Luke Littler has the chance to recoup a portion of the money he is expected to lose from his £1 million prize for winning the PDC World Darts Championship. The 18-year-old made history by becoming the first player since Gary Anderson to secure consecutive world titles by defeating Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace.
In a commanding performance, Littler defeated the Dutchman 7-1, further solidifying his impressive track record in the tournament, having reached the final for three consecutive years. Not only did he secure the championship, but he also became the first player to claim the £1 million prize money on offer.
Although the prize money was a substantial increase from the previous year, Littler will face a significant tax bill due to UK tax laws. With winnings taxed at a 45% rate for income tax, he is likely to be left with a substantial bill of up to £450,000. Additionally, National Insurance contributions will be applied, potentially increasing his total tax bill to around £470,000 following his second world championship victory.
Despite the tax implications, Littler has a quick opportunity to increase his earnings as he is scheduled to compete in the Bahrain Darts Masters commencing on January 15. This event comes after his victory in 2024 against Michael van Gerwen, which secured him a £30,000 win and marked his World Series debut.
Looking ahead, Littler expressed his eagerness to defend his title in Bahrain and potentially secure another win before heading to the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters starting on January 19 in Riyadh. Motivated to make his mark in the inaugural Saudi Arabian World Series, Littler plans to recharge by spending a few days in Dubai with his family after the tournaments.
As the prize money for the upcoming 2026 tournaments is yet to be confirmed, Littler, often seen as a contender to match or surpass Phil Taylor’s world title record, remains focused on dominating the sport. Reflecting on his recent success, Littler emphasized his determination to continue winning and achieving excellence in darts.
In other news, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming 2025/26 season, offering substantial savings and an expanded coverage of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL. Sky is set to broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches next season, providing fans with increased access to top-tier football action.