Luke Littler has once again voiced his ambition to be recognised as the "greatest darts player ever" after a commanding defence of his Betfred World Matchplay crown. The 19‑year‑old’s latest triumph has sparked fresh comparisons with the legendary Phil Taylor, whose record‑breaking career set the benchmark for the sport. Littler capped an unforgettable week at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens by becoming the first player since Michael van Gerwen to retain the World Matchplay title. In doing so, he added another major to a growing collection that already includes the World Championship, the UK Open, the Winmau World Masters, the Premier League and the World Cup of Darts.
By the end of 2026, Littler has already secured every PDC major on the calendar, a feat that seems almost unimaginable for a teenager. The list of superlatives that can be applied to Littler is expanding at a breakneck pace. He is rapidly climbing to a generational level that threatens to eclipse many of the records held by his childhood idol, Phil Taylor. As Littler himself told Sky Sports, “I don’t think anyone has ever won every major in a calendar year and that’s what we’re pushing for.
The family are always backing me a million per cent and that’s what drives me.” He went on to say, “I would absolutely love to be the greatest darts player there ever has been. As I have always said, I have got to win 16 of these, 16 worlds, and then have a look at whatever else Phil Taylor did win.” At just 19, Littler still has a long career ahead of him. “I have plenty more years. When am I going to retire?
Who knows. I’ve still got plenty more years left in the tank,” he added. ### A Record‑Breaking Performance Littler’s recent Matchplay victory was not only historic because of the defence but also because of the numbers he produced. He posted a tournament‑average of 111.04 across five matches, shattering Taylor’s 2010 best of 106.31.
He also broke his own record for the most 180s hit at a World Matchplay event. "I am very happy with myself and the performances, not only in the final but the past eight days, every round," Littler said after the final. "It is crazy to say that the 109 average was my worst average throughout the tournament!" While Littler now holds a trophy that bears Taylor’s name, matching the legend’s total of World Matchplay titles would require him to win the event every year until roughly 2040. To put that in perspective, Taylor’s dominance in Blackpool began in 2007, the same year Littler was born.
Six months after Littler’s birth, Taylor suffered a rare quarter‑final exit – only the second such loss at the venue in the 21st century. Seven years later, after Littler had just left his second year of primary school, Taylor was still unbeaten at the Matchplay and was on the brink of a seventh consecutive title, a run that included 38 straight victories. No player since Taylor has come close to those achievements. Yet, Littler’s scoring prowess is already comparable.
His 111.04 average is the second‑highest ever recorded in a major tournament, just half a point shy of Taylor’s 111.54 in the 2009 European Championship, despite Littler playing more than twice the number of legs. ### The Mindset and the Competition Littler remains humble about his progress. "I can still get better," he insisted at a press conference.
"I was up to a 120 average at one point. I didn’t stick at it, but maybe in a few years’ time I will stick at it and go up to that when the match is finished. At the minute, I’m playing some of the best stuff and I’ve just got to keep it there." His peers and officials have taken notice. PDC chief executive Matt Porter praised Littler’s dominance, noting that his earnings of £3 million in prize money are unprecedented.
Porter also highlighted a shift in the competitive landscape: "I don’t think the mentality of the opponents is the same as in Taylor’s era. Twenty‑odd years ago, players would see getting to the final as their championship. You wouldn’t get that answer off Gerwyn Price, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Steven Bunting, Nathan Aspinall, Jonny Clayton – those guys are not here to make up the numbers. Luke at the moment is almost unstoppable.
Nobody’s ever unstoppable, but with the way he’s playing, someone really has to up their game if they’re going to beat him." ### What Lies Ahead? Littler’s calendar remains packed with opportunities to add more titles to his résumé. He will defend his crown at the Boyle Sports World Grand Prix (28 September–4 October) and the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts (14–22 November). A successful run at the European Championship (22–25 October) would give him his first TV‑ranked title, and winning the Players Championship Finals (27–29 November) would complete a sweep of every major and televised event in a single year.
When comparing his potential to past greats, it is worth noting that Taylor’s remarkable 2009 season did not include a Premier League title or the World Cup of Darts, which debuted the following year. Michael van Gerwen’s 2016 dominance also missed out on a World Cup triumph.
Littler, therefore, has a realistic chance to surpass both by capturing every major available in the modern era. Littler has been selective with his ProTour schedule, leaving his qualification for the Players Championship Finals uncertain. However, his recent statements suggest a change in plans.
"Coming into the tournament I’d won every major so far, so this is what I wanted to do," he explained. "I have been checking the Pro Tour rankings – whoever is in 64th (final qualification spot) just keeps going up and up!
I know there are four Players Championship events in Leicester I have got to go to now. If I don’t qualify I will get grilled and if I qualify I will get grilled anyway, so who knows what is going to happen." ### The Bigger Picture In just over two and a half years as a professional, Littler has already cemented himself as one of the sport’s greats.
His rapid ascent, combined with a willingness to push beyond the limits set by legends like Taylor, makes his future both terrifying and exhilarating for fans and rivals alike. As he continues to chase more records, the darts world watches with bated breath, eager to see whether the teenager from England will rewrite the history books and truly become the greatest darts player ever.
For viewers eager to follow Littler’s quest, Sky Sports will broadcast his upcoming appearances at the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and the World Darts Championship, offering live coverage of what could become a defining era in the sport.