Teenage darts phenomenon Luke Littler claimed a commanding 6-1 triumph against former world champion Luke Humphries to secure the World Grand Prix on Sunday night. The emphatic victory netted the 18-year-old a substantial £120,000 payday.
However, tax obligations will significantly reduce his winnings. Analysis from OLBG confirms that HMRC will claim £54,000 from the prize fund, leaving the youngster with £66,000 after deductions.
The financial implications of the victory extend beyond immediate earnings, as the teenager continues his aggressive pursuit of the sport's top ranking position currently held by Humphries.
This latest triumph marks Littler's seventh major televised title, further establishing his credentials among the record holders of the sport. Despite the victory, Humphries maintains his position atop the PDC rankings.
Luke Littler is set to lose a big chunk of his prize money from the World Grand Prix win
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The difference separating the two players stands at £70,750 in prize money. Humphries has accumulated an impressive £1.73million over the previous two years, the period used to calculate the Werner Rankings standings.
Behind the two Lukes, Michael van Gerwen occupies third place, followed by Stephen Bunting and James Wade. None of these three competitors have yet reached the £1million threshold in prize money.
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The narrow margin between first and second place intensifies the competition as the year progresses towards its climax. Each tournament now carries additional significance in determining who will finish 2025 as the world's top-ranked player.
Following his victory, Littler expressed determination about his ranking ambitions.
"This is my time and I've just got to keep going," he declared after securing the title.
The teenager remains humble about his standing despite recent successes. "Obviously, until I get that world number one spot, I will never call myself the best in the world," Littler stated. "Whoever's number one, they're the best."
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Luke Littler is closing in on the top spot in the PDC Rankings
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He acknowledged the opportunity presented by upcoming tournaments, noting Humphries must defend substantial prize money.
"But knowing I'm only £70,000 in prize money behind Luke and then he's got to defend all of his prize money from the Grand Prix, the Players Championships and the World Championship," he explained.
"I don't want to think about it too much, but I could be world number one before that World Championship. I've just got to keep chucking away and put as much pressure as I can on Luke."
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In a surprising announcement post-match, Littler confirmed his participation in the World Youth Championship beginning today in Wigan.
He told Sky Sports he planned to "have a bit of fun, see everyone," whilst acknowledging that competitors might not view him as warmly given his professional success.
Luke Littler secured his seventh major title
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The 2023 champion of the youth tournament earned £10,000 after defeating Gian van Veen. The competition welcomes players between 16 and 23 years of age, with no exclusions based on professional accomplishments or PDC ranking status.
The event commences with group stages before progressing to knockout rounds from the final 64 onwards. The championship concludes on November 23 in Minehead.