Barry Hearn issues stern warning to overweight PDC darts players

chief has delivered a blunt message to players in the about their fitness levels.

The former chairman, who had a significant two-decade tenure leading the organisation, challenged stars to take better care of themselves, considering their lucrative positions within what he has dubbed "the best business in the ".

Speaking on , the 76-year-old didn't mince his words, advising the athletes to exercise "common sense", and "take responsibility" for their health to reach their full potential. "I see a few darts players are a little bit overweight," he said. "So I tell them: 'You're in the best business in the world at the moment. It's a licence to print money'.

"You can change your life, your family's life, your children's life, their children's life. It's all down to you."

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He added: "That's the responsibility you take on. Are you up for it? If you are, look after yourself a bit more. Go out and have a walk every day. Watch what you're eating. Just common sense.

"We've got a limited amount of time, a limited asset, which is our life. And all we got to do is maximise the value of our asset. Fit it all in. Go for gold every day of your life. Keep smiling. Upset everybody."

Unlike other sports, darts - which is traditionally a pub game and synonymous with alcohol - doesn't require high mobility or stamina, at least not superficially. Instead, players need mental fortitude, technical skill, and top-tier hand-eye coordination to excel.

However, many sports that prioritise mental and technical sharpness over physical fitness - like snooker, bowling, and - don't see the same prevalence of overweight players as darts. That said, attitudes towards nutrition and diet have been shifting recently, and there are now several teetotal players on the PDC Tour who put an increased emphasis on their lifestyle.

Hearn took over as chairman of the PDC in 2001 after buying a majority stake in the company, which had split from the BDO in 1992 and become the leading organising body in darts. He helped catapult darts to the forefront of British and European sport, overseeing a massive financial surge in the game.

In 2021, he passed the baton to his son, . Now, Hearn Sr serves as president of the company, offering strategic guidance and support to the board, while Eddie takes care of the daily management and decision-making.

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