Luke Littler had to give up nearly half of his £500,000 World Darts Championship winnings

Luke Littler won the World Championship in January but only got to take home about half his winnings (Image: Dan Istitene, Getty Images)

Luke Littler sent shockwaves through the darts world when he stormed to victory at last year's World Darts Championship, pocketing what was then the top prize of £500,000. Yet after the taxman took his share, 'The Nuke' was left with a little more than half of his winnings .

The teenage sensation demolished Michael van Gerwen in emphatic style to secure what will undoubtedly be the first of many World Championship triumphs at Alexandra Palace. This year, he's poised to double any earnings after the PDC boosted its prize fund, with the victor now claiming a whopping £1million cheque.

Littler smashed records as the youngest world champion in dar