Eddie Hearn has cautioned Luke Littler that the young darts sensation will inevitably experience a shift in public perception during his career. Littler has enjoyed an unprecedented surge in popularity since his remarkable debut at the 2024 World Championship, where he reached the final at the age of sixteen. He further solidified his status by defeating Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 final.
Littler’s exceptional form has continued throughout the year, with victories at the UK Open and the Belgian Open, along with a strong start to his Premier League title defense, marked by two nightly wins. He has consistently been a fan favorite, often resulting in his opponents facing jeers and whistles.
However, Professional Darts Corporation chairman Hearn believes that Littler’s current level of widespread adoration is unlikely to persist throughout his potentially decades-long career.
“I think right now Luke Littler is probably the most instantly recognizable face in sport in the United Kingdom,” Hearn stated to The Sun. “I mean, there isn’t anyone that doesn’t know who Luke Littler is or what he’s doing right now. He’s such an impressive young man in the sense that he’s performing under the utmost of pressure and keeping his head as well. So he’s got a great team of people around him and he’s on a meteoric rise.”
Hearn warned, “I’m sure there’s going to be a time where Luke Littler’s not liked like he is now but that really comes with success and that’s just the rollercoaster of fame. So like I said, he seems to have a very level head on his shoulders and the Professional Darts Corporation and support team do a great job in making sure that he’s prepared for what comes.”
Littler’s popularity was notably tested in the Belgian Open final, where he faced home favorite Mike De Decker. Nonetheless, Littler triumphed, winning 8-5 in Wieze.
“I’m very happy to retain this title in front of these amazing fans,” Littler said. “Mike was very strong on his throw but I managed to get the lead and then see it out. I said at the start of the year if I don’t win anything all year, I’m still a world champion. I’m happy to win the UK Open and come back here and go back-to-back. Now it’s straight onto the Players Championship events and then back to the Premier League.”
Littler will have an opportunity to claim the top spot in the Premier League table on Thursday when he faces early leader Luke Humphries in the quarter-finals in Nottingham.
