Two-time world champion Peter Wright says the chance to make darts history matters far more to him than the record-breaking £1 million winner’s cheque on offer at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship.
The 55-year-old Scot, affectionately known as Snakebite, is aiming to become the first Scottish player to win three PDC World Darts Championship titles when the tournament continues at Alexandra Palace in London.
While the increased prize money has grabbed headlines — with the winner set to earn double what reigning champion Luke Littler received last year — Wright insists personal legacy remains his primary motivation.
“Speaking from my point of view, it is mainly the titles — being world champion,” Wright told BBC Scotland.
“Yes, the money helps, but no, it is being a world champion. When you first picked up a dart, that is what you want to be — the world champion.”
Record Prize Money Raises Stakes at Alexandra Palace
The 2026 World Darts Championship features a record £5 million total prize fund, with £1 million awarded to the winner — the largest payout in the sport’s history.
That figure is double the prize money won by teenage sensation Luke Littler when he claimed the title last year, underlining the rapid commercial growth of professional darts.
Despite downplaying the financial aspect for himself, Wright acknowledges the impact the increased rewards could have on the sport’s future.
“The £1m prize is definitely going to inspire more youngsters to take up darts,” he admitted.
Wright Begins Campaign Against Noa-Lynn van Leuven
Wright will open his tournament on Monday, facing Noa-Lynn van Leuven of the Netherlands in the first round.
This year’s championship features a record 128 players, an expansion of 32 competitors compared to last year, reflecting darts’ growing popularity worldwide.
Wright credits the rise of the sport to its promoters and leading figures.
“It is getting better and better every year, obviously thanks to Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn,” he said.
“Those guys have done fantastic.”
Littler and Greaves Driving a New Darts Era
Wright also highlighted the influence of darts’ new generation, including Luke Littler and Beau Greaves, in pushing the sport to new heights.
“Obviously Luke Littler and Beau Greaves — the two top players — they are at the elite of their game, and that has boosted it for all of us,” Wright said.
“It is down to them that we have got this prize money now, so it is up to us to upset them and nick the money off them.”
Littler enters the tournament as defending champion and world number one, while Greaves continues to raise the profile of women’s darts on the global stage.
‘Absolutely Atrocious’ Form — But Wright Remains Defiant
Despite his ambition, Wright arrives at Alexandra Palace following what he openly admits has been a difficult year.
The former world number one has slipped to 30th in the world rankings, describing his competitive form in 2025 as “absolutely atrocious”.
However, Wright remains confident that a turnaround is imminent.
“For the past few months, I have been playing really well in practice, so there is no chance of me giving up,” he said.
“I am hitting nine-darters in practice with loads of different set-ups, and if I can do that, it is just about transferring it on to the main stage.”
Wright is known for regularly changing his darts setup — a habit that has defined his career — and believes those experiments could yet pay dividends when it matters most.
A Legacy Beyond Money
For Wright, a third world title would cement his place among darts’ all-time greats and mark a historic moment for Scottish sport.
While the million-pound prize would be a welcome bonus, it is the opportunity to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy once again that continues to drive him.
As he prepares to step onto the Alexandra Palace stage, Wright’s message is clear: history lasts longer than money.
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