After seeing off the Covid-19 threat, and dealing with personal health challenges, 2021 saw PDC Chairman Barry Hearn decided to ease his load and pass the mantle to his son Eddie. DW’s editorial team and Nigel Pearson gave their thoughts:
PDC Chairman and Britain’s leading sports promoter Barry Hearn has decided to step aside and pass the reigns to his son Eddie and Matthew Porter. The 72-year old owner of Matchroom Sport bequeaths a glorious legacy and an indelible imprint on the game of darts.
He certainly leaves the sport in a far healthier state than when he arrived in 1995. Upon the announcement, Hearn said:
“It has been a huge honour to have worked with some of the greatest sports people on the planet across the last 40 years and enjoyed so many wonderful experiences across our spectrum of events in that time.”
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After successfully revolutionising snooker and British boxing, Hearn turned his focus to darts and began transforming the sport into the worldwide phenomenon we see today. When Hearn walked into the Professional Darts Corporation the game was at a crossroads. The painful split was yet to be resolved with television coverage and sponsorship in short supply.
Immediately, he recognised the potential to turn it into an international juggernaut and began the process that continues to this day. More than two decades on and the shrewd decision has certainly paid off.
Darts has become a global sport, highlighted by a record 29 nations being represented at the recent 2021 World Championships. With over £16m now on offer in annual prize money, the game continues to attract enormous international investment, marketing and sponsorship.
Following the announcement, the name Barry Hearn will forever be etched in darting folklore and rightly take its place in history amongst the game’s elite. Already inducted into the (PDC) Hall of Fame, Hearn was recently awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to sport.
Phil Taylor was amongst the legends in the game who was quick to acknowledge and praise the innovator. Speaking on Twitter, he said:
“Happy retirement to Barry, the hardest working most enthusiastic man in sport. Enjoy fella.”
The reigns have now been passed over to his son Eddie, who becomes the PDC Chairman. Together with Chief Executive Officer Matt Porter, who also steps across to chair Matchroom Multi Sport, darts very much remains in excellent hands and they will undoubtedly continue to steer the ship towards future success.
Eddie says: “My father has dedicated his life to the company and since I joined in 2004 I have done the same. Now a greater responsibility falls on my shoulders and I am very proud to continue his great work and lead the business and the incredible team that we have built at Matchroom.”
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Sky Sports presenter and Darts World contributor Nigel Pearson has had a ringside seat at the PDC for much of its recent revolution. We asked for his views on what the future may bring:
“Barry Hearn. What can I say that hasn’t already been said or written about the man? His contribution to darts has been phenomenal, just look at where the game is today compared to when he first arrived on the scene. We now have a fantastic global brand, which he was paramount in creating.
“With his son Eddie coming in as chairman, darts is still in extremely good hands. He is a very successful sports promoter and the right man to take over. I loved a recent interview that Eddie gave upon his Dad’s retirement. It was so nice to see him acknowledge the PDC, stating that they already have a great team of experts in place who will be in charge. His offer to give a different perspective and put ideas forward was good to hear. I am very excited to see how the next 5-10 years pan out. The first thing we need to do is fill those arenas and welcome the fans back.”
With Matthew Porter stepping up to chair Matchroom Multi Sport, it seems that not only will darts benefit from continuity, but there will be a good deal of cross pollination too, with each sport benefiting from the experiences of the others. As Matt said: “20 years working for Barry – I couldn’t have learnt from anyone better”. As Porter concluded: “We’re in safe hands with Eddie taking us forward and our brilliant teams across each department will keep setting the pace!”
Thank you Barry. We wish you a very happy and healthy retirement.
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Images: PDC
Originally published in DartsWorld Magazine Issue 574
Pages/ Graphics: DartsWorld Ltd
