Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor: The Legend Who Redefined Darts Hangs Up His Arrows
The End of an Era for Darts’ Greatest Champion
Phil Taylor officially stepped away from all competition in 2025 due to ongoing hip issues, marking the definitive end to one of sport’s most remarkable careers. Phil Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, a status earned through decades of unprecedented dominance that transformed the sport from pub pastime to global phenomenon.
An Unparalleled Legacy of Success
The Power won a staggering 16 World Championships, including eight consecutively between 1995 and 2002. His record of achievements remains unmatched: he claimed 16 World Matchplay titles, 11 World Grand Prix crowns, six Premier League wins, and over 80 televised PDC titles in total. He retired from professional darts after the 2018 World Championship, where he finished as runner-up, but briefly returned for senior competitions.
From Factory Worker to Global Icon
From his humble beginnings as a factory worker in Stoke-on-Trent to a global icon, Phil became the most decorated player in darts history. His career spanned over three decades, during which he rewrote every record in the sport and set a new gold standard for excellence. As one of the founding members of the Professional Darts Corporation, he played a key role in raising the sport’s profile, helping it transition from smoky pub backrooms to sold-out arenas and global TV audiences.
What This Means for Darts
Taylor’s retirement represents more than the end of one player’s career—it closes a chapter in sporting history. His influence shaped modern darts, with legendary rivalries, particularly with Raymond van Barneveld, helping drive viewership and drama during darts’ most transformative years. As young stars like Luke Littler emerge, they face the daunting challenge of matching Taylor’s achievements. Luke Littler suggested he thinks it might take him 15 or 16 years to claim the 14 he needs to match Phil Taylor’s career total, underscoring just how towering Taylor’s legacy remains for future generations.