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
Barry Hearn, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) president, has ignited excitement in the darts world by revealing he witnessed a 10-year-old prodigy averaging an astonishing 106 during a streamed junior tournament, dubbing him the potential “next Luke Littler.” Speaking to The Sun on May 13, 2025, Hearn described the unnamed youngster’s performance, which included checkouts of 140 and 154, as a sign of a “tsunami” of talent inspired by Littler’s meteoric rise. The only catch? The boy couldn’t reach the double 20 to retrieve his darts due to his height, requiring assistance, a detail Hearn shared with amusement.
Hearn, who stepped down as PDC chairman in 2021 but remains a pivotal figure, refused to disclose the child’s name or location, stating, “I’m not gonna put any pressure on these kids,” to shield him from the spotlight that has followed Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion. Littler’s 2024 breakthrough, reaching the World Championship final at 16 and winning it in 2025, sparked “Littlermania,” with 3.7 million viewers tuning into the 2024 final and junior dartboard sales soaring. Hearn credits this surge for inspiring young talents like the 10-year-old, who he believes could rival Littler’s feats, such as his 106.12 average on his 2023 World Championship debut.
The prodigy’s 106 average, a score that outshines many professional performances, highlights his potential to navigate the PDC’s rigorous pathway, from the Junior Darts Corporation (starting at age six) to the Development Tour (age 16) and eventually Q School for a professional card. Hearn emphasized the sport’s accessibility, noting, “You can put a dartboard up in your bedroom,” which fuels its global appeal. However, he cautioned that the professional standard is “hugely high,” with thousands of kids vying for spots.
Hearn’s discovery, shared across platforms like GB News and The Irish Sun, has fans buzzing, with posts calling the boy a “future star.” While Littler’s 10 titles in 2024, including the Premier League, set a towering benchmark, Hearn’s vision of a talent pipeline suggests darts is entering a golden era, with this 10-year-old as its next potential icon.
