Luke Littler to lose ‘practically half of World Champs earnings’ after beating Gian van Veen
Luke Littler landed the new £1million World Darts Championship jackpot after beating Gian van Veen in the Ally Pally final but ‘The Nuke’ is set to lose almost half of that prize
Luke Littler is set to lose almost half of his £1million World Darts Championship jackpot after beating Gian van Veen in the final.
‘The Nuke’ is the back-to-back champion of the world after demolishing Van Veen 7-1 in Saturday’s final at Ally Pally. The 18-year-old also landed the new £1million jackpot that was doubled from the prize he took home last year after beating Michael van Gerwen.
Littler’s paycheck is set to take a huge tax hit with a study by OLBG suggesting the 18-year-old will forfeit £458,843 of his winnings.
The study adds that £22,011 will also need to be paid in National Insurance. Meaning Littler stands to take home £541,157 after tax.
The ‘Luke Littler effect’ has been largely behind the staggering increase in prize money at this year’s tournament after the PDC announced major increases to tournament money across the majors at the start of last year.
Speaking to Sky Sports following his Ally Pally triumph, Littler paid tribute to Anthony Joshua’s two friends who died in a tragic car crash last week. He also sent his best wishes to the two-time unified heavyweight world champion as he recovers from his injuries.
“It feels amazing. First of all thanks to John McDonald and George Noble – what a fantastic career they have had,” Littler said as he mentioned the two retiring legends.
“In my first year Russ Bray retired, now these two legends! I’m a bit late to the party!
“I’ve been wanting to say this. Everyone knows what happened with Anthony Joshua and his guy and his team and his friends. Just like AJ said ‘the first time was so nice, I had to do it twice!'”
Following his semi-final win over Ryan Searle, Littler was asked about the increased prize money, saying: “It’s a massive prize. But it’s the trophy on the stage, it’s not the money.
“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.
“It feels great, not many people have done it, the first three World Championships reaching the final. I have joined a short list of people doing that. Now obviously the only goal is to join the list of people going back-to-back champions.”
