Luke Littler is in a position to recoup some of the prize money from his £1 million victory at the PDC World Darts Championship. The 18-year-old secured his second consecutive world title by defeating Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace. Littler’s impressive 7-1 triumph over the Dutch player solidified his status as a dominant force in the tournament, where he reached the final for the third year in a row. Making history once again, Littler became the first player to claim the £1 million prize awarded for winning the championship.
Despite the substantial prize increase from the previous year, Littler is expected to lose a significant portion of his winnings due to UK tax regulations. Nearly half of his earnings will be subject to a 45% income tax rate, potentially resulting in a tax bill of around £450,000. Additionally, National Insurance contributions will further reduce his payout, leaving Littler with an estimated tax liability of £470,000 following his latest world championship triumph.
Looking ahead, Littler is gearing up to compete in the upcoming Bahrain Darts Masters, commencing on January 15. This event follows his victory in the 2024 edition, where he defeated Michael van Gerwen in the final. The young darts prodigy is set to return to the tournament as a 10-time PDC major title holder, aiming to secure another win and add to his accolades.
Expressing his ambitions for the upcoming challenges, Littler shared his plans for the new year, including his participation in the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters scheduled to start on January 19 in Riyadh. Following the intense competition, Littler intends to unwind in Dubai with his family, emphasizing his determination to excel in the sport and achieve further success.
As he sets his sights on future tournaments, Littler remains focused on his goal of dominating the darts scene and potentially surpassing legendary player Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles. Reflecting on his recent accomplishments, Littler highlighted his desire to continue his winning streak and establish his legacy in the sport. With his unwavering dedication and competitive spirit, Littler aims to assert his dominance and emerge as a formidable force in the world of darts.