Barry Hearn Warns Top Darts Stars Over Missing Tournaments

Barry Hearn has delivered a strong warning to the biggest names in darts, insisting that players who regularly skip tournaments could eventually pay the price in the rankings.

Reigning world champion Luke Littler currently sits at the top of the PDC Order of Merit, which is determined by prize money earned. The two-time Alexandra Palace champion has already made history by becoming the first darts player to surpass £3 million in prize money.

However, Littler has recently missed several tournaments, attracting criticism for his limited appearances.

Vincent van der Voort discussed the issue on his Darts Draait Door podcast, highlighting Littler’s absence from European and Pro Tour events. He also pointed to Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall and Gerwyn Price as other top players who have not been competing as regularly.

Hearn, the PDC chairman and president of Matchroom Sport, has now given his view on the issue during an interview with Online Darts.

Hearn Defends the PDC Ranking System

Hearn believes the prize-money-based ranking system naturally discourages players from missing too many tournaments.

He explained that increased prize money has made the rankings more volatile, meaning even established stars can quickly drop down the standings if they fail to compete consistently.

Hearn pointed to players such as Peter Wright and Michael Smith, whose rankings have been affected by injuries and missed opportunities.

According to Hearn, the system forces players to make the most of every tournament because failing to do so can have serious consequences.

He also admitted that while he does not want to see the sport’s biggest stars disappear from tournaments, he is quietly pleased when some top players miss Pro Tour events because it gives other competitors a chance to move up.

Bigger Prize Money Could Encourage Top Players to Compete

Hearn was also asked about the European Tour, where fans can purchase tickets expecting to see some of the sport’s biggest names.

He acknowledged that late withdrawals from major events are a significant issue and suggested that increasing prize money could help solve the problem.

Hearn believes financial incentives are one of the most effective ways to encourage top players to fulfil their tournament commitments.

Invited players already receive prize money for losing their opening match, although that payment does not count towards the rankings. Hearn believes increasing the financial rewards could provide an even greater incentive for players to turn up.

He warned that those who repeatedly skip tournaments risk falling down the rankings and eventually missing out on major competitions such as the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and Grand Slam.

In the long term, a continued decline could even put their PDC Tour Card at risk.

Hearn also made it clear that players who regularly withdraw from tournaments should not expect automatic invitations to World Series events.

His message to the elite was simple: if you want to be treated like a top player, you have to act like one and give something back to the sport.

Littler Facing a Battle to Reach the Players Championship Finals

Littler’s situation has become particularly interesting after a remarkable 2026 season.

The teenager has already won the World Championship, UK Open, Premier League, Masters and World Matchplay.

However, he has not competed in any Players Championship events this year.

With eight more events scheduled before the Players Championship Finals in Minehead in November, Littler still has opportunities to qualify for the 64-player tournament.

But his current position leaves him with plenty of ground to make up.

Littler currently has no prize money on the Players Championship Order of Merit and sits around £25,000 behind Martin Schindler, who is around the current qualification cut-off.

With time running out, the world champion may need to return to the Pro Tour soon if he wants to secure his place in Minehead.

Hearn’s comments underline the growing importance of tournament participation as the PDC continues to increase prize money and make the rankings even more competitive.