Phil Taylor Just Torched the Premier League Format (And He's Not Wrong)

By Lewis Barnett 7 June, 2025 4 mins read 65 Views

Look, I've been watching darts for longer than I care to admit, and when Phil "The Power" Taylor speaks, people listen.

The 16-time world champion just absolutely demolished the current Premier League setup, and honestly? It's about time someone said it. Luke Humphries might have beaten Luke Littler in this year's final, but apparently that's not enough to mask what's become a pretty stale formula.

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Same Faces, Same Places, Every Single Week

Since 2022, we've been stuck with this eight-player format where it's quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final every Thursday night. Sounds exciting on paper, right? Wrong.

Taylor didn't mince words: "It's very tiring... I think they do need to look at it now. It needs revamping, that's what I think. A lot of the players are not enjoying it and you can tell."

And you know what? He's spot on. I've noticed it too - there's this weird energy in the arena sometimes, like everyone's just going through teh motions.

Even Steve Beaton Called It "Boring" (Ouch)

Taylor isn't alone in this. Steve Beaton - another legend who's seen it all - straight up called the format "boring" a few weeks back. His point was brutal but fair: when you see the same top players facing each other week after week, those supposedly blockbuster matchups start feeling like... well, just another Thursday.

Fans have been complaining too. After last week's final, social media was flooded with people saying the same thing.

But Wait - The Talent Is Absolutely Insane Right Now

Here's where it gets interesting though.

Taylor might hate the format, but he's absolutely loving what he's seeing on stage. "Luke and Luke are really setting the standards at the moment," he said, referring to Humphries and Littler. "The levels they're producing and how they're bringing the best out of each other — it's incredible for the rest of the sport."

And it's not just the two Lukes (weird sentence to write, but here we are). Taylor was gushing about Chris Dobey and Nathan Aspinall too. "Nathan Aspinall is playing superb. Absolutely superb. He's won two or three of these Premier Leagues. He's done brilliant."

So What's the Solution?

Good question. Taylor didn't offer specifics, but the writing's on the wall - something's gotta give. Maybe it's time to shake up the player rotation? Change the night-by-night structure? Go back to something closer to the old format?

I don't have the answers, but I know this: when Phil Taylor says players aren't enjoying something, that's a problem worth fixing. The man didn't win 16 world titles by being wrong about darts.

The talent pool has never been deeper, the standard has never been higher... but if the format is sucking the life out of it, what's the point?

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.

Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.

What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?

Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

I keep hitting 5s and 1s when aiming for 20s. How do I fix this?

This is probably the most common frustration in darts—those dreaded 5s and 1s when you're aiming for the 20 segment! The good news is that this specific problem usually stems from a few identifiable issues.

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

Statistics

Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.

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How To

Mastering Your Grip & Stance

There's no single "correct" way to hold a dart, but there are definitely wrong ways. Most players use 3 fingers (thumb, index, middle) with the dart resting primarily on the middle finger. Some pros use 4 or even 5 fingers, but I'd suggest starting with 3.