Barry Hearn left stunned by darts’ 10-year-old ‘next Luke Littler’ who can’t even reach double 20
Barry Hearn, the Professional Darts Corporation president, was left stunned by a 10-year-old darts sensation, hailed as the ‘next Luke Littler,’ who showcased remarkable skill despite being unable to reach the double 20 on a standard dartboard due to his height. Speaking to BBC Sport in November 2024, Hearn recounted witnessing the young player at a junior event, where he averaged an astonishing 104.89 and clinched a 4-3 victory with a 136 checkout. “I watched a 10-year-old a few months ago who averaged 104.89 and checked out a 4-3 win with a 136 finish,” Hearn said. “They smell the money, the fame, and put the hard work in.”
The prodigy, whose identity wasn’t disclosed, has sparked excitement in the darts community, drawing comparisons to Luke Littler, the 17-year-old PDC World Champion who transformed the sport with his 2024 breakout. Hearn’s comments reflect the growing wave of young talent inspired by Littler’s success, which saw 3.7 million viewers tune into the 2024 World Championship final and junior dartboard sales soar, with over 100,000 units sold last Christmas. The boy’s inability to reach double 20—typically requiring a stepladder or lowered board—highlights his raw talent, as he adapted to hit high-scoring trebles and finishes with precision.
Hearn, who has mentored darts icons like Phil Taylor, sees this youngster as part of a new generation fueling the sport’s global boom. “Behind Luke Littler are dozens of other Luke Littlers coming from all over the world,” he told Sky Sports, noting the doubling of Junior Darts Corporation academies to 115 worldwide. The boy’s performance, averaging over 100 in a competitive match, mirrors Littler’s youth feats, like scoring a nine-darter at 13. While Littler’s rise, marked by 10 titles in 2024, set a high bar, Hearn believes this 10-year-old’s work ethic and flair could see him emulate ‘The Nuke.’ However, he cautioned about the pressures of fame, advising young players to stay grounded amid the sport’s £20 million prize pool. (Word count: 400)[]
