Luke Littler made headlines in the darts world by winning the World Darts Championship last year, securing a prize of £500,000. However, his take-home amount was significantly reduced after HMRC claimed a substantial portion of his winnings. Following his impressive victory over Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace in January 2025, Littler learned that he would forfeit over half of his earnings due to tax obligations.
Tax Implications on Prize Money
Despite his remarkable achievement as the youngest world champion in darts history, Littler was required to pay £223,213 to HMRC, along with an additional £12,010 in National Insurance contributions. The tax authority confirmed these deductions shortly after his championship win, congratulating him while also reminding him of his tax responsibilities. “Big congrats to Luke on his fantastic run to the final. We can confirm the existence of income tax,” the official HMRC account posted on X.
Littler’s impressive victory not only set a record but also placed him in a strong position for the upcoming year’s championship, where the prize fund has increased. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has raised the champion’s prize to a staggering £1 million. If Littler manages to retain his title, he could potentially earn even more, despite the significant tax obligations.
A Year of Breakthroughs and Expectations
Returning as the top seed and world No. 1, Littler is determined to capitalize on the momentum from his previous successes. He recently triumphed over rival Luke Humphries in the Grand Slam final, further solidifying his status at the pinnacle of the sport. In 2025 alone, he has already reached a personal best of eight major finals, winning six of them, including a close battle with Humphries in the Premier League decider.
The prospect of a £1 million grand prize is a significant motivator for Littler as he prepares for the upcoming championship. His potential rematch against Humphries, who is seeded second, could spark another thrilling final. Based on previous calculations, should he win, Littler may still take home roughly £550,000 after taxes, an amount that remains substantial despite the deductions.
After his historic win, Littler expressed his gratitude and emotions surrounding lifting the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy. “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy,” he shared with Sky Sports following his victory. “You’ve got to get through a tough field. I can’t believe it. I keep saying it, but that first game against Ryan Meikle was the one that really mattered.” He recalled feeling nervous during the final set but managed to calm himself to secure the win.
Littler’s career trajectory continues to soar, and as he prepares for another championship, fans eagerly anticipate what he will achieve next. With increasing stakes and the potential for more historic moments on the horizon, the darts community is closely watching this young champion’s journey.
