Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has made history by becoming the first player ever to win a staggering £1 million top prize at the PDC World Darts Championship. The 19-year-old successfully defended his title with a dominant performance against Gian van Veen on Saturday, 4th January 2026, at Alexandra Palace.
A Champion's First Purchase: A £150 Pizza Feast
After securing his second world title and the monumental payday, Littler's first move with his new fortune was remarkably down-to-earth. Exhausted and back at his London accommodation, he celebrated not with champagne, but by ordering a £150 takeaway pizza feast for his entourage. This came after he fuelled his final victory with a pre-match margherita, having skipped a meal earlier in the day.
"I'm very tired," Littler admitted. "It was a bit busy in the household and I think everyone was a bit excited. My phone was popping off, but yeah, we just chilled out. I think we got like 150 quid's worth of pizzas in for everyone." The new millionaire managed just four hours of sleep following his epic triumph.
Dubai Treats and Chasing Phil Taylor's Legacy
With nearly £3 million earned since joining the professional circuit two years ago, Littler has modest spending plans. He ruled out an immediate new car due to insurance but revealed he will "treat myself" during a planned trip to the Middle East. "Maybe after Bahrain and the Saudi Arabia Masters... I'm going to Dubai for three or four nights," he explained.
Beyond the prize money, Littler's ambition is firmly set on legacy. Immediately after his win, he stated his aim to match the legendary Phil Taylor's record of 16 world titles. He also wants to surpass 'The Power' in another metric: "When I turned No.1, there was a list of world number ones. Obviously Phil Taylor was there for thousands and thousands of days, so I want to go on and try and break his record for the most amount of days at World No. 1," Littler declared.
Thriving on Pressure and Inspiring a Generation
Littler's path to the final wasn't without drama, including a notable crowd interaction during his last-16 match against Rob Cross. However, he used it as fuel. "I thrived off it. It got me pumped up," he said, acknowledging the role of passionate German and UK fans in the atmosphere.
His influence on the sport, known as the 'Luke Littler effect', continues to grow, with youngsters across the country wearing his merchandise. "So many times at Ally Pally, the kids that got the opportunity to go and cheering me on right at the front of the stage, that means a lot as well," he told Talksport, highlighting his impact on the next generation.
Despite the fame and fortune, Littler remains grounded yet fiercely confident, comparing the aura around him to that of Taylor in his prime. "Everyone was beat before they played him," he noted, before adding, "but it's darts, anything can happen." With his second world title secured and historic earnings banked, Luke Littler's era of dominance is well and truly underway.
