Luke Littler has a chance to recoup some of the money he is expected to lose 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.
In a dominant display, Littler defeated the Dutchman 7-1 in the final match, extending his impressive streak of reaching the finals for three years in a row. Apart from his exceptional performance in darts, Littler also made headlines by being the inaugural recipient of the £1 million prize for his victory.
Despite the substantial increase in prize money from last year, Littler will lose nearly half of his winnings due to UK tax regulations. With income tax being levied at the higher rate of 45%, his after-tax earnings could potentially be reduced by up to £450,000. Furthermore, National Insurance contributions will be deducted, resulting in an estimated tax bill of around £470,000 following his second world championship triumph.
However, Littler has a swift opportunity to amass more earnings as he is scheduled to participate in the Bahrain Darts Masters commencing on January 15. Previously, he secured a £30,000 victory in the 2024 event by defeating Michael van Gerwen in the final, marking his World Series debut. Now, returning two years later as a 10-time PDC major title holder, Littler aims to continue his winning streak.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Littler revealed his plans for January, stating his intention to defend his title in Bahrain. If he succeeds, he will have minimal time for rest before the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters that starts on January 19 in Riyadh, where he aspires to make history by winning the inaugural event.
Expressing his ambition to excel in the sport, Littler emphasized his goal to surpass Phil Taylor’s legendary record of 16 world titles. Following his recent victory, he emphasized his determination to dominate the darts scene and strive for excellence in every competition.
In a separate development, Sky has announced a reduction in the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports package ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 season. Members can save £192 and gain access to over 1,400 live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL. Sky will broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League games in the upcoming season, an increase of up to 100 matches compared to previous seasons.
