Darts prodigy Luke Littler has solidified his status as the sport's new dominant force, clinching the Grand Slam of Darts title and seizing the World Number One spot. However, his emphatic victory in Wolverhampton comes with a significant financial sting, as a hefty portion of his prize money is immediately destined for the taxman.
A Meteoric Rise To The Top
On Sunday evening, the 18-year-old phenom defeated the previously top-ranked Luke Humphries 16-11 in a thrilling final. This triumph caps an extraordinary year for Littler, which began with him becoming the youngest ever PDC World Darts Champion by beating Michael van Gerwen. That historic win in January earned him a life-changing £500,000, but it also introduced him to the reality of UK tax law.
The Taxman's Share of the Winnings
Following his latest success, Littler has added £150,000 to his coffers, pushing his total earnings over the past two years to an impressive £1,850,000. Yet, nearly half of this latest windfall will be claimed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This is not a new experience for the young champion. After his run to the World Championship final in early 2024, where he pocketed £200,000 for finishing as runner-up, he received a playful but pointed reminder from the official HMRC social media account.
The tax authority cheekily posted: "Big congrats to Luke on his fantastic run to the final," before adding, "We can confirm the existence of income tax." His initial world championship victory saw him hand over £223,213 in income tax plus up to £12,010 in National Insurance, slicing over £230,000 from his take-home pay.
Hunger for More and a Rival's Warning
Despite the financial hit, Littler is basking in the glory of his rapid ascent. Speaking after his Grand Slam victory, he confidently declared, "I am the best in the world, I can finally say it. World number one, you are the best in the world." He added that achieving back-to-back titles made the moment even more special and expressed his determination to maintain his position. "Now I'm number one, I'm hungry to stay there. I want to be there for the next few years," Littler stated, acknowledging the target now on his back.
His rival, Luke Humphries, was quick to issue a warning, vowing to reclaim the top spot by winning the £1 million prize at the World Championships in Alexandra Palace next month. "I'm going to win the Worlds," Humphries said, effectively declaring war and setting the stage for a potentially epic rematch.
