Barry Hearn Discusses the Future of the World Championship at Alexandra Palace
Barry Hearn, the Matchroom president, has raised concerns about the future of the World Championship at Alexandra Palace due to the impact of rising star Luke Littler on the sport of darts.
Luke Littler: The Rising Star
Described by Hearn as the “gift that keeps on giving,” 17-year-old Luke Littler has been compared to legends like Tiger Woods for his remarkable impact on darts. Littler’s recent achievements, including reaching the World Championship final and winning the Premier League, have propelled him to stardom in the sports world.
The Venue Dilemma
Since 2008, Alexandra Palace has been the iconic venue for the premier darts tournament, known as the spiritual home of the sport. However, with a limited capacity of 3,200 seats and tickets selling out months in advance, Hearn is contemplating the need for a larger venue to accommodate the growing popularity of darts.
Hearn is considering expanding the tournament to meet the increasing demand for tickets, with the potential of moving to a bigger hall at Alexandra Palace that could host up to 6,000 spectators per session. The global growth of darts presents a challenge and opportunity for the Professional Darts Corporation to rethink the structure of the World Championship.
The Luke Littler Effect
Luke Littler’s sudden rise to fame has sparked discussions about the future of darts and the need for strategic planning. Hearn acknowledges the unpredictability of sports and the necessity to adapt to unexpected developments like Littler’s impact on the game.
With the potential to sell 250,000 tickets for the World Championship, there is a clear need to explore venue options that can accommodate the growing audience. Hearn emphasizes the need for careful consideration and keeping all possibilities open in light of the evolving landscape of darts.
Littler’s Influence Beyond the Sport
Luke Littler’s influence extends beyond the world of darts, as he has made appearances on popular TV shows and podcasts, showcasing his broad appeal and marketability. Hearn is optimistic about Littler’s ability to elevate darts to new heights and attract a global audience.
Describing Littler as a game-changer akin to Tiger Woods, Hearn envisions a bright future for darts on a global scale. The unprecedented impact of Littler on the sport has garnered interest from broadcasters, sponsors, and fans worldwide, signaling a new era for darts.
