Darts Revolution: £1M Prize for 2026 World Champion as PDC Doubles Total Prize Fund

PDC Announces Historic Prize Money Increase for 2026 Season

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has announced groundbreaking changes to its prize structure, with the 2026 world darts champion set to receive a staggering £1 million - double what Luke Littler earned for his 2025 victory. This development marks a significant milestone in the sport's professionalization and global appeal.

Key Prize Money Updates:

• World Championship: £1m (champion), £400k (runner-up), £200k (semi-finalists)
• Total prize fund across all PDC events increases to £25 million (up £7m)
• Premier League winner's prize rises from £275k to £350k
• Major tournament increases:
  • World Grand Prix
  • Players Championship Finals
  • European Championship
  • UK Open
  • World Cup of Darts
  • World Series of Darts

Expanded Competition Format

For the 2026 championship, the field will expand to 128 players (from 96 in 2025), creating more opportunities for emerging talents. PDC CEO Matt Porter emphasized: "This £1m milestone reflects darts' evolution into one of the world's most dynamic spectator sports with unprecedented global demand."

Grassroots Development

Beyond the professional circuit, the PDC is significantly increasing investment in developmental programs:

• Challenge Tour funding boost
• Enhanced Development Tour support
• Women's Series events now feature £40k prize for the Women's World Matchplay

The Littler Effect

18-year-old phenom Luke Littler continues to drive interest in the sport after his record-breaking 2025 championship win at Alexandra Palace. Currently leading the 2025 Premier League with four tournament victories, his success highlights darts' new generation of elite competitors.

With these sweeping changes, professional darts enters a new era of competitiveness and commercial success, offering life-changing rewards for top performers while expanding opportunities across all levels of the game.