Teenage sensation Luke Littler has cemented his status as darts' dominant force, successfully defending his PDC World Darts Championship title in a commanding victory at London's Alexandra Palace.
A Historic Victory at Ally Pally
The world number one produced a masterclass on Saturday night, 3rd January 2026, defeating Dutch challenger Gian van Veen by a stunning 7-1 margin. This triumph makes the 18-year-old the first player in a decade to win the prestigious tournament in consecutive years.
Littler's path to a third successive final was emphatic, with a 6-1 demolition of Ryan Searle in the semi-finals. Van Veen, meanwhile, earned his maiden final appearance with a spectacular win over veteran Gary Anderson.
The victory was made even sweeter by a record-breaking prize fund. The PDC offered a total pot of £5 million, with Littler's win securing the sport's first-ever £1 million top prize—a massive £500,000 increase on the previous year's winner's cheque.
The Taxing Reality of a Million-Pound Payday
However, the financial glory of the seven-figure sum will be significantly reduced by the UK's tax laws. As a UK resident, Littler's winnings are subject to income tax.
The £1 million prize will be taxed at the additional rate of 45%, potentially resulting in a tax bill of up to £450,000. On top of this, National Insurance contributions will also be due, meaning the champion could lose nearly half of his landmark earnings to the Treasury.
When asked about the money after his semi-final, Littler showed a champion's focus. “It’s a massive prize. But it’s the trophy on the stage, it’s not the money,” he stated. “I’m repeating myself, but 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.”
Darts Enters a New Era of Wealth
Littler's win headlines an unprecedented period of growth for professional darts. The PDC increased prize money across its circuit by £7 million in 2026, with over £25 million now available to players throughout the season.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter previously highlighted the significance of the £1 million prize. “This historic total will rightly attract headlines as the biggest prize ever paid out in the sport,” he said. “The incredible growth of the PDC in recent years has seen darts elevated to levels never seen before.”
While runner-up Van Veen takes home £400,000, semi-finalists Anderson and Searle each secured £200,000. Luke Littler's name is now forever etched in the annals of the sport, not just for his peerless talent but for claiming a prize that marks darts' arrival in the big time—even if the taxman ensures the net result is somewhat smaller.
