Barry Hearn Teases Potential Increase in Size and Excitement

BARRY HEARN, president of Matchroom Sport Group, has hinted at the possibility of the PDC World Darts Championship becoming even bigger next year. Hearn has transformed the tournament into a 16-day, 96-player event that takes place over the festive period. However, there are plans to potentially expand the championship to include 128 players, similar to snooker tournaments. This would mean more action, more fans in attendance, and more viewers tuning in on TV.

Darts Championship Attracts Massive Audience

According to the CEO of the PDC, Eddie Hearn, the quarter-final action of the championship drew a peak audience of 1.4 million viewers on New Year's Day. This figure is only surpassed by top Premier League football matches. With this level of popularity, there is a strong desire to make the tournament even more accessible and enjoyable for fans.

Reviewing Formats and Scheduling

After every tournament, the darts organization sits down to review formats and scheduling for the following year. Barry Hearn, in an interview with talkSPORT, acknowledged the overwhelming demand for tickets and the need to accommodate more fans. With about 90,000 tickets selling out in less than an hour, changes to formats and dates are being considered to ensure that more people can experience the excitement of the championship.

The Ultimate Entertainment Experience

One of the unique aspects of the PDC World Darts Championship is the lively and entertaining atmosphere. Barry Hearn highlighted the festive spirit and camaraderie among fans, who not only come to watch the darts but also enjoy a great time with friends. From fancy dress costumes to enthusiastic chanting, the championship offers a level of entertainment that is unmatched by any other sport.

Expanding Opportunities for Young Talents

An expansion of the championship could provide more opportunities for young talents, like 16-year-old Luke Littler. Littler, the reigning PDC World Youth champion, made a name for himself this year by reaching the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace. He defeated top players such as Raymond van Barneveld and Brendan Dolan, showcasing his immense potential.

As plans for the 2022 PDC World Darts Championship develop, fans can expect an even bigger and better tournament that continues to captivate audiences around the world.