Rising darts sensation Luke Littler has made headlines not only for his impressive skills on the board but also for the hefty tax bill he’s facing after his recent Premier League Darts success. At just 17 years old, Littler stunned fans by clinching the Premier League title, defeating seasoned competitor Luke Humphries in a thrilling 11-7 match at London’s O2 arena. Not only did he capture the title, but he also hit a rare nine-darter, a feat only achieved before in the Premier League by darts legend Phil Taylor. His victory secured him an impressive £275,000 prize. However, despite this significant win, Littler will only take home about half of the earnings due to taxes.
Altogether, Littler’s winnings, including an additional £40,000 earned from his nightly victories in cities such as Belfast, Manchester, Liverpool, and Aberdeen, brought his total Premier League prize money to £315,000. However, due to UK tax obligations, Littler will be handing over nearly £136,263.60 to HMRC, including £127,953 in income tax and £8,310.60 in National Insurance contributions. After these deductions, Littler’s actual earnings from the tournament will be around £178,736.40—a sum that, although substantial, is far from the original prize he was awarded. This payout still surpasses Littler’s previous earnings from his performance in the World Championship earlier in the year, where he had reached the final but lost to Humphries, earning a £200,000 runner-up prize.
In that previous tournament, Littler’s income was also significantly reduced due to taxes. Out of his £200,000 prize, approximately £73,203 went toward income tax, and another £7,330 was deducted for National Insurance. This left him with £119,467 from the tournament—a reminder of how high tax rates impact even young athletes who are just beginning their professional careers. In total, Littler has now paid close to £217,000 in tax from these two major tournaments alone, netting nearly £300,000 after all deductions. This calculation does not include his earnings from other professional appearances, which have kept him busy since officially turning pro.
While the tax deductions may seem steep, Littler remains grateful and focused on his burgeoning career. After his Premier League victory, he expressed his gratitude to those who helped him get this far, particularly his parents, whose unwavering support has been crucial to his success. Speaking to Sky Sports after his victory, an emotional Littler reflected on the significance of his win. “It is 100 percent the best night of my life,” he shared, visibly moved. “I couldn’t believe it. I went over to Luke, and he said, ‘Go and celebrate with your family like you said to me,’ and I did. I just burst out crying and hugged them.”
Littler’s appreciation for his family’s support is deep-rooted, as they have been his foundation since he first showed potential in darts. Over the years, they have invested time, effort, and even their own money to help their son secure the sponsorships and resources needed to compete at the highest level. “Whenever I win something and go over to them, all the emotions come out because my mum and dad, they put their own money into me, got me the sponsors I have today, and I can’t thank them enough,” Littler continued. His words reflect the intense bond and dedication his family shares, as well as the sacrifices made to help him pursue his dreams.
Littler’s success story has captivated fans around the world, especially in the UK, where darts holds a strong following. His rapid ascent in the sport highlights the potential he possesses, despite his young age. Already, comparisons are being drawn between Littler and established players, with many believing that he could soon become a dominant force in the darts world. His victory over Humphries at such a major event, paired with his earlier runner-up finish at the World Championship, suggests he’s well on his way to a promising career. The financial aspects of his wins, while a reminder of the reality of taxes on high earnings, underscore his rapid progress and the financial rewards that come with such success.
The young champion’s journey has just begun, but he is already making a mark with his achievements. His performances and the maturity he shows both on and off the board are earning him respect among fans, players, and commentators. Littler’s experience highlights the financial and emotional challenges that can come with young athletes’ success. For him, though, the focus remains on improving his game and enjoying the journey, fueled by the support of those closest to him. As he continues to compete and grow, Littler is poised to become not only a prominent figure in darts but also an inspiring example of dedication and passion in the sport.