Darts chief Barry Hearn believes he has found the next Luke Littler – as PDC chief reveals he ‘saw 10-year-old average 106’ during tournament

• Littler has taken world of darts by storm since bursting on scene 18 months ago
• His success has seen an increase of interest in sport, including from youngsters
• Hearn is of the view that several young stars worldwide are set to break through

By LEWIS BROWNING

Published: 18:47 BST, 13 May 2025 | Updated: 18:47 BST, 13 May 2025

Barry Hearn is convinced he has found the next Luke Littler after watching a 10-year-old average 106 during a tournament he watched on stream.

Littler has taken the world of darts by storm in the last 18 months, first bursting onto the scene as he reached the final of the World Championship at the age of 16 before winning the competition a year later.

Now 18, Littler is looking to add another Premier League title to his cabinet in two weeks’ time when he plays in the play-offs at the O2 Arena, looking to retain his title that he won in his debut year 12 months ago.

He has also inspired a number of young players to take up darts, and one youngster could soon be set to rival him, according to Hearn.

Hearn has been president of the PDC since 2021, succeeding son Eddie, who became chairman. He is regularly looking to grow the sport, such as when he spoke about potentially moving the World Championship from Alexandra Palace last year.

And his eagle eye has noticed one star who could be the next big thing on the oche – though he has remained coy on the name of the player.

Darts chief Barry Hearn thinks he has found the new Littler after watching a 10-year-old average 106

Littler, 18, has taken the sport by storm since bursting onto the scene at 16 18 months ago

Hearn was coy on the name of the youngster but suggested a number of players could soon be set to come through the ranks

‘I saw a 10-year-old the other day.,’ Hearn told The Sun. ‘He had a 106 average and he checked out 140 and 154. He couldn’t reach the darts to take him out of the double top.’

When pushed for a name, Hearn added: ‘Oh no, I’m not going to put any pressure on these kids. I watched him on a stream. I’m saying no more than that, buddy.

Littler will soon head to the World Cup in Germany, where he will team with rival and world No 1 Luke Humphries as he looks to help his fellow former world champion defend the title he won alongside Michael Smith this year.

England are heavy favourites to win the competition, but that could change in the future, according to Hearn.

‘Don’t be parochial,’ he said. ‘Don’t just think about England, but there is a lot in England.

‘But there are also kids out there in the Netherlands, in Germany, in Belgium, in Spain, in Italy, now in France. And now we’re seeing China suddenly pick up on darts too.’

One reason for that is ease of access, Hearn suggested. Rather than someone having to pay big bucks to join clubs and for equipment, it is easier for children to play the sport.

‘It’s all about discipline and dedication,’ he added. ‘Then you need three big things: structure, understanding and common sense.

‘Structure: if a player doesn’t have opportunities, you never see a sport expand so you’ve got to create those opportunities. In darts, we have the Junior Darts Corporation, which starts at six years old and goes up through the ages into the Developmental Tour, which is 16 years old.’ 

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Darts chief Barry Hearn believes he has found the next Luke Littler – as PDC chief reveals he ‘saw 10-year-old average 106’ during tournament

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