Phil Taylor finally lands Guinness World Records gong eight years after darts legend announced his retirement

Phil Taylor has finally received official recognition from Guinness World Records — eight years after retiring from professional darts.

Now 65, “The Power” is widely regarded as the greatest player the sport has ever seen, boasting a record-breaking 16 World Championship titles — two with the BDO and 14 in the PDC. Long before stars like Luke Littler captured global attention, Taylor dominated the oche for decades.

He brought his legendary career to a close in January 2018 after losing to Rob Cross in the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace.

But in a surprise moment during a live appearance on BBC Radio Stoke, Taylor was presented with four official Guinness World Records certificates by adjudicator Will Munford — recognising some of the most iconic achievements of his career.

Among them was his incredible record of 16 World Matchplay titles — a feat so dominant that the Blackpool trophy now bears his name.

He was also honoured for winning the most Premier League Darts titles, with six to his name — although that record has since been surpassed by Michael van Gerwen, who claimed his seventh in 2023.

Taylor’s dominance was further highlighted with records for 11 World Grand Prix titles — still unmatched — and the most World Championship victories in darts history. His final world title came in 2013, when he defeated Van Gerwen 7-4 in North London to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy one last time.

Munford described the moment as a personal honour, calling Taylor “an absolute legend” and even a hero, as he officially presented the long-overdue recognition.

A delighted Taylor said he still has “plenty of room” at home for the certificates, adding that he was proud and honoured to receive them.

There was even an attempt to land a fifth world record live on air — but Taylor fell short of hitting six red double and treble darts within a minute.

Perhaps that challenge is one better suited to the next generation — maybe even Littler himself.