Phil "The Power" Taylor, the legendary sixteen‑time world darts champion, has announced that he will step back onto the oche for a special event later this year. The former champion will join forces with his longtime compatriot Adrian Lewis at the MODUS Super Series International Pairs Tournament, which is slated to run from November 23 to November 28. This appearance marks Taylor’s first competitive outing since he hung up his darts in 2018, five years after clinching his final world title.
Taylor, now 66, has spent the past several years largely out of the professional spotlight. He retired from the PDC circuit in 2018, citing a desire to spend more time with family and to step away from the relentless travel schedule that comes with top‑level darts. In the years since, he has kept his skills sharp in more informal settings, practicing in a local pub and even installing a new dartboard in his own home. Recently, he underwent a successful hip replacement surgery, which has further improved his mobility and confidence.
When asked about a possible return, Taylor has said that any comeback would need to be for the "right reason" – a sentiment that appears to have been fulfilled by the invitation to partner with Adrian Lewis. "Adrian is one of the very few people I'd come out of retirement to play alongside, and the MODUS Super Series is the place I wanted to do it," Taylor explained. "We've got a lot of history together, we know each other's games inside out, and I'm looking forward to getting back up there with him." Adrian Lewis, a two‑time world champion in his own right, has a storied partnership with Taylor that includes four World Cup of Darts victories for England. Reflecting on the upcoming collaboration, Lewis said, "Phil and I have shared some brilliant moments playing together over the years.
So to get the chance to do it again is really special. We know what it takes to win as a pair and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together." The MODUS Super Series itself is not an official PDC event, but it has quickly become a magnet for top international talent looking for high‑quality competition outside the traditional tour calendar.
Organisers have promised an "exciting line‑up" of players from across the globe, and the full entry list is scheduled for release on October 10. While the tournament does not carry ranking points, the prestige of the event and the opportunity to see legends like Taylor and Lewis back in action have generated considerable buzz among fans.
For viewers, the tournament will be accessible via various broadcast platforms. Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event will carry live coverage, beginning with day two of the World Grand Prix at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and continuing daily through to the final on Sunday.
Those without a traditional Sky subscription can also stream the action on NOW, which offers a contract‑free option for sports fans. Taylor’s return is unlikely to signal a full‑time comeback to the professional circuit. He has repeatedly emphasized that his involvement is tied specifically to this partnership and the unique setting of the MODUS Super Series. Nonetheless, his presence adds a layer of intrigue and nostalgia to the tournament, reminding both seasoned followers and newer fans of the skill and charisma that made him a household name.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the pairs competition, Taylor’s appearance raises broader questions about the role of retired legends in contemporary darts. Many former champions have taken on ambassadorial roles, coaching positions, or occasional exhibition matches, but fewer have chosen to re‑enter a competitive format, even on a limited basis.
Taylor’s decision may inspire other retired players to consider short‑term returns for special events, especially when the circumstances align with personal relationships and a genuine love for the sport. In addition to the on‑stage action, the tournament will likely feature a range of ancillary events, such as fan meet‑and‑greets, charity darts challenges, and opportunities for aspiring players to compete in qualifiers.
The MODUS Super Series has positioned itself as more than just a series of matches; it aims to be a celebration of darts culture, bringing together players, coaches, and supporters from diverse backgrounds. As the November dates approach, anticipation continues to build. The combination of Taylor’s storied career, Lewis’s proven partnership record, and the international flavor of the MODUS Super Series promises a compelling narrative for darts enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether the duo can recapture the chemistry that led them to multiple World Cup victories remains to be seen, but the very prospect of watching two of the sport’s most iconic figures share the stage again is enough to generate excitement across the darts community. Fans are encouraged to tune in via Sky Sports+ or the NOW streaming service to catch every throw, strategy session, and moment of camaraderie that will unfold over the six‑day tournament. As Taylor himself has hinted, this may be a one‑off appearance, but it is a reminder that great talent never truly fades—it simply waits for the right moment to shine again.