In explosive testimony that has rocked the world of professional darts, 16-time World Champion Sir Phil Taylor has sensationally claimed that the outcome of the Premier League Darts final night on May 28 at London’s O2 Arena has already been decided – and that teenage sensation Luke Littler has been “pre-selected” as the winner.
Speaking during a candid interview on a podcast released early this morning, ‘The Power’ alleged that behind the glamour of the sport’s biggest showpiece lies a carefully managed script designed to maximise commercial revenue and grow the game in new markets.
“I love darts, but let’s not be naive,” Taylor said. “The match has already been fixed. Luke Littler has already been chosen as the winner. They need the next face of darts. Sky needs it. The PDC needs it. He’s 17, he’s box office, and they want him holding that trophy on stage at the O2.”
The 63-year-old legend, who retired from full-time competition in 2018, stopped short of accusing players of deliberately missing doubles, but insisted the pressure from broadcasters and sponsors to manufacture a “fairytale ending” is overwhelming.
“Look at the narrative since January,” Taylor continued. “Littler at the Worlds. Littler on the Premier League debut. Now, suddenly, on the final league night on May 28, you think it’s a coincidence that all the tough draws will fall for him? I’ve been in those back rooms. I know what’s discussed.”
The Premier League Darts season concludes on Thursday May 28 at London’s O2 Arena, where the top four players after 16 league nights compete in a sudden-death knockout to crown the champion. Littler currently sits comfortably inside the top four, but Taylor’s claim suggests the order of play and even the semi-final matchups have been rigged to ease his path.
When asked directly if he had evidence, Taylor replied: “Let’s just say I still speak to people. And those people tell me Luke has been measured for the winner’s jacket already. That doesn’t happen by accident.”
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) responded swiftly, dismissing Taylor’s comments as “unfounded, disappointing, and damaging to the integrity of the sport.”
A PDC spokesperson said: “There is absolutely no truth whatsoever to these allegations. The Premier League is a fiercely competitive event where every result is earned on the oche. Sir Phil’s remarks are speculative and we would urge fans to ignore them.”
Luke Littler’s management team declined to comment, though the teenager himself posted a cryptic message on social media shortly after Taylor’s interview aired: “All I do is throw. The rest is noise 🎯.”
But Taylor remains unmoved. “Fans aren’t stupid,” he added. “Watch on May 28. Watch how the drama unfolds. Watch the 180s. Watch the smiles. And then tell me I was wrong.”
Whether the allegations are a calculated mind game, an ageing legend’s bitter swipe, or a genuine whistleblowing moment, one thing is certain: all eyes will now be fixed on the O2 Arena with a suspicion that no checkout – or script – can erase.
