Premier League Darts 2025: Michael van Gerwen Shuts Down Littler-Taylor Comparisons

Michael van Gerwen has urged fans and the media to stop drawing comparisons between teenage darts sensation Luke Littler and 16-time world champion Phil Taylor.

Littler, who clinched the 2025 World Darts Championship at just 17, has been at the centre of debates regarding his potential to follow in Taylor’s legendary footsteps. However, van Gerwen believes such discussions are premature given Littler’s short PDC career so far.

Speaking at the PDC Premier League pre-event press day at the Hilton in Belfast, the Dutchman, who has won the Premier League title seven times, gave his verdict on the comparison, having shared the oche with both players.

Van Gerwen himself was a teenage prodigy, making waves in the sport at a young age, though he didn’t establish himself as a dominant force until winning his first major title at 24. 

Having battled Taylor in countless high stakes matches, he understands the presence and influence "The Power" had on the game better than most.

You Can’t Compare Them

The three-time world champion was quick to dismiss any direct comparisons between Littler and Taylor, urging patience before making such judgments.

“To Phil Taylor? You come on guys,” van Gerwen said.

“Whatever he’s done is great. It's nice. You can't compare it with [Gary] Anderson, [Phil] Taylor, or me yet,” he told SportsBoom.com.

“Of course, in 10 years’ time we can have a different conversation, but not now.”

Respecting the Legacy of Taylor and the Greats

Van Gerwen also emphasised that drawing parallels between Littler, current world number one Luke Humphries, and legends like Taylor undermines the legacy set by the sport’s greatest players.

“Whatever they do is phenomenal. It’s good for darts in general. But I think it takes away the respect of the Phil Taylors and all the other guys.”

Van Gerwen is one of the few players to have shared the iconic Alexandra Palace stage with both Littler and Taylor in a world championship final. When asked if facing the two felt similar, he was quick to shut down the comparison.

“No, it didn’t. Phil [Taylor] was a different kind of animal.”

While Littler’s rise has been remarkable, van Gerwen’s words serve as a reminder that the road to all-time greatness is a long one, and one that Taylor walked like no other.