Phil Taylor holds a remarkable record in the realm of darts, boasting an impressive tally of 16 world titles and an equal number of World Matchplay victories. The landscape of darts, particularly in Taylor’s earlier days, was not as financially rewarding as it is today.
In 1995, when Taylor clinched his first PDC world title – his third overall – the prize money stood at a modest £12,000. Fast forward to his final triumph in 2013, and the top prize had escalated to £100,000. However, this amount pales in comparison to the projected £1 million that the winner of the 2025/26 tournament is set to pocket.
Despite the relative modesty of the prize money during his heyday, Taylor’s consistent success over two decades allowed him to amass considerable wealth. He shrewdly invested much of his earnings in real estate, amassing a portfolio of up to 30 properties at one point. Remarkably, Taylor opted to pay himself a nominal weekly wage of just £200 to maintain his hunger and motivation.
Addressing an event in 2023, Taylor shed light on his frugal financial approach, stating, “I paid myself £200 a week wages, so I was always skint, always on the breadline. You have got to keep yourself hungry.” Despite his substantial wealth and property holdings, Taylor believed that this modest wage reflected his true worth.
Among Taylor’s property holdings is a residence rented to Pete, the father of singer Robbie Williams and a fellow native of Stoke-on-Trent who battles Parkinson’s disease. Taylor disclosed in 2023 that he regularly checks in on Pete, keeping Robbie informed about his father’s well-being.
During the festive season, Taylor extends his compassion by delivering Christmas dinner to Pete’s abode. He shared his holiday traditions, mentioning, “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.”
The PDC World Darts Championship is scheduled to kick off on December 11, with fans having the opportunity to watch every match live exclusively through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.