The stage is set for a historic conclusion to the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship this Saturday night at London's Alexandra Palace, with a staggering seven-figure sum awaiting the champion.
After three weeks of thrilling upsets and brilliant performances on the oche, the tournament culminates in a best-of-13 sets final. The competition has seen shocking eliminations, including top seeds like Luke Humphries, Stephen Bunting, and Gerwyn Price, alongside memorable moments from David Munyua and Motomu Sakai.
Record-Breaking Prize Fund Unveiled
This year's championship has been transformed by a massive financial boost. The total prize fund has doubled to an incredible £5 million, marking a new era for the sport. The increase is widely attributed to the global 'Luke Littler effect' and a lucrative new broadcast agreement with Sky Sports.
Players have been rewarded handsomely throughout the knockout stages at Ally Pally:
- First Round: £15,000
- Second Round: £25,000
- Third Round: £35,000
- Fourth Round: £60,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £100,000
- Semi-Finalists: £200,000
The £1 Million Top Prize
For the first time in the history of the sport, the winner of the World Darts Championship will pocket a life-changing £1 million. This is double the £500,000 top prize that had been in place since 2019.
The runner-up will also receive a monumental payday, taking home £400,000. This means the finalist will earn almost as much as Luke Littler did for winning the entire tournament in 2025.
A New Era for Darts
The unprecedented prize money underscores darts' soaring popularity and commercial success. The significant investment reflects the sport's ability to captivate a global television audience and fill major venues like Alexandra Palace. This financial landmark is expected to further professionalise the game, attracting new talent and solidifying darts' position as a major televised sport. All eyes will now be on the two finalists as they compete not just for the Sid Waddell Trophy, but for a place in sporting history and a truly transformative winner's cheque.
