DailySun
PHIL TAYLOR is confident that Luke Littler has the youthful vigor and talent to possibly surpass his record of 16 world titles.
Nonetheless, Taylor has shared two vital pieces of advice for the young player to maintain his success — selecting appropriate footwear and making use of a personal mattress topper.
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At just 17, Littler made history by becoming the youngest world champion, clinching the title with a 7-3 win against three-time Alexandra Palace champion Michael van Gerwen.
This historic triumph marks an incredible debut year for Littler on the professional circuit, where he has already bagged 11 titles and is currently ranked second in the world standings.
Although he is significantly behind Taylor’s remarkable 16 championships — a record that is 11 titles clear of the next closest competitor — Taylor himself was only 29 when he secured his first title, defeating the late Eric Bristow 6-1 in 1990. He acknowledges that Littler’s journey is just beginning.
Now at 64 years old, Taylor remarked: “It’s completely up to Luke how long he intends to compete, the commitment he wishes to make, and how many titles he ends up winning.
“For now, let the young man play freely.
“He’s achieved world champion status at merely 17, reaching this milestone quite remarkably; he’s truly a phenomenon.
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Luke Littler’s Prize Money Overview
Here’s an overview of the prize money Luke Littler has earned after his win at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship:
World Championship 2025 – £500,000
World Championship 2024 – £200,000
Grand Slam of Darts 2024 – £150,000
European Tour – £91,000
Player Championship Events – £71,500
Players Championship Finals Runner-Up – £60,000
UK Open 2023 + 2024 – £17,500
World Matchplay – £10,000
World Grand Prix – £7,500
European Championship – £7,500
(Unranked) Premier League Darts – £315,000
TOTAL: £1.43 million
“When asked about the number of world titles he could achieve, it’s crucial to keep in mind that he has nearly endless time ahead, should he choose to utilize it.
“I was nearing 30 when I claimed my first world championship — and Paul Lim earned more for scoring a nine-darter than I did for winning the whole tournament.
Luke Littler’s brother shares the family’s plans to celebrate the 17-year-old’s impressive World Darts Championship win
“Achieving 16 titles over 23 years demanded great commitment and significant sacrifices.
“Only Luke knows, deep down, if he’s willing to put forth the required effort, and it’s entirely his decision to earn another title, or multiples of five, 15, or even surpassing my record with 16 or beyond.
“He is certainly young enough to accomplish it.”
Taylor, with a professional career spanning 31 years, understands the longevity required in the sport.
He retired ceremoniously in 2024 after completing competitions in the senior tour.
Littler has already faced the rigorous demands of being among the elite players globally.
Last year, he played close to 200 matches on the tour — a truly remarkable feat for someone so young in their first season.
Taylor commented: “If I could recommend just one key piece of advice to help him maintain his top position, it would not focus on his darts skills or his movement on the oche.
“I would suggest he focuses on his footwear.
“If you aren’t standing comfortably on the oche, you won’t hit a target as tiny as your little fingernail, so ensure your shoes fit flawlessly — and have a couple of pairs with you wherever you go.
“And don’t dismiss the importance of sleep. Prioritize getting adequate rest.
“I still carry a mattress topper with me everywhere as some hotel beds resemble sleeping on a highway. Your darts won’t go where intended if you’re groggy from a restless night.”
As Littler now steps into the shoes of the newly crowned world champion, the pressure is bound to escalate.
Expectations will be high for him to win nearly every forthcoming event, and he’s already been named a favorite for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year — after finishing second to Keely Hodgkinson last month.
Taylor concluded: “Let’s celebrate his achievement. Let’s applaud a prodigious talent who stands at the peak of his sport, and we can reflect on his accomplishments later when he decides to retire.
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“If he continues competing at 40, it will signify he has likely won many more titles.
“The younger generation is bold, even brazen. They approach not with reverence for your legacy but as a challenge to surmount.”
Littler has decided to take a hiatus from competitive play until he participates in the Bahrain Darts Masters.
He acknowledges that from now on, he’d likely experience what many refer to as the ‘Manchester United syndrome’ whenever he’s on stage in 2025.
It’s understandable that Littler wants a respite — and some good sleep — after returning to Warrington from a historic three-week tour in London.
He has mentioned he will NOT practice before his title defense on January 16.
Littler, who enjoys gaming on his Xbox, chuckled: “I don’t really feel like practicing. I just want to unwind!
“It’ll probably mimic last year’s pattern leading up to the Bahrain Masters — I won’t touch my darts.
“I wasn’t familiar with Bahrain before, but after arriving, I found it to be a very lovely destination.
“Winning the first title of 2024 confirmed ‘I’m here for the World Series’.
“Moreover, it offers me a platform to prove that my World Championship victory was not just a fluke.
“But I am well aware that the popularity of darts is growing in Bahrain.”
The Crown Prince of Bahrain has taken a keen interest in the sport since witnessing Littler achieve his first professional nine-darter against Nathan Aspinall at last year’s event.
Promoter Barry Hearn disclosed: “He attended the Bahrain Darts Masters incognito, casually dressed, and was not recognized — despite being the Prime Minister and Crown Prince!
“He witnessed Luke Littler’s nine-darter from the stands and became captivated by darts, stating: ‘This has been one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve ever had.’
“We are currently discussing the potential of hosting significant events in Bahrain — focusing on grassroots initiatives rather than just the professional level.
“That’s crucial — they represent the future audience.”
Littler’s 18th birthday will be on January 21, and whispers in the sport suggest that opponents may feel empowered to engage in mental games against him, having previously held back due to his youth.
Taylor frequently refers to the Manchester United phenomenon during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.
The Power noted: “United never had an easy match. I never had an easy match, as every opponent would bring their best against me.”
Littler, a Manchester United supporter, resonates with this comparison.
He stated: “Perhaps I’ll need to elevate my game against my contenders.
“I realize from the very first leg that, regardless of my opponent, this is their championship moment, and I must be prepared from the outset.”
