Phil Taylor calls current darts schedule boring and pushes for new tournament: "I'd throw him Littler off the stage"
PDCPhil Taylor is keen to see a new tournament format introduced to darts. The 16-time world champion believes the current schedule offers too little variety, and is therefore open to the idea of a so-called Darts Royal Rumble. Two-time world champion Adrian Lewis is also enthusiastic about the concept, which takes inspiration from the famous event staged by American wrestling organisation WWE.
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The proposal emerged after the Netflix show Beat Luke Littler aired, with the world number one taking on several challengers. Participants had the chance to win a huge £501,000 prize by beating Littler in a single leg of 501.
Fallon Sherrock was the one who managed it. ‘The Queen of the Palace’ became the first player to take a leg off Littler during the show and went home with the top prize.
The show’s success has sparked discussion among darts fans about new formats. One proposal is a tournament modelled on the Royal Rumble from professional wrestling.
“It’s starting to get a bit boring”
Taylor was asked by talkSPORT about the idea of a Darts Royal Rumble. The Stoke-on-Trent player responded positively. “Yes, good idea,” Taylor said when asked whether Netflix should organise such an event.
‘The Power’ believes the sport could do with some fresh ideas. He feels the current schedule offers too little variety. “Something new because it is getting a little bit boring at the minute. Just the same thing, 501, 501, 501,” the Englishman said.

Phil Taylor will soon team up with Adrian Lewis in a pairs tournament at MODUS
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Taylor sees particular potential in the element of surprise offered by the proposed format. Thirty players would take part, with the order in which they compete kept secret until the event begins.
A new opponent would appear after each leg. The winner would stay on and face the next challenger. The tournament would continue until only one player remained. "Then the MC introducing everybody so that would be different. I’d enjoy that myself. Don’t tell anybody what the draw is," Taylor continued.
Taylor jokes about Luke Littler
Adrian Lewis, world champion in 2011 and 2012, then asked his former England teammate whether he would want to take part in such a match himself.
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Taylor replied with a nod to the wrestling version of the event. “I'd throw him (Littler) off the stage,” joked the 16-time world champion.

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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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- 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
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- 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
- She is a professional. If darts is her income, she is a professional. Same as Adrian Lewis, Martin Adams. A tour card just means someone can play on the PDC tour. You could even make a case that Clayton wasn't a professional (until recently I believe) because he had employment elsewhere.BandB04-11-2026





