In the pulsating world of professional darts, where precision meets pressure, an 18-year-old prodigy has sparked a firestorm of debate. Luke Littler, the reigning PDC World Darts Champion, has made waves by suggesting that Phil Taylor, the sport’s most decorated legend, would “struggle” to dominate in the modern era. Speaking on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast, Littler’s candid remarks about his childhood idol have ignited discussions about the evolution of darts, the intensity of today’s competition, and his own audacious ambition to chase Taylor’s record of 16 world titles.
Littler, dubbed “The Nuke,” has taken darts by storm since his breakout at the 2024 PDC World Championship, where he reached the final at just 16. A year later, he clinched the title, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace in January 2025, becoming the youngest world champion in history at 17 years and 347 days. His 2025 season has been a masterclass, with victories in the Premier League, UK Open, World Series Finals, and Grand Slam of Darts, amassing over £1.5 million in prize money. Currently leading the 2025 Premier League by eight points after eight weeks, Littler’s form is unrivaled, positioning him as a serious contender to rewrite darts history.
Taylor, now 64 and retired since 2018, is the undisputed titan of darts, with 16 World Championships and 16 World Matchplay titles among his 87 major crowns. His dominance from 1990 to 2013 set a benchmark that seemed untouchable, with tournament averages often soaring past 105, even on less forgiving boards of his era. Littler, however, believes the game has transformed. “It [the competition] is a lot better now,” he said on the podcast, hosted by Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and others. “You still had Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow—it was still a good field, but nowadays, I think Phil would struggle.” His reasoning hinges on the modern era’s depth, where elite players regularly post 100-plus averages and face relentless schedules.
The Warrington teenager’s comments have stirred both admiration and backlash. Some fans laud his confidence, seeing it as a reflection of darts’ evolution, with faster-paced tournaments and a deeper talent pool. Others view it as a slight against Taylor, whose prime saw him dispatch rivals like Bristow and Raymond van Barneveld with ease. Chris Mason, a former Taylor rival, dismissed similar claims by Bobby George as “absolute b******s,” arguing that Taylor’s averages—once hitting 113 over 24 legs—still rival today’s elite. “The stats don’t lie,” Mason told Online Darts, emphasizing Taylor’s ability to thrive under pressure.
Littler’s ambition is clear: he wants Taylor’s record. “There’s a record there to be broken, but it’s going to take some doing,” he admitted, noting Taylor’s dual 16-title hauls in the World Championship and World Matchplay. “Phil Taylor was my idol. If I can be bothered to stay in darts for that time, I could maybe beat his record. He was 52 when he won his 16th world title.” With one world title already secured, Littler, who turns 19 in January 2026, has decades to chase the mark. When asked what drives him, he was blunt: “Probably just the money, to be fair.” The PDC’s recent prize pool surge, with the World Championship winner now pocketing £1 million, only fuels his hunger.
Littler’s schedule is grueling, a stark contrast to Taylor’s era. “We have the Premier League on a Thursday, then flying somewhere Friday for an international tournament, playing Thursday to Sunday,” he explained. “Monday and Tuesday, we have pro tours, then back to the Premier League. My practice is playing in these tournaments every week.” This relentless pace, he argues, sharpens today’s players, making dominance harder to sustain. His rare practice habits—sometimes not touching a dart between events—haven’t hindered his precision, a testament to his natural talent.
The debate has added intrigue to a potential Littler-Taylor showdown. Target Darts, their shared sponsor, teased a match, though an April Fools’ Jenga contest disappointed fans craving a dartboard duel. Littler remains eager, saying, “I’m sure that will happen soon. If Taylor does start practicing, it’ll be tough, but if he just comes to an exhibition, I fancy my chances.” Taylor, meanwhile, has praised Littler’s impact, telling BBC Radio Four, “He’s given me the enthusiasm to watch darts again.” Yet, at 64, with health issues including hip surgery, Taylor’s competitive days are over, leaving fans to ponder the hypothetical clash.
Littler’s bold claim underscores his fearless mindset, a trait Taylor himself admires. “What I like about Littler is that the kid is fearless,” Taylor said at a parliamentary event, warning that the “Man Utd syndrome”—where rivals raise their game against the best—could test him. As Littler eyes more titles, his words have set the stage for a new chapter in darts, where a teenage superstar dares to challenge the legacy of a legend, fueled by talent, time, and a touch of audacity.