Luke Littler stands a chance to recoup a portion of his £1 million PDC World Darts Championship prize money. The 18-year-old made history by clinching back-to-back world titles, following in the footsteps of Gary Anderson, with a victory over Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace. Littler’s commanding 7-1 win over the Dutchman marked his third consecutive appearance in the final, solidifying his status as a serial record-breaker in the world of darts.
With his latest triumph, Littler became the first player to secure the £1 million prize on offer, a substantial increase from the previous year’s winnings which were also claimed by Littler. However, UK tax regulations dictate that almost half of his earnings will be subject to a 45% income tax rate, potentially leaving him with a tax bill of up to £450,000. Additionally, National Insurance contributions will further reduce his payout, resulting in an estimated tax bill of around £470,000 due to his second consecutive world championship victory.
Despite the tax implications, Littler has a quick opportunity to boost his earnings as he gears up to compete in the upcoming Bahrain Darts Masters starting on January 15. In 2024, he triumphed in the same event by defeating Michael van Gerwen in the final, securing a £30,000 prize. This year, Littler returns as a 10-time PDC major title holder, ready to showcase his skills on the world stage once again.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Littler shared his plans for the near future, expressing his determination to claim another victory in Bahrain. Following the tournament, he will have a brief period to rest before participating in the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters commencing on January 19 in Riyadh. Littler emphasized his goal to make his mark in the first Saudi Arabian World Series event and mentioned plans to unwind in Dubai with his family after the competitions.
As Littler sets his sights on continued success, he aims to dominate the sport and potentially match or surpass Phil Taylor’s legendary record of 16 world titles. Reflecting on his recent achievements, Littler expressed his ambition to excel in every aspect of the sport, emphasizing his desire to win consistently and maintain a dominant presence in darts. Sky has also unveiled a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering members savings and access to over 1,400 live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL. Additionally, Sky will broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches next season, indicating a significant increase in coverage compared to previous years.