A debate over professionalism in darts has reignited after world champion Luke Littler called for healthier conditions at tournaments, drawing a sharp rebuke from PDC figurehead Barry Hearn. Hearn dismissed the suggestion, stating, "It's a bloody darts tournament. What are you on about? Stop it and just drink your beer." This remark sparked surprise, with former pro Vincent van der Voort reacting on the podcast Darts Draait Door: "Then the biggest man in the PDC just says: 'He should just shut his mouth and drink beer.' That is quite astonishing, isn't it?"
Van der Voort offered a nuanced perspective, joking, "I mean, even Stevie Wonder can see he's a bit overweight," but emphasized the broader issue. He argued that players need to live healthier as they serve as "calling cards for sponsors and the public," adding it would benefit their own health. Jaco van Bodegom, former manager of Raymond van Barneveld, backed Littler's view, criticizing backstage catering at events. He described arriving at the Pro Tour at 9:15 a.m. and smelling "nuggets and the fries," noting the standard doesn't match the sport's professional image, with "cold fries and those pies" at the Premier League.
The controversy highlights deeper questions about darts' professionalism. Presenter Damian Vlottes captured the tension, asking, "How is it possible that the world number one, the face of darts, wants change and that the big boss talks about him like that? That's really bizarre, isn't it?" Van der Voort attributed Hearn's response to the sport's culture, saying, "That sort of thing, it can only happen in darts." He acknowledged Hearn's historical role in boosting prize money but claimed, "he doesn't give a damn about those players. Absolutely zero. It's just about him making a lot of money."
