Darts star leaks PDC payslip to show what World Championship players are paid
A darts professional has sparked major debate across the sport after leaking a PDC payslip online, offering a rare and revealing look at what players are actually paid for competing at the World Darts Championship.
The image, which quickly spread across social media, showed a detailed breakdown of earnings linked to appearance fees, prize money and deductions. While prize funds at the very top of the sport are well publicised, the leaked document highlighted just how different the financial reality can be for players outside the elite bracket.
The payslip related to participation in the World Darts Championship, staged annually at Alexandra Palace. According to the figures shown, players earn nothing simply for turning up — with income entirely dependent on match wins, alongside standard deductions such as management fees, taxes and expenses.
The leak has reignited discussion around the Professional Darts Corporation payment structure. While the tournament boasts one of the biggest prize pots in the sport’s history, critics argue that the headline numbers disguise the financial pressures faced by lower-ranked professionals, many of whom fund their own travel, accommodation and coaching.
Fans were particularly surprised by how quickly winnings can be reduced once deductions are applied. Although a World Championship victory can be life-changing, the payslip showed that early-round exits often leave players with modest returns — especially when compared to the costs of maintaining a full-time darts career.
Supporters of the PDC point out that prize money across the tour has increased significantly in recent years and that darts remains a merit-based sport where success is rewarded. However, the leaked document has added fuel to calls for greater transparency and potential reforms, including appearance fees or minimum guarantees for World Championship qualifiers.
The player behind the leak has not been officially identified, but the post has resonated strongly within the darts community. Fellow professionals and fans alike have weighed in, with many praising the move for shedding light on an often unseen side of the sport.
As the World Darts Championship continues to grow in global popularity, the conversation around player earnings is unlikely to fade. The leaked payslip has ensured that, alongside the drama on the oche, financial fairness is now firmly part of the discussion surrounding the modern game.
