The surge in darts’ popularity, known as the ‘Luke Littler effect,’ has led to a significant increase in demand for the sport, as confirmed by Barry Hearn. Prize money in darts is set to reach unprecedented levels this year, thanks to the impact of Luke Littler, an emerging star in the sport who gained fame during the 2024 World Championship.
At just 18 years old, Littler has quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the darts world, becoming a world champion and garnering attention as one of the top players on the circuit. His rapid success has not only elevated his own standing but has also positively influenced the sport as a whole.
Barry Hearn, a key figure in darts management, attributes the recent surge in darts’ popularity to Littler’s presence in the sport. However, he admits to facing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for darts events globally, emphasizing the sport’s continuous growth and popularity.
The financial impact of the Littler effect is evident, with players now receiving higher prize money offers. Littler himself has already earned over £1 million in prize money, solidifying his position among the top players in the sport. Hearn revealed that darts will break new ground this year in terms of prize money, with the total prize pool for events throughout 2025 exceeding £25 million.
Looking ahead, Hearn highlighted the growth of darts events, particularly in Europe, and the expansion of prestigious tournaments like the Premier League to new locations such as Belgium. Despite Littler’s recent defeat by Michael van Gerwen in the World Series of Darts final, the sport continues to thrive, with the total prize money on offer reaching record levels.
Overall, the ‘Luke Littler effect’ has not only transformed the popularity of darts but has also elevated the financial rewards for players, marking a new era of success and growth in the sport.
