World Darts Championship winner Luke Littler leads the way on raising more than £1MILLION for Prostate Cancer UK

Luke Littler played a significant part as over £1million was raised for Prostate Cancer UK at the World Darts Championship.

Littler, 17, became the youngest ever winner of the tournament as he overcame Michael van Gerwen in the final.

Sir Chris Hoy, the ambassador for Paddy Power’s The Bigger 180 campaign, presented Littler with the trophy following his success.

Cycling legend Hoy was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in September 2023. In October 2024 Hoy revealed that his condition is terminal and that he had been given between two and four years to live. 

As part of The Bigger 180 campaign, Paddy Power agreed to pay a bonus of £180,000 for every nine-darter at the World Darts Championship. For each nine-darter the bonus was split between the charity, a fan in the crowd and the player themselves.

They also agreed to donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180. Littler hit the most 180s at the tournament with 76.

Paddy Power agreed to donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 at the tournament –  Littler hit the most 180s with 76

A nine-darter from Christian Kist helped to add more money to the overall kitty

There were 907 180s at the tournament in total, while nine-darters from Christian Kist and Damon Heta added £120,000 to the kitty. 

Hoy stated that Paddy Power’s donation will make a major impact on the lives of men.

More than 145,000 men have checked their risk of prostate cancer during the tournament after Hoy challenged men to stop being silent about their health. 

Hoy said: ‘The huge sum Paddy Power are donating will make a big difference to the lives of thousands of men. It’s a huge step forward and we are now one big step closer to making a long-lasting and meaningful change to men’s health.

‘Around 40% of men who currently die from prostate cancer could be saved by a screening programme. The response to early-stage treatment is really good, but without noticeable symptoms, effective screening is the only way of detecting it in time to save lives.

‘The TRANSFORM trial aims to find the best way to test men for prostate cancer, so we can be sure which is the most effective method for a nationwide screening programme that could save thousands of lives every year. This massive cash injection can have an impact on men’s lives for years to come.

‘When it comes to their health, men go quiet. That has to change. Checking your risk takes just 30 seconds, and it could save your life.’