Luke Littler stands to recoup a portion of his £1 million prize money from winning the PDC World Darts Championship. The 18-year-old made history by becoming the first back-to-back world champion since Gary Anderson by defeating Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace. Littler’s impressive 7-1 victory over the Dutchman solidified his dominance in the tournament, where he reached the final for the third consecutive year.
Despite the significant £500,000 increase in prize money compared to the previous year, UK tax regulations dictate that Littler will lose nearly half of his winnings to income tax at a rate of 45%, resulting in a tax bill of approximately £450,000. Additionally, National Insurance contributions will further reduce his earnings, leaving him with an estimated tax bill of £470,000 following his second world championship win.
Looking ahead, Littler is gearing up for the Bahrain Darts Masters commencing on January 15, offering him a swift opportunity to accumulate more winnings after his recent triumph. In 2024, he clinched victory in the same event by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8-5 in the final, securing a £30,000 prize. Now, returning as a 10-time PDC major title winner, Littler aims to continue his winning streak in the upcoming competition.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Littler shared his plans for the near future, expressing his determination to defend his title in Bahrain. If successful, he will have minimal time to rest before competing in the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters starting on January 19, where he aspires to make his mark as the first champion of the inaugural event in Riyadh. Following the intense competition, Littler plans to unwind in Dubai with his family.
As the prize money for the 2026 World Series events is yet to be disclosed, Littler remains focused on his goal of surpassing Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles. Reflecting on his recent achievements, he emphasized his ambition to dominate the sport by winning every possible competition. Littler’s determination and success have positioned him as a formidable force in the world of darts.
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