The world of darts has been transformed into a global phenomenon, and at the heart of this revolution stands an 18-year-old prodigy, Luke Littler, whose meteoric rise has redefined the sport. Barry Hearn, the visionary president of Matchroom Sport and former chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), has witnessed the game’s evolution from smoky pub backrooms to sold-out arenas. In recent interviews, Hearn has credited Littler, dubbed ‘The Nuke,’ with propelling darts into the mainstream, drawing parallels to golf legend Tiger Woods and predicting a “tsunami of talent” that will reshape the sport over the next five years.
Hearn, a seasoned sports promoter with a career spanning snooker, boxing, and darts, has seen few phenomena as explosive as Littler’s impact. The teenager burst onto the scene at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, reaching the final at just 16 years old, a feat that captivated millions and sparked ‘Littlermania.’ “We’ve been watching his progress since he was about seven,” Hearn remarked, reflecting on Littler’s early promise in the Junior Darts Corporation. “He was on our radar, but we never anticipated what would happen. The next thing we know, Littlermania is spreading everywhere.” This breakout moment led to a £125 million, five-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports, more than doubling the previous annual payout, a testament to the sport’s soaring popularity.
Littler’s influence extends beyond the oche. His unassuming persona—celebrating victories with kebabs and Xbox sessions—has made him a relatable figure, attracting a diverse audience of kids, parents, and grandparents. “Littler took us from a sport to mainstream,” Hearn enthused. “All of a sudden, kids were watching, nans and grandads, parents were watching. It became a narrative about personality and stories.” This appeal has driven commercial success, with Littler’s endorsements for clothing lines, breakfast cereals, and even a revived ITV darts program, Bullseye, boosting the sport’s visibility. His Instagram following skyrocketed from 4,000 to 1.3 million in a year, and sales of his signature Target Darts products have doubled the company’s business in 2024.
The financial rewards reflect darts’ new stature. When Hearn took over the PDC in 2001, annual prize money was a modest £300,000. Today, it’s £20 million, with projections to reach £40 million in five years. “Life is about timing,” Hearn noted, crediting Littler’s emergence for making broadcast negotiations easier. The recent Sky deal, secured amidst competition from Amazon Prime and Netflix, will fund significant prize money increases, with an announcement expected in March 2026 that Hearn promises will “put a lot of smiles on a lot of players’ faces.” The Premier League, now in its 20th year, has grown from small crowds in leisure centers to selling 150,000 tickets for 2025, starting in Belfast and culminating at London’s O2 Arena.
Yet, Hearn warns that Littler’s success is just the beginning. A new generation of talent, inspired by his achievements, is emerging. “I saw a ten-year-old the other day. He had a 106 average and checked out 140 and 154,” Hearn revealed, humorously noting the youngster’s struggle to reach the double top. This “little Littler Army” is part of a broader talent surge, with kids as young as six competing in the Junior Darts Corporation and progressing to the Developmental Tour. “The guys coming through are going to knock your teeth out,” Hearn cautioned current stars, emphasizing the sport’s increasing competitiveness. Unlike the era of Phil Taylor’s 16 world titles, today’s players face a tougher field, making Littler’s potential for “periods of domination” all the more remarkable.
Hearn’s vision for darts is global. He dreams of tournaments in Saudi Arabia, where relaxed alcohol rules could pave the way for events, and a push into America’s collegiate system to broaden the sport’s reach. “The British public have spoken. They want it, and kids all over the world want to be the next Luke Littler,” he said. As darts prepares for its next chapter, with Littler leading the charge, Hearn’s pride is palpable. “When the good Lord says ‘it’s time to come and organise heaven a bit better, Barry,’ darts will be my number one achievement,” he smiled, confident that Littler’s legacy will echo for decades.
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