Phil Taylor: The Power Steps Away from Competitive Darts to Begin New Chapter

The End of an Era for Darts’ Greatest Champion

Phil Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, has officially closed the chapter on his competitive career. After ‘a long and fantastic career over the last 40 years’, Taylor announced his retirement from playing darts in May 2025. He officially stepped away from all competition in 2025 due to ongoing hip issues, marking the definitive end to an unparalleled career that transformed the sport.

Born on 13 August 1960 in Stoke-on-Trent, Taylor’s dominance in darts is legendary. He won a staggering 16 World Championships, including eight consecutively between 1995 and 2002, along with 16 World Matchplay titles, 11 World Grand Prix crowns, six Premier League wins, and over 80 televised PDC titles in total. The man nicknamed ‘The Power’ set standards that may never be matched.

Taylor’s New Role in Broadcasting

Rather than disappearing from the sport entirely, Taylor has embarked on a new journey. The 16-time world champion, who announced his full retirement from the sport in 2024, will be joining the Modus Super Series tournament that features over 100 matches across a 50-week period. This new position allows Taylor to remain connected to the game without the physical demands of competition.

Despite Sky Sports’ interest in securing Taylor as a pundit, the darts icon declined their offer due to the demanding schedule, stating ‘I couldn’t work on the Sky ones, there’s too many tournaments for me’. This decision reflects Taylor’s desire for a more balanced lifestyle after decades of intense competition and travel.

Legacy and Impact on Modern Darts

Taylor’s influence extends far beyond his trophy cabinet. Following Luke Littler’s stunning victory in the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship final, Taylor congratulated the young champion, demonstrating his continued engagement with the sport’s future stars. His career spanned an era that saw darts transform from pub pastime to global phenomenon.

As Taylor transitions from player to pundit, his wealth of experience and insight will continue to shape darts discourse. For fans worldwide, hearing ‘The Power’ analyse the game offers a unique perspective from someone who dominated it like no other. While his competitive days are behind him, Phil Taylor’s impact on darts remains as powerful as ever.