The name Phil Taylor stands out in the darting world. He is a darts legend. Indeed, for several decades, he has been a paradigm of excellence and consistency. To many, this man is known as “The Power,” and his journey through the sport could be described as one of hard work, discipline, and remarkable achievement.
His career is not just a story of the trophies and records he has obtained but also one of resilience, humility, and dedication. This article will delve into his career, the impact that he has had on darts, and what makes him one of the greatest in the game’s history.
Early Life and Beginnings
Phil Taylor was born on August 13, 1960, in Stoke-on-Trent, England. He came from a working-class family, and life was low for young Taylor; his father worked with sheet metal and struggled to bring bread home while his mother managed the house.
Like many children where he grew up, Taylor did not grow up with great ambitions or dreams of stardom. He worked in a ceramics factory making toilet handles, earning a modest wage to help keep food on the table.
Darts came into Taylor’s life almost by accident. In the mid-1980s, he played casually at local pubs, where the game was a favorite pastime.
But then came that fateful evening when everything changed, thanks to Eric Bristow, the five-time world champion and an even larger-than-life figure in darts. Bristow saw something in Taylor that no one else did raw talent just in need of honing.
Bristow’s belief in Taylor meant much more than words; he lent Taylor £10,000 to help kick-start his professional career. This covered the entry fees for tournaments and allowed Taylor to practice full-time.
Taylor’s work ethic was something nobody could touch. Spending hours perfecting how to throw, he would study the game. His rise in the darts world wasn’t meteoric- it was steady. Each victory built his confidence; with each loss, he learned invaluable lessons.
The Breakthrough
Taylor’s breakthrough came in 1990 when he won his first World Championship. This was not just another tournament; it was the stage where legends were made. Taylor’s journey to the final was grueling, and standing in his way was none other than Eric Bristow.
The mentor and the protégé faced off in a match that would define Taylor’s career. Taylor defeated Bristow in convincing fashion, signaling the arrival of a new era in darts.
Winning the 1990 championship was more than just a personal achievement for Taylor. It was a moment of validation. It proved that his hard work, his sacrifices, and Bristow’s faith in him were not in vain.
It also marked the beginning of a career filled with accolades, records, and moments of pure brilliance.
Records and Became a Legend
Phil Taylor’s career is a testament to his dedication and love for the game. Over three decades, he amassed an unprecedented number of titles and records. These achievements are not just numbers; they represent years of hard work, focus, and an unyielding desire to be the best. Here are some of his most notable events:
- Sixteen World Championships: Phil Taylor won the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship 14 times and the British Darts Organization (BDO) World Championship twice. No other player has come close to this record.
- Eleven Consecutive Titles: Between 1995 and 2006, Taylor won 11 consecutive PDC World Championships. This streak is a testament to his dominance and consistency during that era.
- Over 200 Professional Titles: Throughout his career, Taylor won more than 200 professional tournaments. This includes World Matchplay titles, World Grand Prix titles, and numerous other major events.
- Nine-Dart Finishes: A nine-dart finish is the perfect leg in darts, a rare and spectacular achievement. Taylor accomplished this feat multiple times in televised matches, thrilling fans and showcasing his unmatched skill.
- Highest Televised Average: Taylor holds the record for the highest average in a televised match. He achieved an average of 123.40 during the 2010 Premier League Darts, a performance often described as superhuman.
Playing Style
Taylor’s playing style was calm and calculated, marked by his ability to focus completely, even in high-pressure moments. His throws were smooth and accurate, the result of years of practice and preparation. Watching him play felt like observing a craftsman, someone who had mastered their tools and knew how to use them perfectly.
What made Taylor stand out wasn’t just his skill. Behind every throw were hours of hard work, discipline, and dedication. He made it look effortless, but that ease came from years of careful training. His mental strength was just as impressive as his physical ability.
Taylor had a rare ability to block out distractions and focus entirely on the game, especially during critical moments. This focus gave him an edge when it mattered most.
Taylor wasn’t just skilled; he was also incredibly smart about the game. He could read his opponents, figure out their weaknesses, and change his strategy as the match went on.
This combination of skill, mental toughness, and strategy made him not only a great player but a true competitor who always seemed one step ahead.
Influence on the Sport
Darts, before the emergence of Taylor, was often not considered a game for professional athletes but rather for pub players. Although it did have its audience, recognition and respect were yet to come. That changed with Taylor. His dominance gave darts visibility, and the charismatic persona made the sport rise to a new level.
Until 1992, with the formation of the Professional Darts Corporation, this is where Taylor stood at the head of change in the sport. The PDC brought with it an era of increased professionalism, better venues, and higher prize money on offer. Success for Taylor in the PDC era solidified the organization’s standing as the home of professional darts.
Taylor’s fights were well-watched events both in the arena and through television audiences. His skill was well appreciated, and fans showed respect for his sportsmanship. He became a household name in not only the UK but globally.
Taylor’s influence reached beyond the game to inspire a new generation of players and help pave the way for growth in the sport.
Phil Taylor Retirement
Phil Taylor retired from professional darts in 2018 after reaching the final of the PDC World Championship. Although he lost the final to Rob Cross, it was a fitting end to a legendary career. Taylor left the sport as the most decorated player in its history.
In retirement, Taylor has remained an ambassador for darts. He continues to participate in exhibition matches and events, sharing his love for the game with fans. His legacy is not just in the records he set but in the inspiration he provides to aspiring players.
Phil Taylor Net Worth
His net worth is estimated to be around £8 million ($10 million), which is a reflection of his dominance in darts and his broader influence in the sport.
Taylor’s financial success comes from multiple streams, mainly his winnings from tournaments. With 16 World Darts Championship titles under his belt, Taylor’s unmatched career has brought him millions in prize money over the years.
He has also pocketed a number of endorsement deals and sponsorships, which have added handsomely to the amount he has been able to accrue. Some companies signed him to some really lucrative deals, eager for his winning streak and iconic status in darts to rub off on their brands.
Even in retirement, Taylor is not outside the limelight. He still participates in some exhibition matches, special tournaments, and promotions that keep him connected with the sport and its fan base.
Beyond the financial success, Phil Taylor’s net worth represents how he turned darts from a pub pastime into an international phenomenon. Equally as rich as his bank account is his legacy.
Phil Taylor Life Partner or New Wife
Phil Taylor, the legendary darts player, keeps his personal life relatively private. However, it is known that he was married to Yvonne Taylor for many years before their relationship ended in divorce in 2014.
Since then, Phil has not publicly confirmed a new wife or life partner. While he occasionally shares glimpses of his personal life in interviews, he focuses more on his career, family, and hobbies. Fans respect his choice to maintain privacy about his romantic life.
Any updates about his relationships come directly from him, as he values his space and avoids media speculation. Phil remains a prominent figure in the darts world, admired for his achievements rather than his personal life details.
Conclusion
Phil Taylor’s impact on darts is immeasurable. He transformed the sport, set records that may never be broken, and inspired countless players. His career is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, discipline, and a love for the game.
Taylor’s journey from a factory worker in Stoke-on-Trent to the greatest darts player of all time is remarkable. While his playing days are over, his legacy will endure. Future generations will look to Phil Taylor as the standard of excellence in darts. His story is not just about darts; it’s about the human spirit and the pursuit of greatness.