Phil Taylor – Biography, Net Worth & Retirement

Phil Taylor, known worldwide as “The Power,” is widely considered the greatest darts player in history. With a record 16 World Championship titles and over 200 professional tournament wins, his career has defined the modern era of darts. Born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1960, Taylor did not pick up a dart until age 26, yet went on to dominate the sport for more than two decades.

After retiring from the PDC in 2018, Taylor made a brief return to the World Seniors Tour in 2024 before announcing his final retirement from all darts, including exhibitions, in May 2025 due to ongoing hip issues. His story is one of late-blooming talent, relentless dominance, and a lasting impact on the sport.

How Many World Championship Titles Has Phil Taylor Won?

Phil Taylor’s tally of 16 world titles is the highest in the history of darts. He won two BDO World Championships (1990, 1992) and 14 PDC World Championships, including an unmatched run of eight consecutive victories from 1995 to 2002.

Key Insights

• Phil Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, holding records for most World Championship titles (16) and most major titles (81).
• He retired from full-time competitive darts in 2018, but returned for a brief stint on the World Seniors Tour in 2024–2025.
• His net worth is estimated between £5 million and £8 million, largely from tournament winnings, endorsements, and book sales.
• Taylor holds the record for most televised nine-dart finishes (22) and the highest-ever televised average (118.66).
• His personal life includes a recent marriage after a long previous marriage that ended in divorce.

Quick Facts

Taylor’s first World Championship came in 1990 when he defeated Eric Bristow. His last world title was in 2013, beating Michael van Gerwen. For a full list of his title years, see the Wikipedia entry.

What Is Phil Taylor’s Net Worth and Career Earnings?

Estimating Phil Taylor’s net worth is not straightforward because his earnings come from multiple sources. His official recorded prize money from tournaments totals £7,655,754, according to Darts Database. However, that figure does not include income from exhibitions, product endorsements, or his autobiography.

Broader estimates, including exhibition fees and marketing deals, place his total career earnings between £8 million and £12 million. Sources such as YouTube analysis and darts industry reports suggest he became a multi-millionaire mainly through prize money, a long-term partnership with Target Darts, and paid appearances around the world.

How Did He Build His Wealth?

Taylor’s primary income came from dominating the PDC circuit. At his peak, he won nearly every major tournament, earning substantial prize money. He also signed lucrative sponsorship deals, most notably with Target Darts, which produced his signature darts and accessories. Exhibition matches, often booked at premium rates, added significantly to his income. Additionally, his autobiography, published by Hodder & Stoughton, contributed royalties.

How Does His Net Worth Compare to Other Darts Players?

Taylor is often described as “darts’ first-ever superstar” and a “multi-millionaire” by Sky Sports. While younger stars like Michael van Gerwen have earned similar prize money, Taylor’s longevity and exhibition earnings give him a unique financial legacy. The mydartpfeil.com profile notes that Taylor’s wealth is derived from a combination of prize money, marketing, and exhibitions.

Is Phil Taylor Retired? What Is He Doing Now?

Phil Taylor retired from the PDC in January 2018 after losing the World Championship final to Rob Cross at age 57. He then stepped away from competitive darts entirely, though he continued to play exhibition matches and charity events. In 2024, he announced a return to the World Seniors Tour, stating that it would be his “final year” in competitive darts.

In May 2025, Taylor confirmed his retirement from all darts, including exhibitions, citing hip problems that had been bothering him for some time. This decision was reported by Darts World and other outlets. Since then, he has largely stepped away from the public eye, though he occasionally appears in interviews and on social media.

Could He Return to Darts Again?

Taylor has stated that his retirement from all darts is final. Unlike his 2018 PDC retirement, which left the door open for exhibitions, his May 2025 announcement explicitly covered all forms of darts. No credible sources indicate a possible comeback.

Who Is Phil Taylor’s Wife? A Look Into His Personal Life

Phil Taylor was married to Yvonne Taylor, with whom he has four children and at least one grandchild. According to a BBC Stoke article, the couple lived in Stoke-on-Trent. Reports indicate they divorced in 2011, though some biographical sources list his marital status as “was married to Yvonne with 4 children” as a past fact.

In recent years, speculation has emerged about a new marriage. However, details about a new wife—including her name and the date of marriage—are not confirmed in mainstream, authoritative sources. The IMDb biography mentions only the past marriage. Therefore, claims about a new wife should be treated as unconfirmed.

Where Does Phil Taylor Live?

Taylor continues to reside in Stoke-on-Trent, the city where he was born and raised. He has maintained a relatively low profile since his final retirement.

When Did Phil Taylor Achieve His Major Milestones?

The following timeline highlights key events in Phil Taylor’s life and career.

1. 1960 – Born in Stoke-on-Trent, England.
2. 1990 – Wins first World Darts Championship (BDO).
3. 1992 – Wins second World Championship.
4. 1993 – Helps form the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) with other players.
5. 1994–2006 – Dominates PDC, winning 11 consecutive World Championships.
6. 2009–2010 – Wins two more PDC World Championships.
7. 2013 – Wins his 16th and final World Championship.
8. 2018 – Announces retirement from full-time PDC competition after the World Championship.
9. 2024 – Returns to the World Seniors Tour, calls it his “final year” in competitive darts.
10. May 2025 – Announces retirement from all darts, including exhibitions, due to hip issues.

For more details on his career statistics, visit the Wikipedia career statistics page.

What Do We Know for Certain About Phil Taylor?

Some aspects of Taylor’s life and career are well established, while others remain uncertain. The table below separates verified facts from areas where information is estimated or unconfirmed.

What Is Phil Taylor’s Legacy in Darts?

Phil Taylor’s impact on darts is immense. He helped shape the PDC into a global professional organisation, and his dominance raised the standard of the sport. His rivalry with Raymond van Barneveld and later with Michael van Gerwen produced some of the most memorable matches in darts history. The BBC rated him among the ten greatest British sportsmen of the last 35 years in 2015.

Technically, Taylor was known for his incredible consistency on the treble 20 bed and his ability to finish under pressure. His 22 televised nine-dart finishes remain a record. Many experts believe his records will never be broken, as the depth of talent in modern darts makes such sustained dominance unlikely.

For a deeper look at the evolution of professional darts, read The PDC and the rise of professional darts. To see how Taylor compares with other legends, check out Top darts players of all time.

What Do the Experts Say About Phil Taylor?

Several authoritative sources have commented on Taylor’s career and legacy.

“He is arguably the greatest darts player of all time – a true legend of the sport.”

— BBC Sport

“Phil Taylor’s records are unlikely to ever be broken.”

— PDC Official

“I gave everything to darts, and darts gave me a life.”

— Phil Taylor, autobiography (via Hodder)

These quotes reflect the high esteem in which Taylor is held by the sport’s governing bodies and media.

What Is the Bottom Line?

Phil Taylor remains the most decorated darts player in history, with a career that transformed the sport. His 16 world titles, 22 televised nine-dart finishes, and record-breaking averages are benchmarks that may never be equaled. After a brief comeback in 2024, he has now retired from all darts, leaving behind a legacy that will be studied and admired for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phil Taylor