Phil Taylor, often heralded as the most accomplished figure in darts history, has spoken candidly about his recent career transition following his retirement from the sport. Known to many as ‘The Power’, Taylor has swapped the oche and high-pressure competition for a new life in front of the camera, delving into the world of sports presenting.
Taylor, who drew the curtains on his professional darts career last month, is widely regarded as a legend in the sport, having clinched a record-breaking 16 World Championship titles and an extraordinary 87 major PDC trophies. His dominance throughout the years has firmly established him as a household name, not only among darts aficionados but within the wider sporting world.
Despite his success on the dartboard, Taylor has admitted to facing significant challenges as he adapts to his new presenting role. Speaking ahead of his involvement in the upcoming World Seniors Darts Champion of Champions event, Taylor confessed that adapting to life behind a microphone has not been without its difficulties. “At the moment, I feel a bit like a fish out of water – it’s a whole different world,” said Taylor, reflecting on the steep learning curve he currently faces.
The 64-year-old legend openly expressed his respect for seasoned commentators and presenters, explaining that their ability to seamlessly guide audiences through complex games or matches is a skill he is still striving to master. “I really have to take my hat off to commentators,” he said. “If this was football, I wouldn’t even know which player was on which team – it’s amazing what they do.” While Taylor readily acknowledges the demands of his new post, he remains optimistic about growing more comfortable with each passing appearance.
Taylor’s retirement itself did not come as a sudden decision. While he formally stepped away from the professional circuit in 2018, he continued to entertain his legion of fans by participating in exhibition matches. However, his recent foray into the World Seniors Darts Championship made him confront the realities of competing at the highest level at his age. “I just couldn’t perform the way I used to,” he shared, his words tinged with regret. The desire to maintain his reputation and not let down supporters ultimately led him to conclude that it was time to step away from competitive play entirely.
Having been a perfectionist throughout his decorated career, Taylor couldn’t bear the thought of audiences paying good money only to see him not operating at his peak. “People were coming out, spending on tickets, drinks, food – and I couldn’t give them the show they deserved. I’m proud of my achievements, but it was the right moment to walk away,” Taylor remarked, reflecting on the emotional weight of his choice.
The transition from the world of darts to presenting has offered Taylor a new pace of life – one with considerably less pressure and greater personal freedom. “There’s no need to practise for hours on end any more, or prepare for night matches. I can simply enjoy what I’m doing,” he stated, revealing a renewed appreciation for life outside the constant whirl of competitions and travel.
Taylor has also found joy in personal pursuits, noting that he now spends considerably more time with his grandchildren and is relishing home comforts long denied due to his sporting commitments. “I love being able to sleep in my own bed – after three decades on the road, it’s the best feeling,” he added with a sense of contentment.
For now, Taylor’s darts paraphernalia remains untouched. “I don’t even have a set of darts these days,” he admitted, a signal of how his focus has shifted. While the competitive fire that defined his career may have cooled, Taylor is throwing himself into this new ‘apprenticeship’ with characteristic determination. As he continues to hone his presenting skills, viewers can expect to see a different side to the man who has long been darts’ most imposing figure. For fans old and new, it marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in the remarkable journey of Phil Taylor.