Luke Littler has a chance to retrieve a portion of the prize money he stands to lose from his £1 million award 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 another dominant display, Littler triumphed over the Dutchman with a resounding 7-1 victory, cementing his place in the final for the third consecutive year. Not only did he secure the championship, but he also became the first player to claim the £1 million prize on offer. However, due to UK tax regulations, nearly half of his winnings will be subject to a 45% income tax rate, potentially leaving him with a tax bill of up to £450,000.
Despite the substantial tax implications, Littler is gearing up to compete in the Bahrain Darts Masters starting on January 15, offering him an opportunity to increase his earnings. In 2024, he clinched the title by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8-5, securing a £30,000 victory. Returning to the Bahrain Masters as a 10-time PDC major title holder, Littler expressed his determination to win the title once again.
Looking ahead to his upcoming schedule, Littler shared his plans for January, emphasizing his goal to succeed in Bahrain and subsequently at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, scheduled to begin on January 19 in Riyadh. Following the intense competition, Littler intends to relax with his family in Dubai for a few days.
With the anticipation building for the upcoming World Series events, Littler aims to continue his dominance in darts and potentially match or surpass Phil Taylor’s esteemed record of 16 world titles. Reflecting on his recent accomplishments, Littler highlighted his desire to excel in the sport and maintain his winning streak.
In other news, Sky has announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, offering members significant savings and access to over 1,400 live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL. Sky is set to broadcast at least 215 live Premier League games in the upcoming season, marking an increase of up to 100 games compared to previous seasons.