Darts fans, prepare for a historic moment! Phil Taylor’s legendary 2009 European Championship average of 111.54, long considered an untouchable benchmark, is now under serious threat. Young sensation Luke Littler, currently dominating the 2026 World Matchplay, is not only chasing this incredible scoring record with an average of 110.91, but he’s doing it in a much longer format, making his potential achievement even more extraordinary. On top of that, Littler has also matched Taylor’s impressive 34-game winning streak in ranking majors, setting the stage for a week where darts history could be dramatically rewritten.
The ‘Unbreakable’ Record: Phil Taylor’s Scoring Masterclass
For years, one particular darts record has stood as a monument to sheer dominance: Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor’s tournament average of 111.54 at the 2009 European Championship. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statistical marvel. Taylor, already a defending champion, swept aside top players like Thornton, Anderson, Klaasen, and Beaton with a level of consistency never before, or since, witnessed over an entire major tournament.
This record surpassed his own previous best of 108.2 from the year before, solidifying its status as an almost mythical achievement. Even darts legends have struggled to come close, with Michael van Gerwen’s 107.48 average during his 2016 Premier League victory being the closest anyone has managed – still a significant four points shy of Taylor’s benchmark.
Luke Littler: A New Challenger Emerges
Fast forward to the 2026 World Matchplay, where defending champion and top seed Luke Littler is not just playing well; he’s on fire. Known for his incredible form and potential to break numerous records, Littler has now unexpectedly placed Taylor’s ‘unbreakable’ average squarely in his sights.
After just three wins, advancing to the semi-finals, Littler boasts an astonishing tournament average of 110.91. That’s a mere 0.63 points off Taylor’s 17-year-old record, and he still has at least two more matches to play, providing ample opportunity to boost his numbers even higher.
Why Littler’s Pursuit is Even More Astounding
What makes Littler’s current performance even more remarkable is the context of the tournament format:
- When Phil Taylor achieved his 111.54 average in 2009, he played a total of 58 legs across the entire European Championship.
- Luke Littler has already played 58 legs in the World Matchplay just to reach the semi-finals. He still has a minimum of 35 legs to play, and potentially over 50, if he reaches the final.
This means Littler is maintaining an incredibly high average over a significantly longer, more grueling format, which demands even greater sustained concentration and excellence.
Beyond Averages: Littler’s Win Streak Dominance
The tournament average isn’t the only ‘unbreakable’ record Littler is challenging this week. His recent victory over Josh Rock has extended his incredible run to 34 consecutive wins in ranking majors.
This phenomenal streak, dating back to his loss against James Wade at the 2025 European Championship, now places him in elite company, matching the second-longest run ever seen in the PDC:
- 1. 42 wins – Michael van Gerwen (March 2016 – July 2017)
- 2. 34 wins – Phil Taylor (November 2008 – November 2009)
- 2. 34 wins – Luke Littler (Current, ongoing streak)
- 5. 25 wins – Luke Humphries (November 2023 – March 2024)
Littler now has the chance to surpass Taylor’s streak and set his sights on Michael van Gerwen’s ultimate record of 42 consecutive wins. The darts world watches with bated breath as Luke Littler continues his assault on the record books, potentially redefining what’s possible in the sport.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
