Barry Hearn believes Luke Littler’s earnings from darts could eclipse £1million in the next year.
‘The Nuke’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable, sending records tumbling ever since bursting onto the scene and reaching the final of the World Darts Championship in January.
Littler could find himself with an incredible fortune within the next yearGetty
Littler is now just 17-years-old and has the world at his feet, having already pocketed an incredible £364,500 in tournament earnings, placing him in 21st place on the PDC Order of Merit.
Some big opportunities still lie in wait for Littler to bank more prize money, which doesn’t also factor in huge new sponsorship deals and social media earnings.
And former PDC Chairman Hearn, has predicted that Littler could become a millionaire within the next year of competition.
“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.
“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.”
The 17-year-old’s success continued well beyond the biggest event on the darting calendar, as he had huge success on the Masters tour.
Hearn predicts the first £1 million is just the beginning for LittlerGetty
Littler then incredibly won the Premier League in his debut appearance, lifting the title in London, and banking a record £215,000 for his career.
The teenage sensation recently beat Michael Smith to pick up another major win in the World Series Of Darts, to pick up another £80,000.
It is clearly a realistic target given he is expected to be a real threat at the next instalment of the World Darts Championship, with the winner expected to pocket £500,000.
Luke Humphries, Michael Van Gerwen and Michael Smith have all picked up in excess of £1m in just prize money on the latest Order of Merit, a sensational achievement.
And the prize money will continue to grow, as the interest continues to generate more and more revenue in the coming years.
It was revealed in May that the Warrington native had already pocketed the equivalent wages of £31,000-a-week, since his dazzling premiere at Alexandra Palace.
The English star has been backed to reach the lofty heights of hallowed legends such as Phil Taylor and Raymond Van Barneveld as his career continues to blossom.
