In a blistering interview ahead of the World Matchplay, the 19-year-old prodigy did not hold back when asked how he would compare to the sport’s undisputed greatest of all time.
“People say, ‘You’ve only won one world title, Taylor won 16.’ But you have to look at the era,” Littler stated. “Phil was throwing against pub players for half his career. Now, every single person in the top 32 averages 100 on their day. Every week is a Premier League final.”
Littler, who burst onto the scene with a fairytale run to the 2024 World Championship final, argues that the depth of talent and the rise of “robotic” scoring have changed the game permanently.
“If you have a bad session now, you lose 6-0. In Taylor’s day, he could average 98 and still win walking away. Today, if I average 98, I’m going home early,” he added. “I believe, head-to-head, with both of us at our peak? I’m taking my game over his. It’s just science.”
Taylor’s Blunt Response
The 63-year-old legend, who retired in 2018 with 85 major titles, was quick to fire back. Speaking to The Sun, Taylor laughed off the claim but admitted the modern game has evolved.
“He’s a fantastic player, but you don’t win 16 worlds by luck. I beat the best of my time—Bristow, Lowe, Priestley. You can only beat what’s in front of you,” Taylor said. “If Luke thinks it’s harder now, that’s fine. But ‘better’? Call me when he’s got double-figure world titles. The board hasn’t changed, son—the pressure has.”
The Stats Don’t Lie (Or Do They?)
The numbers offer ammunition for both sides. Taylor’s career televised average sits around 97.4, while Littler’s 2025 season average hovers near 101.5. However, Taylor achieved his peak averages on heavier, brass-nosed dartboards that were less forgiving than today’s razor-wire treble beds.
PDC pundit Wayne Mardle weighed in: “Luke is right that the standard is terrifying now. But ‘better’ is a dangerous word. Taylor was a mental gladiator. He broke players before they even threw. Luke has the scoring; he hasn’t proven the killer instinct over 20 years yet.”
Social Media Erupts
Fans were split. One X user posted: “Littler averages 105 in his sleep. Taylor averaged 85 in the 90s. He’s 100% right.” Another countered: “Taylor won 16 in an era of 3-dart checkouts under pressure. Littler lost to Luke Humphries last week. Humble yourself.”
For his part, Littler remains unshaken. “I’m not disrespecting Phil—he’s a legend. But legends get old, and games move on. I’m the future. And the future scores higher.”
Whether that future includes 16 world titles remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the bullseye is now firmly painted on the teenager’s back.