"He’ll challenge Luke Littler for a big match" – Max Hopp believes there are big plans behind Phil Taylor’s comeback
MODUS
Phil Taylor’s announced return could be just the beginning, according to Max Hopp. The German pro considers further clashes with Raymond van Barneveld plausible – and even speculates about a showdown with Luke Littler. He also expects more than a brief nostalgic cameo on the oche.
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How far will Phil Taylor’s path back to the oche go? For now, his joint start with Adrian Lewis at the MODUS Super Series is set for late November. However, Max Hopp can imagine the 16-time world champion chasing further targets.
Speaking to SPORT1, the “Maximizer” sketched a scenario that would link two darts generations. First, Taylor could rekindle his old rivalry with Raymond van Barneveld. After that, Hopp even sees a meeting with Luke Littler as possible.
“I think once he’s loosened up against Barney, he’ll challenge Luke Littler for a big match. That could be billed as ‘the GOAT versus the Nuke’.”
That is not an official challenge to Littler yet. Hopp is outlining his personal view of where Taylor’s comeback could lead.
Why Hopp expects more matches with Van Barneveld
His thinking starts with a special anniversary. Next year, it will be exactly two decades since the legendary 2007 World Championship final. Taylor and Van Barneveld delivered one of the most famous deciders in darts history.
Hopp believes this occasion could be a fitting trigger for more meetings between the two rivals. He also points to Van Barneveld’s comments about the approaching end of his career.
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“Next year is their 20-year anniversary, and Barney has also said he won’t be around much longer.”
Hopp can well imagine “that the two of them have planned one or two Taylor vs. Barney showdowns and that this is one of the reasons why he’s picking up the darts again.”
Whether such appearances will actually happen remains open. For Hopp, however, the anniversary is a plausible explanation for why Taylor is training regularly again and stepping back into the spotlight.
Won the World Cup of Darts together four times: Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis
More than a famous name on stage
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Regardless of potential rematches, Hopp trusts the Englishman to produce competitive performances. He bases this chiefly on Taylor’s drive and his well-known willingness to work hard on his game.
“I think he’s still capable of a lot. Taylor has always been a workhorse,” said Hopp.
He considers it unlikely that Taylor would return to the stage without proper preparation. In his view, the record world champion has been working on his form longer than the public assumes.
“He wouldn’t do it if he didn’t feel ready. He’s been training a bit longer than we all think.”
Hopp also reported information from Taylor’s circle: “I’ve heard from reliable sources that he’s been putting in an hour here and there in recent weeks.”
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Current developments in the sport may also have influenced Taylor’s motivation. Hopp suspects the former dominant force has been watching closely: “I think he’s seen a lot of matches and also this hype around Luke Littler.”
Looking for the right farewell?
Beyond sporting ambition, Hopp sees a personal element. After decades on the biggest stages, that feeling can be missed once a career ends.
Hopp likens Taylor’s situation to retirement after a long working life. At some point the familiar task is gone – and with it perhaps the special buzz of a stage appearance.
“At some point you just need that feeling of being on stage again.”
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From his encounters with Taylor, Hopp senses the return could also satisfy a desire for the right farewell. He might need it “to find a final, conciliatory closure for himself at some point.”
First, though, Taylor heads to Portsmouth. From 23.11.2026 to 28.11.2026, the 66-year-old will play the International Pairs Tournament with Adrian Lewis for England. It will be his first competitive appearance since the World Seniors Championship 2024. Back then, the 16-time world champion lost 2-3 in round 1 to Germany’s Manfred Bilderl.
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For Hopp, this return alone is welcome news. “First and foremost, darts fans can be happy to see Phil Taylor again. Many have wanted that.” Whether it leads to further marquee clashes may also depend on how Taylor performs in his comeback.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026
- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026