The impact of rising darts sensation Luke Littler on the sport has been monumental, leading to a surge in demand and unprecedented prize money increases, as confirmed by darts mogul Barry Hearn. Littler, aged 18, has swiftly emerged as a dominant force in darts following his standout performance at the 2024 World Championship, propelling him to the forefront of discussions within the sport. Not only has Littler already claimed a world championship title, but his influence has also been a catalyst for positive growth across the entire darts landscape.
Acknowledging Littler’s pivotal role in the sport’s newfound popularity, Hearn, aged 77, lauded the young talent for fueling a global darts craze since his breakthrough. However, Hearn expressed challenges in meeting the overwhelming demand, remarking that the sport’s expansion has surpassed even his expectations. He emphasized the exceptional performances of players, particularly Littler, who is rapidly gaining recognition as a standout figure in darts.
The “Littler effect” has not only revitalized the sport’s appeal but has also significantly boosted prize money offerings for players. Littler himself has amassed over £1 million in prize money since transitioning to senior events and solidifying his status as one of the sport’s top competitors. Hearn further disclosed that darts is set to achieve a new milestone in prize money distribution this year, with the total prize pool for events throughout 2025 surpassing the £25 million mark.
Highlighting the upcoming advancements in darts, Hearn revealed plans for enhanced prize money distribution, with events such as the World Championship now offering a £1 million jackpot and the expansion of European events reflecting the sport’s growing popularity on the continent. Additionally, the Premier League is set to venture beyond the UK, with Belgium hosting one of its fixtures, signaling a continuous evolution in darts’ global footprint.
In a recent World Series of Darts final, Littler faced a defeat at the hands of Michael van Gerwen, who claimed victory with an 11-7 scoreline over the young talent in front of an enthusiastic Amsterdam audience. Van Gerwen’s triumph marked his first televised title win in two years, earning him a substantial £80,000 prize for his final victory over Littler.
