassing his record.
Littler, at just 18 years old, has already etched his name into darts history. His meteoric rise began with a stunning debut, but it was his back-to-back world titles that have truly captured the imagination of fans worldwide. In early January 2026, Littler clinched his second consecutive crown at the World Darts Championship, delivering a masterclass performance in the final against Gian van Veen. The match was a one-sided affair, with Littler steamrolling his opponent 7-1 to claim the £1 million prize. This victory extended his remarkable winning streak to 20 matches, dating back to his triumph at the Grand Slam of Darts on November 8, 2025. As the darts community buzzes with excitement, Littler heads into the Bahrain Darts Masters 2026 as the overwhelming favorite, poised to continue his dominance.
Taylor, who retired from professional play but remains a towering figure in the sport, broke his silence on Littler’s potential in a candid interview. Speaking with his characteristic blend of humor and honesty, the darts icon admitted that his long-standing record is genuinely at risk. “I think he’s got a bloody good chance, I’ll be honest with you. If I don’t get him shot on the way!” Taylor quipped, his words laced with playful defiance. Yet beneath the jest lies genuine admiration for the youngster’s abilities. “Well, hopefully, when he does break my records, I’ll be dead and gone. So I won’t have to listen to anybody else saying it! But if anybody’s got a chance, it’s definitely him, that’s for sure,” he added, acknowledging the inevitability that many fans have been whispering about.
Reflecting on Littler’s recent final, Taylor was effusive in his praise. “Luke smashed Gian in the final. Absolutely smashed him. Steamrolled him. He’s on another planet at the minute. Let’s be honest. The lad’s playing brilliantly,” he said, highlighting the sheer dominance displayed on the oche. What impresses Taylor most, however, is Littler’s composure under the spotlight—a quality that even the veteran admits surpasses anything he’s witnessed in his storied career. “He handles pressure so well. In all my years in darts, I honestly haven’t seen anyone stay this cool in the biggest moments,” Taylor remarked. Expanding on this, he continued, “He takes pressure really, really well. In fact, all the years I’ve played darts, he probably takes the pressure better than anybody I’ve ever seen, to be honest. Whether that’s because he’s young or, I don’t know, he’s just majorly confident. He’s brilliant. I can’t fault him.”
Taylor’s comments delve deeper into the nuances of greatness in darts. He openly concedes that Littler possesses an innate talent that outshines his own. “He has more pure talent than I ever had, I’ll openly admit that,” Taylor stated, a rare admission from a player known for his unyielding competitiveness. However, he emphasized the role of dedication in sustaining success. Drawing from his own philosophy, Taylor explained, “My strength was always hard work. I’d spend hours and hours practicing. If talent doesn’t work hard, hard work will always beat talent.” He warned that a lack of relentless commitment could eventually catch up with even the most gifted players. “I think not being so dedicated will take its toll one day. But not yet. I mean Luke’s still young yet,” he noted, referencing his friend, former boxer Nigel Benn, who thrived through disciplined routines like early morning training in the army before transitioning to boxing with the same work ethic. “Nigel said when he was in the army, you’d have to get up at like 5 o’clock in the morning. But when he took boxing up, he could have a lie-in till about 9 o’clock. He worked his socks off and that’s what you’ve got to do,” Taylor shared, underscoring the grind required to stay at the pinnacle.
The hypothetical matchup between Taylor at his peak and Littler in his current form adds an intriguing layer to the conversation. Taylor envisioned it as an epic clash: “It would have been a cracker. It would have been a brilliant game. I honestly think at my best and his best it’s 50-50. I really do.” He drew parallels to timeless debates in other sports, likening it to “would Muhammad Ali beat Tyson Fury? Whoever’s the best on the day, I suppose.” This even-handed assessment speaks volumes about Taylor’s respect for Littler’s skills, while also defending his own era of dominance.
Littler’s journey is a testament to the evolving nature of darts. From a precocious talent bursting onto the scene as a teenager to a two-time world champion before turning 19, his trajectory has redefined what’s possible in the sport. Fans and pundits alike are captivated by his effortless scoring, pinpoint accuracy, and unflappable demeanor. As he eyes further accolades, including potential records in majors and earnings, the pressure will only intensify. Yet, if Taylor’s words are any indication, Littler is equipped to handle it all.
For Taylor, watching this new generation unfold is bittersweet. His 16 titles, earned through years of battles against legends like Eric Bristow and John Lowe, set a standard that inspired countless players. Now, as Littler charges forward, Taylor’s endorsement serves as a passing of the torch—albeit with a humorous twist. The darts world watches with bated breath, wondering if the young star will indeed rewrite history. One thing is clear: in the high-stakes arena of professional darts, where every throw counts, Luke Littler is not just a contender; he’s a force destined for greatness.
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