Luke Littler has a chance to recoup part of the money he is set to forfeit from his £1 million award 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 another dominant display, Littler triumphed over the Dutchman 7-1, maintaining his remarkable performance throughout the tournament and securing a place in the final for the third consecutive year. Notably, Littler also became the first player to claim the £1 million prize offered for winning the championship.
Although the prize money was a significant increase from the previous year, Littler will lose almost half of it due to UK tax regulations. His winnings will be subject to a 45% income tax rate, potentially resulting in a tax bill of up to £450,000. Additionally, National Insurance contributions will further reduce his earnings, leaving him with an estimated tax bill of around £470,000 following his second world championship victory.
Despite the tax implications, Littler has a swift opportunity to earn more money as he gears up to compete in the upcoming Bahrain Darts Masters starting on January 15. Littler’s previous victory in the event in 2024, where he defeated Michael van Gerwen in the final, earned him a £30,000 prize. This year, he returns as a 10-time PDC major title winner, ready to continue his winning streak.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Littler shared his plans for January, expressing his determination to secure another title in Bahrain. If successful, he will have limited time to rest before competing in the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, scheduled to commence on January 19 in Riyadh. Littler emphasized his desire to make his mark in the inaugural Saudi Arabian World Series event.
Looking ahead, Littler aims to maintain his dominance in darts, with aspirations to surpass legendary player Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles. Reflecting on his recent achievements, Littler emphasized his ambition to win consistently and achieve success in the sport.
In a related update, Sky has introduced discounted rates for its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming 2025/26 season, offering substantial savings to members 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, a significant increase from previous years.
