Eddie Hearn has issued a stark warning to darts sensation Luke Littler that his immense popularity won't last forever.
The PDC chairman believes the teenage star will eventually have to cope with becoming unpopular at some point in his career.
Littler has enjoyed meteoric success since bursting onto the scene at the 2024 World Championship, where he made the final of the competition.
Hearn described the young player as "probably the most instantly recognisable face in sport in the UK" right now.
Luke Littler has become a household name with his stunning darts performances in recent months
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"I mean, there isn't anyone that doesn't know who Luke Littler is or what he's doing right now," the Matchroom boss told The Sun.
The 18-year-old has maintained his remarkable form throughout 2025, claiming several major titles.
He went one better than his 2024 final appearance by defeating Michael van Gerwen to win the 2025 World Championship.
Littler has shown no signs of slowing down in recent months.
He claimed the UK Open for the first time earlier this year, adding another major trophy to his collection.
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Eddie Hearn has issued a stark warning to darts sensation Luke Littler that his immense popularity won't last forever
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Last weekend, he successfully defended his Belgian Open title with an 8-5 victory.
Littler has also made a strong start to his Premier League title defence, already securing two nightly wins.
His consistent performances have cemented his status as darts' brightest young talent.
Despite Littler's current popularity, however, Hearn warned that this won't necessarily continue throughout his career.
"I'm sure there's gonna be a time where Luke Littler's not liked like he is now but that really comes with success and that's just the rollercoaster of fame," the promoter cautioned.
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The Matchroom boss praised Littler's composure under pressure.
"He's such an impressive young man in the sense that he's performing under the utmost of pressure and keeping his head as well," he said.
"He seems to have a very level head on his shoulders and the PDC and support team do a great job in making sure that he's prepared for what comes."
Littler's popularity was put to the test during the Belgian Open final against home favourite Mike De Decker.
For once, the teenage sensation wasn't the crowd's preferred choice as he faced the Belgian player on his home turf.
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Despite not having the fans' backing, Littler demonstrated his mental fortitude by winning 8-5 in Wieze.
This performance highlighted Littler's ability to thrive even when not enjoying the overwhelming support he's become accustomed to.
The experience may serve as valuable preparation for the potential future scenario Hearn warned about, where popularity might wane.
Following his Belgian Open triumph, Littler remained characteristically modest about his achievements.
Luke Littler is immensely popular with darts fans amid his stunning performances at the oche
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"I'm very happy to retain this title in front of these amazing fans," said the world champion after defeating De Decker.
"I said at the start of the year if I don't win anything all year, I'm still a world champion. I'm happy to win the UK Open and come back here and go back-to-back.
"Now it's straight onto the Players Championship events and then back to the Premier League."
He faces early Premier League leader Luke Humphries in Thursday's quarter-finals in Nottingham, with a chance to claim top spot in the table.
