Luke Littler stands a chance to recoup some of the money he is expected to forfeit from his £1 million reward 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 on Saturday night.
In another dominant display during the tournament, Littler triumphed over the Dutchman 7-1, solidifying his place in the final for three consecutive years. Apart from his remarkable darts achievements, Littler made history by being the first player to claim the £1 million prize with his recent victory.
Despite the substantial prize money increase from last year, which Littler also won, UK tax regulations dictate that the world champion will lose nearly half of his total earnings. 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 be levied, further increasing Littler’s tax liability to approximately £470,000 following his second world championship victory. However, an immediate opportunity for additional earnings awaits Littler as he prepares to compete in the upcoming Bahrain Darts Masters commencing on January 15.
Littler previously clinched the event in 2024 by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8-5 in the final, securing a £30,000 triumph. After making his World Series debut at the Bahrain Masters, Littler will return as a 10-time PDC major title winner two years later.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Littler outlined his plans for January, mentioning his intention to defend his title in Bahrain. If successful, he will have limited time for rest before participating in the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, which begins on January 19 in Riyadh.
Expressing his determination to excel in the upcoming events, Littler expressed his desire to win the inaugural Saudi Arabian World Series. Following the Saudi Arabia tournament, Littler plans to unwind in Dubai with his family before gearing up for future competitions.
Although the prize money for the 2026 tournaments is yet to be confirmed, Littler is regarded as a potential challenger to Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles. Emphasizing his ambition to dominate the sport, Littler aspires to maintain his winning streak and achieve further success.
Furthermore, Sky has introduced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, offering substantial savings and an extensive selection of live matches across various leagues. Sky is set to broadcast over 215 live Premier League games next season, representing a significant increase from previous seasons.