Luke Littler has a chance to recoup part of his £1 million prize money from winning the PDC World Darts Championship. The 18-year-old secured back-to-back world titles by defeating Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace. Littler dominated the Dutchman with a commanding 7-1 victory, continuing his impressive streak in reaching the final for three consecutive years. Additionally, he became the first player to claim the £1 million prize offered for the victory.
Despite the substantial prize increase from last year, Littler is facing a significant tax bill in the UK. The world champion is expected to lose almost half of his winnings due to income tax at a rate of 45 percent, potentially leaving him with a bill of up to £450,000. National Insurance contributions will further add to his tax burden, bringing the total tax bill close to £470,000 following his second world championship win.
Nevertheless, Littler has a lucrative opportunity ahead as he prepares to compete in the upcoming Bahrain Darts Masters starting on January 15. This event follows his victory in the 2024 edition, where he defeated Michael van Gerwen in the final, securing a £30,000 prize. Littler’s success in the Bahrain Masters marked his World Series debut, and he now returns as a 10-time PDC major title winner.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Littler outlined his plans for the upcoming events, expressing his determination to defend his title in Bahrain and set a marker at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, commencing on January 19 in Riyadh. Following the intense competition, Littler plans to unwind with a short trip to Dubai alongside his family.
Looking ahead, the prize money for the 2026 World Series events is yet to be confirmed, with Littler positioned as a potential contender to match or surpass Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles. The young champion remains focused on dominating the sport, aspiring to achieve further success and establish his legacy in darts.
As Littler continues to excel in his career, fans can anticipate thrilling matches and his pursuit of greatness in the world of darts.