Luke Littler, at 18 years old, has the chance to recoup part of the £1 million prize he earned by winning the PDC World Darts Championship. He made history by becoming the first player since Gary Anderson to clinch consecutive world titles by defeating Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace. Littler’s commanding 7-1 victory over the Dutchman in the final marked his third consecutive appearance in the championship match.
With his recent win, Littler not only secured the £1 million prize but also faced a significant tax bill due to UK tax laws. Nearly half of his winnings will be subject to an income tax rate of 45%, potentially leaving him with a tax liability of up to £450,000. National Insurance contributions will further increase his tax bill to approximately £470,000 after his second world championship triumph.
Despite the tax implications, Littler has an upcoming opportunity to compete in the Bahrain Darts Masters starting on January 15. In 2024, he won the event by defeating Michael van Gerwen in the final, earning a £30,000 prize. This year, Littler returns as a 10-time PDC major title winner, aiming to continue his success in the tournament.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Littler shared his plans for the upcoming tournaments, expressing his determination to win the title in Bahrain once again. If he achieves this feat, he will have little time to rest before the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters commences on January 19 in Riyadh. Littler’s ambition is clear as he aims to make his mark in the inaugural Saudi Arabian World Series event and then unwind in Dubai with his family.
As Littler pursues further victories, the prize money for the 2026 World Series events is yet to be confirmed. Often compared to darts legend Phil Taylor, who holds 16 world titles, Littler aspires to “dominate” the sport. Reflecting on his back-to-back world titles, he emphasized his drive to succeed and win every competition he enters.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Sky has introduced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering members savings of £192 and access to over 1,400 live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL. Sky will showcase a minimum of 215 live Premier League games next season, providing fans with an expanded viewing experience.