When you think of darting legends, the name Phil Taylor leaps straight to mind. With a jaw-dropping 16 world titles and an equal tally of World Matchplay crowns, Taylor’s dominance of the sport is unmatched. But the story of his success isn’t just about the trophies or the prize money—it's also about a shrewd approach to life off the oche, where Taylor quietly built a property empire while keeping his own feet firmly on the ground.
Back in 1995, when Taylor clinched his maiden PDC world title—his third world championship overall—the sport was a far cry from the glitzy, big-money spectacle it’s become today. That year, Taylor pocketed just £12,000 for his efforts. Fast forward to his last world title in 2013, and the winner’s cheque had grown to £100,000. Still, that sum pales in comparison to the whopping £1 million prize awaiting the champion of the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship, set to be awarded on January 3, 2026. The sport has come a long way, but Taylor’s knack for winning—and for making the most of his winnings—remains a fascinating tale.
Despite the relatively modest purses in his heyday, Taylor’s relentless success over more than two decades meant he amassed a considerable fortune. But rather than splashing out on lavish luxuries, Taylor invested wisely, at one point owning as many as 30 houses. This wasn’t just about building wealth; it was about securing his future and, perhaps more importantly, staying hungry.
“I paid myself £200 a week wages, so I was always skint, always on the breadline,” Taylor revealed at a 2023 event. “I could have had £1million, £2m, £3m in the bank, but a hungry lion will fight harder than a lion that hasn’t eaten.” For Taylor, keeping himself on a modest wage was a way to maintain his competitive edge. “You have got to keep yourself hungry. I had 30 houses, I was worth millions, but in my opinion that basic wage was all I was worth,” he explained. It’s a philosophy that might sound odd to some, but for Taylor, it was the secret sauce behind his relentless drive.
Among Taylor’s extensive property portfolio is a bungalow in Stoke-on-Trent, rented to Pete, the father of pop superstar Robbie Williams. Pete, who is living with Parkinson’s disease, has become a regular feature in Taylor’s life, with the darts legend making a point to check in on him and keep Robbie updated. “He lives in one of my bungalows. So, I’ll just give [Robbie] a little update on his dad, just to keep him informed really,” Taylor told OBLG in 2023.
That sense of community and responsibility extends beyond simple landlord duties. Every Christmas, Taylor makes sure Pete isn’t left alone. “Karen’s [his wife’s] son comes to stay with us. He comes every year and stays with us over the Christmas period and her dad normally comes too. I’ve lost my parents now, but Karen’s dad and brother come up. We have a family friend who is on his own. He comes to have Christmas dinner with us as well, so he’s not on his own. Then I’ll go down to Pete’s and take him some dinner down to the bungalow, which I rent to him, and have a couple of hours with him,” Taylor shared.
He adds, “He isn’t too well, so I like to check in on him and spend time with him. I’ll go down and have a chat with him and watch a bit of TV with him and talk about s**** basically. Then I’ll say I’ll see you tomorrow on Boxing Day.” It’s a touching glimpse behind the scenes of a man often seen only as a fierce competitor, revealing a warmth and loyalty that speaks volumes about his character.
Taylor’s approach to money and fame stands in stark contrast to many modern sports stars. While today’s PDC World Darts Championship winner will walk away with a life-changing £1 million, Taylor’s most lucrative title came with a £100,000 prize. Yet, he never let the numbers go to his head. Instead, he built security for himself and his loved ones, showing that wisdom and humility can pay off just as handsomely as a perfect nine-dart finish.
As the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship got underway on December 11, fans around the world tuned in via Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports to catch every match. The anticipation is sky-high, with the sport’s financial stakes now at their peak. But as viewers watch the next generation of darting hopefuls chase glory and riches, Taylor’s legacy looms large—not just in the record books, but in the lessons he’s left behind about success, motivation, and taking care of those around you.
Taylor’s story is also a reminder of how the sport has changed. In his early days, darts was more about pride than paydays. The transformation into a big-money, global entertainment juggernaut has brought new opportunities and challenges. Still, Taylor’s unique blend of competitive fire and down-to-earth sensibility sets a benchmark that’s hard to match.
And what about the man himself? Even after retiring from the professional circuit, Taylor remains a fixture in the darts community, popping up at events and sharing his insights. His property investments continue to provide for him and allow him to help others, like Pete and his own extended family. The Power may have stepped away from the main stage, but he’s far from out of the game.
It’s not just about the houses or the trophies. It’s about the moments—like dropping off Christmas dinner to a friend in need, or making sure no one feels left out during the holidays. Taylor’s legacy is built on more than just numbers; it’s built on heart, grit, and a sense of responsibility that runs deeper than the bullseye on a dartboard.
As darts fans gear up for another thrilling championship, it’s worth remembering the lessons from Taylor’s remarkable journey. Stay hungry. Invest wisely. And never forget the people who matter most. The action at Alexandra Palace is heating up, the stakes have never been higher, and while a new champion will soon be crowned, the story of Phil Taylor—the man who turned precision on the oche into security and kindness off it—remains one for the ages.
With the world watching and the prize money now at a record high, the next chapter in darts history is being written. But for many, it’s Taylor’s example—his humility, generosity, and competitive drive—that continues to inspire. As the tournament marches on, fans and players alike would do well to remember: sometimes, the greatest victories happen away from the spotlight.