Sixteen-time world champion Phil Taylor has turned up the heat on darts’ rising star Luke Littler, admitting he’s “frightened” of the teenager’s explosive talent ahead of the 2025/26 PDC World Championship. In a candid interview on the Darts World Podcast, the 64-year-old legend—widely regarded as the greatest of all time—praised Littler’s “unbelievable” potential while issuing a stark caution: “He’s got everything to win it again… but the pressure will test him like never before.” Taylor’s words, laced with respect and a hint of menace, come as Littler prepares to defend his Ally Pally crown, where a repeat victory would net £500,000 and etch his name deeper into history. With the tournament just three months away (December 15, 2025–January 3, 2026), “The Power’s” endorsement feels like both a blessing and a gauntlet thrown down.
Taylor’s Warning: Talent Meets the Crucible
Taylor, who retired from PDC events in 2018 but remains a vocal ambassador, didn’t hold back on Littler’s meteoric ascent. The 18-year-old from Warrington claimed his maiden world title in January 2025, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at age 17—the youngest ever. Since then, Littler’s haul includes the Premier League, World Matchplay, UK Open, and three European Tour crowns (Germany, Austria, Hungary), pushing his 2025 earnings past £1.5 million.
“He’s frightened me a bit, to be honest,” Taylor confessed, his gravelly voice carrying the weight of 214 professional titles. “The way he scores, the checkouts, the nine-darters—it’s like watching a young me, but with more flair. He’s got the X-factor, the crowd loves him. But Ally Pally in December? That’s where legends are made or broken.” Taylor, who won 14 of his 16 world titles at the Lakeside and Alexandra Palace, knows the venue’s unique pressure: Foggy air, partisan crowds, and the weight of expectation.
The “frightened” admission stems from Littler’s dominance—averaging 105+ in majors and landing 180s at will—but Taylor pinpointed vulnerabilities: “The kid’s human. Doubles wobbles, like in Budapest semis [his 7-4 loss to Danny Noppert at the Hungarian Darts Trophy]. And defending? That’s mental warfare. I was scared every year after my first win.” Taylor urged Littler to “embrace the fear,” recalling his own 1990 triumph at 30, where nerves nearly derailed him.
Littler, fresh off the Hungarian semi-final exit (where he missed 11 doubles), responded on Instagram Stories: “Power’s words mean the world—frightened? I’ll make you proud. Ally Pally awaits.” The exchange has electrified fans, with X buzzing: “Taylor scared of Littler? The passing of the torch,” one post read, garnering 50k likes.
Littler’s Road to Retention: Form, Fixtures, and Foes
Littler’s 2025 has been a coronation: Triple Crown holder, European Tour king (three wins in five events), and Order of Merit leader over Humphries. His Hungarian stumble—avenging a 6-1 second-round win over Joe Cullen with a 112-average third-round demolition of Martin Schindler—exposed finishing frailties (35% checkout rate vs. Noppert). Yet, a 9-6 final win over Humphries at the World Series Finals in September reaffirmed his edge.
The World Championship draw (December 15) looms, with Littler as top seed. Potential path:
– **Early Rounds**: Qualifiers or low seeds (e.g., vs. Callan Rydz or Ritchie Edhouse).
– **Last 16**: Likely vs. a Pro Tour grinder like Ryan Joyce.
– **Quarters**: Clash with van Gerwen or Gerwyn Price—Taylor predicts “MvG will hunt him.”
– **Semis/Final**: Humphries or Aspinall; Taylor tips Littler to edge Humphries 6-5 in the final but warns of “a van Gerwen masterclass if Luke slips.”
Prize pot: £2.5 million total (£500k winner, doubled for 2026). Taylor, commentating for Sky Sports, joked: “If he wins again, buy me a beer—I’ve earned it scaring him straight.”
## Taylor’s Legacy and Littler’s Shadow
Taylor’s “frightened” nod isn’t hyperbole; at 64, he’s seen it all—from Eric Bristow’s bravado to Raymond van Barneveld’s precision. His 16 worlds (14 PDC, 2 BDO) remain unmatched, but Littler’s youth evokes Taylor’s own 1990 breakout. “He’s the future—I just hope he doesn’t break my record too quick,” Taylor laughed, before turning serious: “Pressure’s the great equalizer. Embrace it, kid.”
As Littler eyes the World Grand Prix (October 6-12, Leicester), Taylor’s warning resonates: Talent wins battles, but nerve conquers wars. With Ally Pally’s magic looming, the Power’s words could be the spark—or the shiver—that defines The Nuke’s defense.
