PDC Chairman Eddie Hearn expecting 'statement event' in US Darts Masters: "This is the start of the US takeover for darts"

PDC Chairman, Eddie Hearn is well known for his ability to branch into different markets through his main venture of boxing where he has expanded from the UK to USA, Europe and soon to be Australia and in taking over the running of the darts operation from his father, Barry, he expects the darts takeover in the US to be imminent.

This weekend the US Darts Masters takes place at Madison Square Garden and Hearn sees it as the statement event to get proceedings up and running.

“This event is the start of the American journey,” said Hearn, reported USA Today Sports. “Not only can everybody play darts, it’s more than that, the live spectacle is so much fun. I really believe it has great potential.”  

“In a world where top sportsmen can be, quite frankly, a little arrogant and a little disjointed from the general public, these guys are our working-class heroes,” he added.

“They are normal people who have played this sport that is predominantly played in pubs and small leagues and have come through the system to start making millions of dollars a year, and they are grateful for it.

“It’s full of characters and personalities, and, over here [the UK], the fans have embraced these sportsmen while treating darts as a night out. People are turning up, having a beer, having a great time, coming in dress – it’s such a unique environment.”

“It’s going to take time, but the best thing that’s going to happen is that if the US market just experiences it, they’re going to watch it. They’re going to cheer it and tune in. I feel like bringing it to New York to Madison Square Garden, knowing we’ll have a lot Brits and ex-pats there, as well, that the American audience will watch it and say, ‘This is crazy, we like this’.

“It’s a big move going to MSG. This is the start of the US takeover for darts. We needed a statement event like this to make some noise, and I believe this is the beginning of darts in America.”