Darts legend Phil Taylor has admitted he is astonished by Luke Littler’s relaxed approach to his World Championship preparations, revealing that the teenage superstar prepares in a way he could “never” have imagined during his own career.
With the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship just days away, all eyes are once again on Littler as he begins his title defence — but it’s the 18-year-old’s unorthodox routine that has shocked one of the sport’s greatest-ever players.
“You’re not taking a board?”
Taylor recalled a recent conversation with Littler where he discovered the world champion wasn’t planning to take his practice board to London for the tournament — a decision that would have been unthinkable for “The Power” at the peak of his career.
“I asked him, ‘Are you not taking your practice board with you?’
And he just said: ‘No.’
I couldn’t believe it. I’d never do that.”
Taylor confessed that during his dominant era he was obsessively disciplined, beginning World Championship preparations months in advance and sticking to strict routines. But Littler, he says, is simply built differently.
A natural talent Taylor admits he’s never seen before
What surprised Taylor even more was Littler’s recent performance in Finland, where he didn’t warm up at all on the evening before a stage appearance — only to go up and blow opponents away.
Littler reportedly threw no darts for hours, then stepped on stage and hit multiple 180s while averaging around 110.
“It’s crazy. But that’s his ability. He’s that natural.
He really is brilliant.”
Taylor suggested that while Littler’s approach may look casual, it’s backed by a level of raw talent rarely seen in darts.
But a warning comes with the praise
Despite his admiration, Taylor offered a note of caution. He believes Littler’s opponents must try to unsettle him early if they want any chance of stopping him from steamrolling through the field.
Taylor said that once Littler relaxes into a match, he becomes almost impossible to stop — but taking the first set off him might introduce the nerves that young players still experience.
A new generation rewriting the rulebook
Taylor also acknowledged that the sport has evolved. The intense, pressure-heavy preparation of his era has given way to a new wave of players with a more laid-back mentality — none more so than Littler.
While Taylor built his empire on discipline, structure and constant practice, Littler thrives on instinct, confidence and natural rhythm. His success — and the ease with which he finds it — has stunned even the most decorated figures in the sport.
Littler begins his defence
Littler starts his campaign at Alexandra Palace against former quarter-finalist Darius Labanauskas, aiming to retain the title he won in historic fashion last year.
And while his preparation might not resemble that of a traditional world champion, Taylor believes Littler’s talent is so extraordinary that he may continue breaking the rules — and his rivals.
