Luke Littler to Compete for Record Prize Money as PDC Announces Major Increase
Historic Boost in Prize Money
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has announced a groundbreaking increase in prize money for the 2026 World Darts Championship. The tournament winner will now receive £1 million—doubling the previous prize—while the total prize fund rises to £5 million, marking the biggest financial boost in the sport’s history.
The ‘Luke Littler Effect’
The dramatic rise in prize money is widely attributed to the ‘Luke Littler Effect.’ The Warrington-based 18-year-old stunned the world by winning the championship at 17, significantly boosting global interest in darts. The surge in viewership and engagement has driven increased investment in the sport, culminating in the new prize structure.
PDC’s Commitment to Growth
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter highlighted the significance of the changes:
“The £1 million prize for the world champion reflects darts’ growth as a global sport. This record-breaking increase underlines our commitment to expanding opportunities for players at all levels.”
The PDC will increase total tournament prize funds by £7 million across the professional circuit in 2026, with significant boosts in major events, including:
- Premier League Darts: Total prize fund of £1.25 million, with £350,000 for the champion.
- World Matchplay & Grand Slam of Darts: £1 million each, with the Grand Slam expanding to 48 players.
- Four Premier Events (World Grand Prix, Players Championship Finals, European Championship, UK Open): Each increasing to £750,000.
- World Cup of Darts & World Series of Darts Finals: Additional £50,000 in prize money.
- European Tour Events: Prize fund raised to £230,000 per event across 14 tournaments.
- Players Championship Events: Prize fund increasing to £150,000 per event.
Supporting Emerging Talent
Beyond the professional circuit, the PDC is investing in the future of the sport:
- Challenge Tour, Development Tour, and Women’s Series: £5,000 per event increase.
- Women’s World Matchplay: Prize fund raised to £40,000.
- Global Affiliate Tours & Overseas Development: 50% funding increase.
PDC Tournament Prize Funds for 2026
World Darts Championship (£5M Total Fund)
- Winner: £1,000,000
- Runner-Up: £400,000
- Semi-Finalists: £200,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £100,000
- Last 16 Losers: £60,000
- Last 32 Losers: £35,000
- Last 64 Losers: £25,000
- Last 128 Losers: £15,000
Other Major Events
- Premier League: £1.25M total fund, £350K for the winner.
- World Matchplay & Grand Slam: £1M each, £225K & £200K for winners.
- World Grand Prix, Players Championship Finals, European Championship, UK Open: £750K each.
- World Cup of Darts: £500K total, £50K per winner.
- World Series Finals: £450K total, £100K for the winner.
- European Tour Events: £230K per event.
- Players Championship Events: £150K per event.
- Women’s World Matchplay: £40K total.
- World Youth Championship: £100K total.
A New Era for Darts
With these unprecedented increases, the PDC is setting new standards for professional darts, ensuring a lucrative and competitive future for players worldwide. The expansion of tournament fields and prize pools cements the sport’s status as a global phenomenon, with Luke Littler at the forefront of its meteoric rise.
