Teenage sensation Luke Littler has cemented his status as darts' dominant force by successfully defending his PDC World Darts Championship title, though a hefty UK tax bill will claim a significant slice of his record-breaking £1 million prize.
A Historic Victory at the Palace
The 18-year-old world number one produced a commanding performance at London's Alexandra Palace on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, defeating Dutch challenger Gian van Veen by a decisive 7-1 margin. This victory makes Littler the first player in a decade to win the prestigious tournament in consecutive years.
Littler's path to the final was emphatic, featuring a 6-1 semi-final demolition of Ryan Searle. Van Veen, in contrast, secured his maiden final appearance with a stunning win over Gary Anderson in what is already being hailed as an instant classic.
The Million-Pound Prize and Its Price
The 2026 Paddy Power World Darts Championship boasted a record total prize pool of £5 million, with the winner's share doubled to an unprecedented £1 million. Runner-up Van Veen will take home £400,000, while semi-finalists Anderson and Searle each earned £200,000.
However, for champion Littler, the financial triumph comes with a substantial deduction. Under current UK tax laws, his winnings will be subject to the additional income tax rate of 45%, potentially resulting in a tax bill of up to £450,000. This will be further increased by mandatory National Insurance contributions.
When questioned about the colossal prize after his semi-final, Littler remained focused on the glory. “It’s a massive prize. But it’s the trophy on the stage, it’s not the money,” he stated. “Ever since the Grand Slam I have just said I want to go back-to-back. So hopefully I can lift the trophy again and think about the money after.”
PDC Commits to Unprecedented Growth
Littler's landmark win coincides with a period of massive financial growth for the Professional Darts Corporation. In 2026, the PDC increased prize money across its circuit by a historic £7 million, with over £25 million in total prize funds available throughout the year.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter highlighted the significance of the £1 million top prize last year, saying: “This historic total will rightly attract headlines as the biggest prize ever paid out in the sport. However, the increased prize funds announced today demonstrate our commitment to growing earning potential for players at all levels.”
The organisation has also expanded player fields for major tournaments, offering more global talent the chance to compete on television and elevating darts to unprecedented levels of worldwide interest.
