Luke Littler closing in on becoming a millionaire through darts, PDC chief confesses
PDC chairman Barry Hearn has revealed a timeframe on Luke Littler becoming a millionaire in the sport - and it is not long.
The 17-year-old has had an incredible year in darts after reaching the World Championship final in January, which he lost to Luke Humphries.
But Littler has already been hugely successful, winning several tournaments - including his maiden year in the Premier League up against former world champions like Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith and Gerwyn Price.
And his success has seen his bank balance bulge and he has already bagged over £364,000 in prize money alone.
Barry Hearn reckons Luke Littler will be a millionaire very soon
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And PDC chairman Hearn believes that Littler will become a millionaire by next year, with his earnings from social media and sponsorship deals also factored in."
Yeah I think it could be this year [at age of 17]," he said on the Barry Hearn Show. "Yeah I think so.
"I am pre-judging his performances, but I'd be surprised if he didn't to be honest with you.
"There is darts players out there already earning well over £1million - £2million per year as it is.
"That is where the sport has got to and for Luke and the sport, it is only just the beginning.
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"We've got opportunities to commercially expand that sport, and the joy when these kids faces [pick up prize money].
"Without building Luke Littler up too much, he is one of them stars who people identify with."
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Luke Littler won the Premier League in his first year
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Winning the Premier League this year saw Littler take home £215,000 alone in incredible circumstances at the Alexandra Palace.
And by beating Smith in the final of the World Series of Darts, Littler landed another £80,000.
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Luke Littler has already beaten some of the biggest stars in the world
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But the biggest prize - the World Darts Championship - would see the teenage sensation bank a whopping £500,000 and is the ultimate aim.
This year's tournament will see Littler enter as one of the hot favourites - a huge difference to his unknown status just a year ago.
But it would take a brave man to bet against the youngster, who only needs to go one step further than he did last time while he has already beaten darts' biggest stars in Humphries, Van Gerwen, Price, Smith and more.