Luke Littler to Lose Almost Half of £120,000 Prize Money After Winning World Grand Prix
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation and newly crowned 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix champion, is set to see his £120,000 winner’s prize slashed by nearly half after UK tax deductions, leaving him with approximately £60,000 to £65,000 in take-home pay. The world No. 2’s triumphant 6-1 final victory over Luke Humphries on October 12 at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena marked his first Grand Prix title and fourth major of the year, boosting his 2025 earnings to £1.67 million and career prize money past £2 million. However, as a UK resident, Littler faces a 45% income tax rate on earnings above £125,140, plus potential National Insurance contributions, meaning the full £120,000 is far from pocketed. This “reality check,” as sports finance experts call it, highlights the financial tightrope even darts’ biggest stars walk, despite Littler’s meteoric rise to a £2.5 million+ net worth.
The Tax Bite: How £120,000 Becomes £60k
Littler’s prize money is subject to UK income tax under the standard rules for self-employed athletes, as he operates through Luke Littler Darts Ltd. For the 2025/26 tax year, UK residents pay 45% on income over £125,140, with a 2% National Insurance rate on earnings above £50,270. Assuming Littler’s total income (prizes, endorsements) exceeds the threshold—which it does at £1.67 million from 2025 alone—the £120,000 Grand Prix win falls squarely in the 45% bracket.
– **Basic Calculation**: 45% tax on £120,000 = £54,000 owed to HMRC.
– **Net Take-Home**: £120,000 – £54,000 = £66,000 (before NI or other deductions).
– **With NI (2%)**: Additional £2,400, reducing it to around £63,600.
This assumes no tax reliefs or offsets, but as a company owner, Littler can deduct business expenses (travel, coaching) via his Ltd entity, potentially reclaiming 10-20% through corporation tax (19% rate). Still, nearly half vanishes— a stark reminder that even £120,000 feels like £60k after the Treasury’s cut. “It’s the price of success in the UK—massive earnings, massive taxes,” says Dr. Rob Wilson, sports finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University.
Littler’s 2025 prize haul (£1.67 million) alone incurs about £750,000 in tax, but endorsements (Target Darts, boohooMAN, Xbox) add £1 million pre-tax, pushing his total income to £2.67 million and tax bill to £1.2 million. His net worth, per Forbes estimates, stands at £2.5 million as of October 2025, factoring in post-tax earnings and investments like his £1 million Warrington home.
Littler’s Grand Prix Glory: The £120,000 Payday
Littler’s path to the winner’s cheque was a masterclass: A 2-0 opener over Gian van Veen (105.58 average vs. van Veen’s record 106.47), a 3-0 rout of defending champion Mike De Decker (98.45 average), a 3-2 comeback against Gerwyn Price (101.23 average, 154 checkout), and a 5-1 semifinal demolition of Jonny Clayton (97.26 average, 10 180s). The final against Humphries saw Littler average 102.15—the highest in a TV major decider—with a 151 opener, 13-dart leg, and 121 closer, holding all 11 throw legs untouchably.
“This is the best I’ve played in this format,” Littler told Sky Sports, his fourth major of 2025 after the Triple Crown (£1.5 million total). Girlfriend Faith Millar’s ecstatic stands celebration—hugging Littler’s family—went viral (1.2 million views on X under #LittlerFaith), as she cheered his near nine-darter (bullseye wire miss).
The full Grand Prix payout breakdown:
– Winner: £120,000
– Runner-up: £60,000
– Semifinalists: £40,000 each (£80,000 total)
– Quarterfinalists: £25,000 each (£100,000 total)
– Last 16: £15,000 each (£120,000 total)
– Last 32: £7,500 each (£120,000 total)
– Total Pool: £600,000
Littler’s £120,000—post-tax £60k—lifts his PCOM to 42nd (£181,500), just £70,000 behind Humphries’ £1.68 million Order of Merit lead, accelerating his No. 1 bid.
Littler’s Bigger Picture: From Paydays to Priorities
Littler’s windfall underscores his empire: £1.67 million in 2025 prizes (Worlds £500,000, Premier League £275,000, Matchplay £200,000), plus £1 million from endorsements, for a £2.67 million annual income. UK tax (45% over £125,140) claims £1.2 million, but his Ltd company allows deductions (travel, coaching) and 19% corporation tax relief, netting £1.5 million post-tax. Net worth: £2.5 million+, per Forbes, with Dr. Rob Wilson forecasting £20 million in prizes over 10 years.
Girlfriend Faith Millar, 19, celebrated wildly, her hugs with Littler’s family going viral. “She’s my rock—keeps me normal,” Littler said. His first “big purchase”? A bag for his Xbox—humble amid the payday.
| Source | 2025 Earnings | Post-Tax Estimate | Total Net Worth |
|——–|—————|——————-|—————–|
| Prize Money | £1.67M | £920k (45% tax) | £2M+ |
| Endorsements | £1M | £550k | £500k+ |
| **Grand Prix** | **£120k** | **£66k** | **£2.5M+** |
Littler’s £120k payday is a triumph, but after tax, it’s a reminder: Even kings pay the crown. The Nuke’s loaded—and laughing all the way to the bank.
