Barry Hearn is one of the key factors in the huge rise in darts over the last two and a half decades.
The Matchroom Sport mogul took a majority stake in the PDC in 2001 and revolutionised the sport into the global behemoth we know today.
Introducing the glitz and glamour into the game, as well as bigger prizes, put more eyes on the sport and it’s gone from strength to strength.
Hearn stepped down as chairman of the PDC in 2021 but still keeps a keen eye on the sport he transformed.
The sport has been upended by teenage prodigy Luke Littler in the last year and Hearn has spoken about the sensation.
Barry Hearn hails Luke Littler’s maturity
Littler has had one of the most impressive debut years in PDC history, winning the Premier League and reaching the World Championship final, and Hearn has commented on The Nuke’s potential.
Speaking on his new podcast A Darts Revolution, Hearn said: “He has the potential to be one of the greats of all time. That is the sacrifice he has to make. Does money spoil him along the way?
“No one really knows the answer, will he be or won’t he be? It will largely depend on him and how he copes with his new world.
“I think he will surprise a lot of people with his maturity as he already has. The way he handles himself. He’s excellent. Let’s hope he keeps like that. We are being entertained by greatness.”
Littler has won eight PDC titles this year and collected £880,000 in prize money.
Luke Littler helps darts tell a story, says Hearn
Hearn believes that Littler has become the sensation he has because the story resonates with darts fans.
On the same podcast, Hearn said: “What we all need is narrative in every sport. We need to be able to tell a story, set the scene. We need to involve everybody, get people talking. Luke Littler did that.”
The Nuke has proved he’s not a flash in the pan with his ‘unbeatable’ debut year and he’ll be looking to capture the World Grand Prix at the beginning of October to add to his already impressive collection of tournament wins.