Phil Taylor Reveals the One Condition He Has for Facing Luke Littler

A showdown between Phil Taylor and Luke Littler is one of those darts matches that fans would love to see, even if it is only an exhibition. It would bring together two generations of players who have helped define the sport, although their careers have followed very different paths.

But while Littler has never hidden his admiration for the 16-time world champion, Taylor has previously made it clear that he would not simply agree to a conventional match against the teenage sensation.

In fact, the darts legend had a rather cheeky condition when asked about facing the youngster, and it is one that would certainly make the proposed contest even more interesting.

Taylor’s answer was simple: he would play Littler, but only in a particular format, with one important advantage for himself.

Taylor’s unusual condition for facing Littler

The conversation dates back to May 2024, when Taylor was asked about the possibility of playing against Littler during an appearance on talkSPORT.

At the time, Littler was enjoying a remarkable breakthrough season after announcing himself to the wider sporting world at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship.

Despite being only 17, the youngster had already reached the final at Alexandra Palace, defeated several established names and demonstrated that he could compete with the very best.

Naturally, the prospect of seeing him face Taylor became a talking point among darts supporters.

However, Taylor initially played down the possibility of a competitive meeting.

When asked whether he wanted to face Littler, he responded: “No [I don’t want to play him]. Not yet, I don’t want to play him to be quite honest with you!”

That was not quite the end of the conversation, though.

When pushed on whether he would consider an exhibition match, Taylor revealed his condition.

“I’d play him in an exhibition, yeah. One leg of 301, I go first!”

It was a typically playful response from a player who spent decades dominating opponents on the biggest stages.

Rather than agreeing to a lengthy match against one of the sport’s most exciting young talents, Taylor was suggesting a single leg of 301 with himself throwing first.

Why a match between these two would be fascinating

There is a reason why the idea of Taylor facing Littler continues to attract attention.

Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest player in darts history. His collection of 16 world championship titles remains the benchmark for anyone hoping to establish themselves as the sport’s greatest ever player.

His dominance was not limited to the World Championship either.

During his extraordinary career, Taylor won 214 professional tournaments and collected 85 major titles. He also became famous for his ability to produce extraordinary scoring performances when the pressure was at its highest.

Littler, meanwhile, represents a completely different generation.

The youngster exploded onto the professional scene during the 2023/24 World Championship and immediately demonstrated that his age was no obstacle to competing against experienced professionals.

His run to the final was followed by further success, including winning the 2025 World Championship at just 17 years old.

He then successfully defended his crown in January 2026, defeating Gian van Veen 7-1 in the final.

That achievement placed him among the very few players to win consecutive PDC World Championship titles.

The interesting question is how Littler would approach a meeting with someone he has openly admired throughout his rise.

For Taylor, it would be an opportunity to share the stage with a player who has already started building an extraordinary legacy.

For Littler, it would be a chance to test himself against the man whose records he could spend much of his career chasing.

Taylor has already changed his stance on the proposed showdown

Interestingly, Taylor’s willingness to face Littler has not remained consistent over the years.

After Littler became world champion in January 2025, the retired superstar was asked again about the possibility of playing him.

This time, his response was considerably less encouraging.

Speaking to GB News, Taylor laughed off the suggestion and replied: “No. Absolutely not!”

He then brought up an amusing incident involving Littler beating him at Jenga, jokingly referring to the youngster as a “little b******” before making it clear that he thought highly of him.

Taylor added that Littler was a lovely lad, so there was clearly no personal animosity behind his response.

It was more a case of the former champion having little interest in returning to the competitive environment simply to take on the new face of darts.

Nevertheless, his earlier offer of a one-leg exhibition remains an entertaining possibility for supporters.

Littler would love the opportunity to face his childhood hero

One person who has appeared considerably more enthusiastic about the potential meeting is Littler himself.

The reigning world champion has previously spoken about his admiration for Taylor and what it would mean to share the stage with someone who achieved so much during his career.

Speaking to SPORTbible in February 2025, Littler discussed the possibility of a future exhibition and suggested that it could happen sooner rather than later.

He also offered an interesting assessment of how such a contest might unfold.

Littler explained that if Taylor returned to practising regularly, he would present a difficult challenge. However, if the legendary former champion simply turned up without putting in the preparation, Littler fancied his chances.

That comment tells you something about the confidence Littler has developed since breaking into professional darts.

He is no longer simply the teenager hoping to make a name for himself. He is now a multiple world champion who has established himself as the leading figure in the sport.

Still, facing Taylor would carry a different kind of pressure.

Even if it were an exhibition, Littler would know that every dart would be watched closely by supporters eager to compare the two generations.

Could Taylor still give Littler a difficult afternoon?

It would be unfair to expect Taylor to reproduce the performances that made him virtually untouchable during his peak years.

He retired from the professional PDC circuit in 2018, although he continued appearing in exhibition events and later competed on the World Seniors Tour.

Age and time away from regular competition inevitably make a difference.

However, dismissing Taylor simply because he is no longer at his peak would be a mistake.

The experience, natural ability and understanding of the game that made him such a formidable opponent do not disappear overnight.

Taylor also recently demonstrated that he remains interested in competitive darts.

In November 2026, reports emerged that the 66-year-old would return for the MODUS Super Series International Pairs Tournament alongside former World Cup teammate Adrian Lewis.

It would be his first competitive appearance in more than two years, making the return particularly interesting for supporters who have missed seeing him on the oche.

Of course, a potential meeting with Littler would be a completely different challenge.

The youngster has developed into an incredibly consistent player, capable of producing huge scores and finishing difficult combinations under pressure.

A single leg of 301 would also be a particularly unpredictable format.

Unlike a longer match, there would be very little opportunity to recover from a poor start. One missed double or an outstanding visit from either player could decide everything.

That is precisely what makes Taylor’s original condition so entertaining.

Darts fans would love to see it happen

There is little doubt that an exhibition involving these two names would attract enormous attention.

Taylor represents the era when he dominated the sport and established records that seemed almost impossible to challenge.

Littler represents the next generation, bringing enormous popularity and a level of excitement that has introduced darts to a new audience.

Their potential meeting would therefore be about much more than the result.

It would be an opportunity to celebrate the sport’s history while watching its current superstar share a stage with one of its greatest legends.

Personally, I would love to see Taylor reconsider his position and agree to a proper exhibition against Littler, even if the original one-leg 301 arrangement remains part of the deal.

The only problem is that fans would probably want much more than a single leg once the two finally stepped up to the oche.

Would you rather see Taylor get his wish and start the contest with a 301 advantage, or should both players compete in a full exhibition match? Let us know what you think.