Phil Taylor: Darts Legend Retires and Embarks on New Broadcasting Career

The End of an Era in Darts

Phil Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, has officially closed the chapter on his remarkable playing career. After a long and fantastic career over the last 40 years, Taylor announced his retirement from playing darts, marking the end of an unprecedented journey that saw him dominate the sport for three decades.

The 16-time world champion recently confirmed he won’t be returning to the oche for exhibition or senior events. He officially stepped away from all competition in 2025 due to ongoing hip issues, bringing to a close a career that redefined excellence in professional darts.

An Unmatched Legacy

Taylor’s dominance in darts remains unparalleled in sporting history. He won the PDC World Darts Championship eight consecutive times from 1995 to 2002, reached 14 consecutive finals from 1994 to 2007 and reached 21 world finals overall. Beyond world championships, he claimed 16 World Matchplay titles, 11 World Grand Prix crowns, six Premier League wins, and over 80 televised PDC titles in total.

With a career that includes 214 professional tournament wins and 85 major titles, Phil Taylor’s legacy in the world of darts is unmatched. His influence transformed darts from a pub game into a professional sport with global appeal.

New Chapter: Broadcasting Career

Retirement from competition hasn’t meant stepping away from the sport entirely. Taylor has secured a new punditry role with the Modus Super Series after turning down an offer from Sky Sports. The 16-time world champion will be joining the tournament that features over 100 matches across a 50-week period.

Despite Sky Sports’ interest in securing Taylor as a pundit, the darts icon declined their offer due to the demanding schedule, stating he couldn’t work on the Sky ones as there’s too many tournaments. The decision reflects his desire for a more balanced lifestyle, allowing him to remain connected to darts while enjoying more time at home.

Reflections and Advice

In recent interviews, Taylor has offered candid reflections on his career. Speaking exclusively to Darts World magazine, the legend explained that if he could change one thing, it would be learning to say no more often, believing he might have retired with 19 or 20 world titles.

This wisdom now shapes his new chapter. Taylor’s transition from the oche to the commentary box ensures that his voice, experience, and unmatched knowledge will continue to enrich the sport he revolutionised. For darts fans, whilst the sight of ‘The Power’ throwing competitively has ended, his presence in the sport remains as vital as ever.