Stephen Bunting reveals greatest in Luke Littler/Phil Taylor debate

In an exclusive interview with bet365, Stephen Bunting revealed who he believes to be the greatest Darts player of all-time as the debate surrounding Luke Littler and Phil Taylor continues.

Bunting, who is arguably the most popular player currently on the PDC Tour, believes the quality at the top of the sport is as strong as it has ever been.

Back-to-back world champion Littler has had a meteoric rise after rising to prominence at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship.

He has dominated the sport in the last two years despite playing in an era full of high-quality players such as Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Bunting himself.

Such dominance and brilliance on a regular basis has naturally drawn comparisons with the great Phil Taylor, who won the World Darts Championship 16 times during a sensational career.

Some observers believe that Taylor played in an easier era based on the depth of talent and higher averages that are now evident in the game.

Bunting had no doubt on who ranks at the top of the list when it comes to the sport's all-time greats.

"He (Littler) is definitely up there at his peak but Phil Taylor in my opinion is the greatest of all time for what he did for the sport," said Bunting.

"16 world titles will never beaten and Taylor will never be overtaken in my opinion.

"Michael van Gerwen would probably be next but I think you’ve got to put Littler very close to those two players.

"He’s refreshed the sport and brought in a new demographic of people watching the sport.

"We’ve got more viewers than we've ever had so long may that continue."

Bunting is one of the players considered to be amongst the chasing pack as Littler continues to set the standard.

The 41-year-old has not won a major since the 2024 Masters but he says that he goes into every event with the aim of winning it.

However, he admits that it is tougher than ever to win the sport's biggest prizes.

"The aim is to go into each major and try to win it," said Bunting.

"Obviously its been a while now since I won a major on TV and its important to try and get back onto that winning ladder.

"I want to do well on the European Tour and the Pro Tour and ultimately push myself back up the top of the rankings.

"I think the elite level of darts now is the best its ever been.

"Phil Taylor used to dominate back in the day but obviously now you’ve got Littler who has been winning all the main TV titles.

"You’ve got Luke Humphries who is always giving his best and playing fantastic darts. Then there’s the likes of Gerywn Price, Josh Rock, Michael van Gerwen, the list goes on.

"The top of the sport is amazing. Even working down now to the top 64, its getting better every year and it makes everything a lot more competitive, especially on the Pro Tour and European Tour."