The world of professional darts is booming, fueled by a new generation of talent, but even a million-pound prize doesn’t guarantee a gourmet meal. Barry Hearn, the president of the Professional Darts Corporation, recently revealed a surprising request from the sport’s current superstar, Luke Littler.
Littler, just 19 years old, has rapidly ascended to the top of the darts world, captivating audiences and earning staggering sums of money. His recent World Championship victory netted him a cool £1,000,000, and his overall earnings are quickly approaching £3,000,000. He’s become a phenomenon, a face of the sport’s incredible growth.
Despite his success and newfound wealth, Littler’s team apparently felt the on-tour catering wasn’t up to par. Hearn recounted a conversation where the request for a personal chef was made, a demand he met with blunt dismissal. “For f* sake, it’s a darts tournament! What are you talking about? Shut up and drink your lager,” he reportedly responded.
Hearn estimates Littler could earn around £6 million by 2026, a figure that has even the legendary Phil Taylor marveling from retirement. Taylor, a dominant force in darts for decades, earned significantly less during his prime, highlighting the dramatic shift in prize money and player earnings.
The contrast is stark. Taylor took home £200,000 for his final world title in 2013. Now, Littler is poised to earn ten times that amount annually. Hearn emphasized that it’s not just about the money, but about building the sport and increasing opportunities for everyone involved.
Littler recently demonstrated his competitive fire in Berlin, securing a dramatic 6-5 victory over Gerwyn Price after facing a daunting 5-0 deficit. Currently second in the Premier League standings, he’s determined to reclaim the title he won in 2024, adding to his already impressive list of accomplishments.
The stakes are rising across the board. This year’s Premier League winner will receive a £350,000 prize, a significant increase from the £275,000 awarded last year. The sport continues to evolve, attracting new fans and offering unprecedented rewards to its top players.
Hearn’s perspective is clear: while players are entitled to their opinions, the core of the game remains the same. It’s about skill, competition, and the thrill of victory, not necessarily a five-star dining experience. The focus, he believes, should be on growing the sport and maximizing opportunities for all.
