Luke Littler’s Former Rival, Victor Over Phil Taylor, Faces Eight-Year Ban
Leighton Bennett, who achieved fame as the youngest BDO youth champion at age 13, is now facing a significant setback. The 19-year-old player gained attention after defeating 14-time world champion Phil Taylor, positioning himself as a future star in darts alongside Luke Littler.
Leighton Bennett’s Darts Career Takes a Downturn
Despite a promising start, Bennett’s career hit a major obstacle in December 2025. He received an eight-year ban imposed by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) after being found guilty of multiple infractions. Among the charges were rigging four games, signing with an unregistered manager, and failing to assist in an investigation.
Details of the Suspension
- Ban Duration: 8 years
- Eligible to Return: 2032
- Financial Penalty: £8,100.23
- Prohibitions: Participation in DRA-organized events
Before his ban, Bennett had secured a place on the professional PDC tour and was ready to showcase his talent alongside Littler. The two players were anticipated to be key rivals in the sport, similar to previous legends like Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld.
The Lost Focus of Darts Rivals
Bennett previously expressed his aspirations for a long-lasting rivalry with Luke Littler, where both players could dominate for years. He once stated, “I’d love for Luke and I to be the next big thing in darts.” However, the timeline for their rivalry has shifted significantly due to Bennett’s suspension.
Luke Littler’s Current Success
As Bennett watches from the sidelines, Littler is actively competing and defending his PDC World Championship title. In December 2025, Littler faced unseeded Lithuanian player Darius Labanauskas in the opening round of the World Championships at Alexandra Palace.
With his recent successes, including becoming a member of an exclusive group of players who have won the World Matchplay, World Championship, and Premier League, Littler stands poised to cement his legacy further. He aims to replicate the accomplishments of legends like Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson by becoming one of the few players to defend the World Darts Championship successfully.
Concluding Thoughts
Bennett’s journey illustrates the tumultuous nature of competitive sports. His rise to fame, marked by early victories and high expectations, has been overshadowed by his current suspension. As the darts world evolves, the focus is on rising stars like Luke Littler, while former prospects like Bennett must navigate a more challenging path ahead.
