Since 16-year-old phenom Littler stormed Alexandra Palace and claimed the title at 17, TV viewership has soared, pulling in massive audiences. That surge is poised to pad every player’s wallet, with the top prize potentially climbing to unprecedented levels. Humphries dropped the bombshell on talkSPORT: “We all know the world champion’s getting a million quid.” If true, the next champ—whether it’s him or Littler—could lock down the No. 1 ranking for years. “If I win, I’m set at the top for a long stretch,” he said. “If Luke does, same deal. I’m not obsessed with the ranking—I’d rather be world champion, like he is. For me, everything hinges on the worlds, not the next few months.”
Despite Humphries and Littler dominating the PDC Order of Merit at first and second, they’re not the only threats. Michael van Gerwen (three-time champ) and Rob Cross (a past winner), ranked third and fourth, remain lethal, while ex-champion Gerwyn Price is proving his mettle in this season’s Premier League. Humphries knows the field’s deep: “It’s not just me and Luke deciding who’s on top in 2026.” With a rumored £1 million on the line, the Ally Pally stage is set for a blockbuster clash—and the darts world’s holding its breath.
