BARRY HEARN has outlined his plans for the future of the World Darts Championship, which includes an expanded participant roster, increased prize money, and the possibility of moving from Ally Pally.

The well-known British sports promoter views the growth of darts as one of his significant accomplishments since he recognized its financial potential and assumed the role of PDC chairman in 2001.

Barry Hearn is implementing significant changes in darts

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Barry Hearn is implementing significant changes in dartsCredit: Getty

At the age of 76, Hearn views complacency in business as a significant hurdle and aims for ongoing growth in the sport.

This year, darts has attracted more viewers than ever—sparked by the legendary Greatest Leg of Darts during the 2023 world final and the Luke Littler phenomenon.

Hearn told SunSport:

  • Next year, the competitor count will grow from 96 to 128.
  • With Sky Sports’ TV contract up for negotiations, he might explore alternatives such as Discovery+ or DAZN.
  • Other venues in London are under consideration.
  • The champion’s prize is expected to increase from £500,000 to £1 million.

A historic 4.8 million viewers watched the 2024 world final, where Luke Humphries defeated Littler 7-4. Hearn noted that television ratings have remained robust throughout the year.

Sky Sports broadcasts five major events, including the Worlds and Premier League, while ITV4 covers other significant events.

Hearn commented: “As a business, darts now far exceeds my boxing ventures, which even involve Saudi sponsorship.

“I’m excited about the ticket demand but also concerned, as failing to maintain this can cause fans to lose interest. We are at a crucial stage right now.

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“I need to significantly increase the prize money. Is it feasible to raise it to £1 million for the winner? I’m aiming for that next year, depending on the outcome of our TV contract discussions.

“The challenge is that our global success in darts is expanding quickly. Many countries are asking, ‘Can we secure one or two spots in the Worlds?’

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“We are in talks with Sky. If we don’t reach an agreement by January after the Worlds, we will look into other alternatives. Naturally, Sky is eager to maintain and grow its subscriber base.

“This year’s audience has nearly doubled and remained stable, largely thanks to Luke Littler.

“We face pressure to elevate prize money. Initially set at £300,000, it has skyrocketed to £20 million.

“While we still trail far behind golf, our global figures are growing significantly. Is it too ambitious to target £20-40 million in prize funds within the next three to four years? I don’t think so.”

Increasing the Worlds to 128 participants would require eight additional sessions and four extra days, extending the already lengthy 16-day tournament.

Hearn supports a Wimbledon-style flat draw, allowing all competitors to play in the opening round instead of having seeds enter at later stages, and he is confident about the overall quality of the international participants.

He stated: “Other regions have improved their standards and acknowledged their weaknesses, and they want to come ready and not be embarrassed.

“The quality of the qualifying rounds has significantly improved in recent years.”

Ally Pally hosted the Worlds for the first time in 2008 after relocating from the Circus Tavern, which also functions as a strip club.

With sessions in the 3,300-capacity hall selling out every Christmas, Hearn envisions even greater attendance.

He commented: “While I probably wouldn’t move it out of London, I’d consider venues like Olympia or the ExCeL.

“We could configure venues to optimize seating. The primary issue is the expenditure involved.

“The appeal of darts lies in hosting about 3,000 fans, plus another 500 for hospitality and guests.

“At Ally Pally, I have 3,000 for 28 sessions. I could comfortably host 7,000 to 8,000 at ExCeL or Olympia, though at a higher cost.”

List of all-time Darts World Champions

BELOW is a chronological list of Darts World Champions.

The list does not include champions from before the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO champions.

This means Raymond van Barneveld, for example, is listed only once—his four BDO titles are excluded, and none of Eric Bristow’s five BDO titles are included.

  • 1994 – Dennis Priestley
  • 1995 – Phil Taylor
  • 1996 – Phil Taylor (2)
  • 1997 – Phil Taylor (3)
  • 1998 – Phil Taylor (4)
  • 1999 – Phil Taylor (5)
  • 2000 – Phil Taylor (6)
  • 2001 – Phil Taylor (7)
  • 2002 – Phil Taylor (8)
  • 2003 – John Part
  • 2004 – Phil Taylor (9)
  • 2005 – Phil Taylor (10)
  • 2006 – Phil Taylor (11)
  • 2007 – Raymond van Barneveld
  • 2008 – John Part (2)
  • 2009 – Phil Taylor (12)
  • 2010 – Phil Taylor (13)
  • 2011 – Adrian Lewis
  • 2012 – Adrian Lewis (2)
  • 2013 – Phil Taylor (14)
  • 2014 – Michael van Gerwen
  • 2015 – Gary Anderson
  • 2016 – Gary Anderson (2)
  • 2017 – Michael van Gerwen (2)
  • 2018 – Rob Cross
  • 2019 – Michael van Gerwen (3)
  • 2020 – Peter Wright
  • 2021 – Gerwyn Price
  • 2022 – Peter Wright (2)
  • 2023 – Michael Smith
  • 2024 – Luke Humphries

Most World Titles

  • 14 – Phil Taylor
  • 3 – Michael van Gerwen
  • 2 – John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright
  • 1 – Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries