Phil Taylor reveals why Luke Littler will struggle to break World Darts Championship record despite huge advantage
Phil Taylor Explains Why Luke Littler Could Struggle to Break His Darts Records Despite Huge Potential
Darts icon Phil Taylor has cast doubt on whether Luke Littler will be able to surpass his record-breaking achievements in the sport—despite admitting the 18-year-old is already “absolutely brilliant.”
Taylor, known as “The Power,” is one of the most dominant figures in darts history, having racked up 14 PDC World Championship titles, 16 World Matchplays, and 11 World Grand Prix trophies during a glittering 31-year career.
Littler, who stunned the world by winning the 2024 World Championship at Alexandra Palace with a 7–3 victory over Michael van Gerwen, has been tipped by many as the heir to Taylor’s throne. But Taylor, speaking to Bild, believes the road ahead won’t be easy.
“It’s much harder now,” Taylor said. “I probably won 10 World Championships when the schedule wasn’t nearly as packed as it is these days. But sure, the record can be broken—Luke has age on his side.”
While Taylor was quick to rule out any professional comeback—saying his career is “definitely over” aside from appearances on the Seniors Tour—he didn’t hold back in praising Littler’s mentality and talent.
“I love the way he operates up there,” he added. “He’s not chasing money. He’s chasing titles. He’s having fun—and that’s dangerous for everyone else.”
Brendan Dolan, who was swept aside by Littler in the quarter-finals of last year’s World Championship, even compared the teenager to Taylor himself—an opinion echoed by many in the darts world.
Still, Taylor knows better than anyone what it takes to stay on top.
“Luke is phenomenal, but sustaining success over decades is a different beast entirely.”
Littler now prepares to face Gerwyn Price in Manchester in the Premier League Darts—a matchup that’s quickly become one of the sport’s most anticipated rivalries.
As Littler continues to soar and the sport attracts fresh eyes, the debate over whether he can eventually eclipse Taylor’s legacy is only just beginning.
