With £5m available altogether, which has also been doubled from 2025 by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the runner-up will pocket £400,000 and £200,000 will be given to each semi-finalist.

The competition will be expanded, with 128 places available compared with 96 in the 2024-25 event.

“The £1m prize for the world champion reflects darts’ standing as one of the most exciting and in-demand sports in the world,” said PDC chief executive Matt Porter.

The total prize money at all PDC events will rise by £7m to £25m, which also includes an increase from £275,000 to £350,000 to the winner of the Premier League.

The World Grand Prix, Players Championship Finals, European Championship and the UK Open will all see their prize funds increased alongside the World Cup of Darts and World Series of Darts.

Outside of the professional tour, the PDC has increased its funding for the Challenge Tour, Development Tour and its Women’s Series events, with £40,000 available for the Women’s World Matchplay.

Littler, 18, was crowned world champion at Alexandra Palace in January to become the tournament’s youngest winner.

He is also top of the Premier League standings with four wins so far in 2025.