Paddy Power World Darts Championship Raises 1 Million+ For Charity

By Matt Speakman,
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Last updated: January 13, 2025

Flutter Entertainment’s Paddy Power has successfully raised over £1 million (€1.2 million/$1.2 million) for Prostate Cancer UK during the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. The initiative, dubbed “The Bigger 180,” pledged to donate £1,000 for every 180 scored throughout the tournament.

Supporting a Crucial Cause

With 907 maximums achieved, the initial fundraising target was significantly surpassed. Furthermore, two nine-dart finishes were recorded, triggering a £60,000 bonus for each instance. This bonus was split between the charity, the player who achieved the nine-darter, and a randomly selected fan in attendance.

The “The Bigger 180” campaign aimed to raise awareness about prostate cancer, a significant health concern for men. Sir Chris Hoy, Olympic gold medalist, cyclist, and ambassador for the initiative, played a vital role in highlighting the importance of early detection and screening. In September 2023, Hoy was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.

Chiara de Biase, director of health services, equity, and improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, also praised the campaign. He said:

“Every 180 thrown, every cheer from fans, and every pound raised has brought us closer to a future where all men can be screened for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with one in eight men diagnosed during their lifetime. The campaign has already had a positive impact, with over 143,000 men completing Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker.

Luke Littler Makes History

The 2025 World Darts Championship witnessed history being made as Luke Littler, at just 17 years old, became the tournament’s youngest-ever winner. Littler defeated three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final. Littler also significantly contributed to the fundraising efforts by scoring the most 180s throughout the tournament, totaling 76 maximums.

Littler, who captivated the nation last year by reaching the final as a 16-year-old 66-1 outsider, showcased exceptional skill and composure to overcome the legendary van Gerwen and become the youngest-ever world champion.

The teenager, renowned for his explosive style, unleashed a barrage of 12 maximums, leaving the crowd in awe. His clinical dismantling of the formidable van Gerwen, who previously held the record as the youngest world champion at 24, cemented Littler’s status as a rising star and a potential future of the sport.

Many people watching the championship last year were entitled to wonder whether Littler’s run to the final might be a fluke. Doubters asked whether he would ever fly so high again, but they got their answer in this year’s event. He picked up £500,000 for the win, to add to his more than £1 million in prize money earned in the last 12 months.

Littler’s triumph has solidified his place in darts history and catapulted him to the forefront of British sport. As he continues to ascend to new heights, Luke the Nuke has the potential to become one of Britain’s most beloved and celebrated sportsmen.

A Successful Partnership

Paddy Power has sponsored the World Darts Championship for the past two editions and will continue as the title sponsor for the 2026 tournament. This successful fundraising initiative demonstrates the power of sports to drive positive social change and raise awareness about critical health issues.