Luke Littler has the chance to recoup a portion of the money he is expected 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 defeated the Dutchman 7-1, solidifying his position as a formidable contender in the tournament. Moreover, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first player to claim the £1 million prize for his victory.
Despite the substantial prize increase compared to the previous year, Littler is facing a substantial tax bill 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 liability of around £450,000.
Following his second world championship triumph, Littler is gearing up to compete in the Bahrain Darts Masters, commencing on January 15. In 2024, he clinched the event by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8-5 in the final, earning a £30,000 prize.
Expressing his plans for the upcoming events, Littler mentioned his intention to participate in the Bahrain tournament once more. With the potential to secure another title, he will have limited time for rest before the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters starting on January 19 in Riyadh.
Looking ahead to the future, Littler aims to set a high standard by aiming for victory in the inaugural Saudi Arabian World Series. After the competition, he plans to take a short break in Dubai with his family.
While the exact prize money for the 2026 tournaments is yet to be confirmed, Littler is seen as a strong contender to match or surpass Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles. His ambition to dominate the sport was evident following his recent success, where he expressed his drive to excel in every aspect of darts.
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