Phil Taylor

Phil “The Power” Taylor – Life, Career, and Legacy in Darts

: Learn about the life, unmatched career, and enduring legacy of Phil Taylor, the English darts legend nicknamed “The Power,” winner of 16 world championships and a record-setting sporting icon.

Introduction

Philip Douglas “Phil” Taylor (born 13 August 1960) is an English former professional darts player widely regarded as the greatest in the history of the sport. Over a career spanning decades, Taylor dominated major tournaments, rewrote records, and became a symbol of excellence and consistency. His nickname, “The Power,” reflects his influence on the game. His life story is one of humble beginnings, fierce ambition, and relentless pursuit of mastery.

Early Life and Background

Phil Taylor was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, to parents Douglas and Elizabeth Taylor.

Taylor’s childhood was marked by financial constraints and hard work. He attended local schools and left formal schooling at age 16.

He began playing darts more seriously in his mid-twenties, a later start compared to many elite athletes, but one that would not hinder his rise.

Rise in Darts & Career Highlights

Early Career & Breakthrough

Taylor’s first notable breakthrough came in 1990, when he won the BDO World Darts Championship. As a 125-1 outsider and unseeded player, he defeated his mentor Eric Bristow in the final, 6–1.

In 1993, Taylor was among the group of top players who split from the British Darts Organisation (BDO) to form the World Darts Council (later Professional Darts Corporation, PDC).

Unparalleled Dominance

Taylor’s record in major darts is extraordinary:

• He won 16 PDC World Championships (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013).

• He also captured 16 World Matchplay titles.

• Beyond those, he won many of the sport’s other major tournaments: 11 PDC Grand Prix titles, multiple UK Opens, European Championships, Grand Slam, and more.

• Over his career, he amassed 214 professional tournament wins, including 87 major titles—figures that are unmatched in darts.

• He held the world number one ranking for a total of 13 years, including an unbroken stretch from 2006 to 2013.

• Taylor hit 11 televised nine-dart finishes (perfect legs) and 22 in total, including being the first to hit two nine-darts in a single match.

He won PDC Player of the Year awards multiple times, and was twice nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, finishing as runner-up in 2010—the first darts player ever to finish so highly in that competition.

Later Career & Retirement

Taylor officially announced his retirement from professional PDC play after the 2018 World Championship, where he finished as runner-up.

His long reign, consistency, and ability to adapt over decades solidified his status not just as a champion but as an enduring icon in darts.

Style, Persona & Influence

Taylor’s style combined clinical precision with psychological strength. He was known for:

• Composure under pressure: In tightly contested matches, he often prevailed where others faltered.

• Consistency: Rarely off form, he maintained a high standard across tournaments and years.

• Mental fortitude: His ability to manage nerves and reset in matches was a trademark.

• Adaptation: As the sport evolved—with new players, formats, and equipment—Taylor adapted and continued to win.

His persona off the oche was quieter but competitive. He was respected as a consummate professional.

He was mentored and sponsored early in his career by Eric Bristow, a five-time world champion, who helped Taylor enter the higher echelons of darts.

Legacy and Impact

Phil Taylor’s legacy in darts and British sport is profound:

• Benchmark for excellence: His records are reference points for greatness; many upcoming players measure themselves against his standards.

• Elevating the sport: His dominance, charisma, and media presence helped darts grow from a pub pastime to a televised, commercially viable professional sport.

• Inspiration to new generations: Many top players cite Taylor as a key influence in their careers.

• Historical recognition: In 2015, the BBC ranked him among the top ten British athletes of the previous 35 years.

Though Taylor’s competitive career has wound down, his name continues to resonate in exhibitions, commentary, and as a benchmark of darts excellence.

Lessons from His Journey

1. Dominate your domain: Taylor didn’t just win — he set standards.

2. Longevity requires adaptation: He sustained greatness by evolving with the sport.

3. Mental strength equals technical skill: Often his mental edge made the difference in pivotal matches.

4. Humility and persistence: Starting late, from humble circumstances, he rose through dedication.

5. Inspiration outlasts retirement: Even off stage, his legacy motivates future champions.