Luke Littler Eyes Phil Taylor’s Record But Admits Money is a Key Factor
Luke Littler has acknowledged that financial incentives will play a major role in his longevity in professional darts as he sets his sights on surpassing Phil Taylor’s legendary 16 world titles. The 18-year-old secured his first World Championship victory in January, dominating Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace.
Since then, Littler has continued to impress, claiming the UK Open and leading the Premier League standings by eight points ahead of week nine in Berlin. With his immense talent and young age, discussions have already begun on whether he can outdo Taylor’s remarkable achievements.
A Tough Record to Beat
Taylor didn’t claim his first world title until he was 29 and secured his last at 52 in 2013. His record includes 16 World Matchplay titles, reinforcing his dominance in the sport. While Littler has time on his side, the increased competitiveness in modern darts and the challenge of staying motivated for decades pose significant obstacles.
“There’s a record there to be broken, but it’s going to take some doing,” Littler stated during his appearance on Stick to Football alongside Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, and Jill Scott. “He also won the World Matchplay 16 times—two of the biggest majors. It’ll take some effort. The competition is tougher now. Taylor and Eric Bristow played in a strong era, but I think Phil would struggle in today’s game.”
Taylor Was His Idol, But Motivation is Key
Littler grew up idolizing Taylor, but whether he stays in the game long enough to break the record remains uncertain. “Phil Taylor was my idol. If I can be bothered to stay in darts for that long, I could maybe beat his record. He was 52 when he won his 16th world title. If I want to, I will.”
When asked what would keep him going, he admitted: “Probably just the money, to be fair.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Over the past 18 months, Littler has become a transformative figure in darts, inspiring a new generation of players. “I’ve got my own academy set up. There are many academies in Warrington and across the country, and I’ve played a big part in that.”
He also makes it a priority to connect with young fans. “If you take a picture with a kid, you can make their day, maybe even their year.”
Minimal Practice, Maximum Results
Despite his packed schedule, Littler revealed that he rarely practices outside of tournaments. “Some people love to practice, but I barely do during the week. After a tournament, I might not even pick up a dart until the next event. We have the Premier League on Thursdays, then we’re flying out for international events on Fridays. Monday and Tuesday might have Pro Tours, and then it’s back to the Premier League. My practice is playing in these tournaments every week.”
As Littler continues to dominate the darts scene, the question remains: will his drive for financial success and passion for the sport be enough to push him past the legendary Phil Taylor?
