Sixteen-time world champion Phil Taylor is set to make a sensational return to competitive darts. He is coming out of retirement to partner with his long-time friend Adrian Lewis at the MODUS Super Series International Pairs Tournament. The event will take place at the MODUS Super Series studio in Portsmouth from November 23 to 28, 2026.
- A Legendary Partnership Rekindled
- Tournament Details and Broadcast Information
- Frequently Asked Questions About Phil Taylor’s Comeback
- When and where is Phil Taylor returning to darts?
- Who will Phil Taylor be playing with?
- Why did Phil Taylor come out of retirement?
- How can fans watch the tournament?
- When did Phil Taylor originally retire?
The 66-year-old sports icon originally retired from the professional circuit in 2018, five years after claiming his final world title. Despite stepping away from full-time competition, Taylor maintained his sharp form through exhibition play. He competed in the World Seniors Darts Championship from 2022 through 2024 and recently underwent successful hip replacement surgery.
The upcoming tournament reunites the most successful duo in PDC World Cup of Darts history. Representing Team England, Taylor and Lewis captured four titles together across six tournament appearances. Lewis, a two-time world champion who stepped back from PDC competition in April 2023, previously featured in the MODUS pairs event last year alongside Steve Beaton.
A Legendary Partnership Rekindled
Widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of darts, Taylor won 214 professional tournaments and a record 87 major titles between 1987 and 2018. His decision to step back up to the oche came down to the unique opportunity to play alongside his former protégé.
Speaking about his return, Phil Taylor said: “I’ve been asked plenty of times about coming back, but it would have to be for the right reason. Adrian is one of the very few people I’d come out of retirement to play alongside, and the MODUS Super Series is the place I wanted to do it. We’ve got a lot of history together, we know each other’s games inside out and I’m looking forward to getting back up there with him.”
Adrian Lewis, nicknamed ‘Jackpot’, won back-to-back World Darts Championships in 2011 and 2012. He faced Taylor in five Professional Darts Corporation major title finals, losing all of them to his mentor. Now 41, Lewis is eager to step back onto the stage.
“Phil and I have shared some brilliant moments playing together over the years, so to get the chance to do it again is really special,” said Lewis. “We know what it takes to win as a pair and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”
Tournament Details and Broadcast Information
The MODUS Super Series International Pairs Tournament will run from November 23 to 28, 2026. Fans looking to watch the action can stream the tournament live and entirely free on Pluto TV, which broadcasts live darts every week of the year.
Chris Murphy, CEO and Executive Producer of the MODUS Super Series, highlighted the magnitude of the announcement:
“Phil Taylor coming out of retirement is a huge moment for darts, and we’re incredibly proud that he has chosen the MODUS Super Series to make his return. To have him back alongside Adrian Lewis, another phenomenal player, makes it even more special.”
While Taylor and Lewis are confirmed headliners, fans will have to wait until October 10 to discover the rest of the international talent line-up. The full list will be revealed live on the MODUS Super Series channel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phil Taylor’s Comeback
When and where is Phil Taylor returning to darts?
Phil Taylor will return to competitive action at the MODUS Super Series International Pairs Tournament, held at the MODUS Super Series studio in Portsmouth from November 23 to 28, 2026.
Who will Phil Taylor be playing with?
Taylor will partner with two-time world champion Adrian Lewis. The pair previously won four World Cup of Darts titles together representing Team England.
Why did Phil Taylor come out of retirement?
Taylor stated that he had resisted numerous offers to return. However, the chance to play alongside his close friend and long-time teammate Adrian Lewis at the MODUS Super Series provided the right motivation.
How can fans watch the tournament?
The International Pairs Tournament will stream live and completely free on Pluto TV, with daily play starting from 9:30 AM BST.
When did Phil Taylor originally retire?
Phil Taylor retired from the professional PDC circuit in 2018 after reaching the final of the World Darts Championship. He later played in the World Seniors Darts Championship from 2022 to 2024.
