The Power and the Prodigy: A Generational Darts Showdown

The tides are turning in the realm of darts as Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler basks in the glory of his 2025 World Championship triumph. It’s an exciting time for the darting world as Littler is set to make more history, bringing with him a fresh new audience to the sport. While Littler is still a way off the ranking of Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, at TangoBet we’re asking ourselves what the odds might be of Littler one day stealing the title of the greatest darts player of all time…

This blog will discuss the similarities between the two players as well as the key differences that may lead Littler to earn the G.O.A.T title. With an astounding record of achievements behind Taylor, he has certainly set the bar for what it takes to be a reigning champion; the question bodes for whether the nuke has got it in him. We examine Luke Littler vs Phil Taylor.

Who Is Luke Littler

Luke Littler is the current title holder for World Darts Champion after defeating Michael van Gerwan 7 sets to 3 in the 2025 World Championships held on the 3rd January 2025. After falling short in last year’s final, Littler took the title from three-time champion van Gerwen in an exhilarating match. His win earned him worldwide media coverage, gaining traction from an entirely new demographic, one that Littler himself belongs to.

Aged just 18, (17 at the time of his win) Luke Littler brings an appetite for darts to an entirely new generation. Young children exposed to Littler are seeing him as a hero, and a player that they idolise. Teenagers and young adults feel a sense of camaraderie when it comes to Littler, championing him in a sport usually dominated by middle-aged men.

Born in Runcorn, Cheshire, Luke was immersed in the world of darts from a young age through family influence. By 10, he was already competing in local youth tournaments. Over his teen years, he won multiple amateur titles and rapidly gained national recognition after winning the Junior Darts Championship. At 16, Littler was competing at a senior level, and his name began to stick. At the World Darts Championship in 2024, aged just 16, and with odds of 66/1 to win the championship, Littler made history by getting all the way to the final, his calm composure a testament to his explosive skill, which has earned him his nickname ‘the nuke’.Littler’s rapid rise to success is proving to be one of the most exciting stories in darts history, and the odds of becoming one of the greats are certainly in his favour.

Who is Phil Taylor

Phil Taylor is named the world’s greatest darts player, originally from Stoke-on-Trent and now 64 years old, Taylor is a 16 time World Champion with 82 titles under his belt. He was incremental in taking darts from being a pub game to a professional sports league with global recognition. After retiring in 2018 following his loss at the World Championship to Rob Cross, Phill still reigns supreme in the sport. He was the first player to hit two 9-dart finishes in a single match during the Premier League final in 2010. His dominance in the sport is what got him his nickname ‘The Power’; his throwing style is always smooth and controlled with unprecedented consistency.

Taylor’s ability to aim so accurately is thought to be down to his skill in only a light backswing, wasting little movement. Taylor never falters under pressure, a similarity between Littler that many are noticing. A player like Taylor is a betting man’s delight, consistent wins and a recognisable playing style makes him a sportsman that you can rely on to bring home your winnings.

Luke Littler vs Phil Taylor

Whilst it’s unlikely we’ll be lucky enough to ever see a Littler v Taylor darts match, we’re certain that they’ll see many career overlaps. Luke Littler is currently ranked second in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), with Luke Humphries at the top spot. His consistent success mirrors that of Phil Taylor’s, albeit without the same amount of trophies won but the momentum Littler continues to build is already breaking records.

Viewers have noted similarities in their play through their ice-cold composure, yet highlight differences such as their throwing style. Where Taylor takes smooth, precise shots, Littler’s throw carries more of a relaxed and effortless glide. They both hit significant power scores, with Taylor being consistent in his +100 scores, whereas Littler’s power lands him regular 180’s. Phil is renowned for his deathly finishers, an art he has perfected over his career, this is an area Luke continues to develop in and as of yet, isn’t quite comparable.

The Rise of The Nuke

The recent rise in darts following is being attributed to Littler’s success. Young people are seeing their peers and influencers embrace the sport, with widely recognised figures becoming actively invested in Littler’s journey and the sport itself. Since his World Championship win earlier this year, retailers reported seeing a surge in at-home darts boards being purchased, with Littler’s local Asda calculating a 15% increase. The excitement for Littler’s journey stems largely from his young age. To have achieved so much so soon sets the tone for the rest of his career, and while pressure may mount upon him, Littler is yet to crumble on performance. We keep regular tabs on what’s happening in the world of darts so you can have the best insights when making your bets, for more newsworthy reads to inform your next win visit our site. To keep up to date on darts specifically, we’ve got you covered.