Who is Barry Hearn?
Barry Maurice William Hearn OBE (born 19 June 1948) is a renowned English sports promoter and entrepreneur. He is the founder and president of Matchroom Sport, a company that has revolutionized the promotion of various sports, including boxing, snooker, darts, pool, and more. Hearn’s innovative approach and business acumen have significantly transformed these sports, elevating them to global prominence.
Early Life and Education
Barry Hearn was born on 19 June 1948 in Dagenham, Essex, a working-class suburb of East London. Raised in a modest household, Barry’s early years were shaped by the hardworking ethos of his parents. His father worked as a bus driver and his mother as a cleaner. Though they did not have substantial wealth, they provided a stable environment that emphasized discipline and effort.
The family later moved to the Debden Estate in Loughton, a transition that placed Barry in a new educational setting. He attended Buckhurst Hill County High School, where he developed a keen interest in academics, particularly in mathematics and business-related subjects. From an early age, Hearn showed a talent for organization and leadership.
After completing secondary education, he qualified as a chartered accountant, earning membership with a reputable London accountancy firm. His knowledge of finance would later become the backbone of his entrepreneurial ventures. Barry’s education gave him the analytical tools to assess risk and spot business opportunities—skills that would prove invaluable throughout his storied career.
Career
Entry into Snooker and Founding Matchroom
Barry Hearn’s first notable business venture came in the 1970s when he purchased a snooker hall in Romford, Greater London. It was more than just a business—it marked the beginning of a career in sports promotion. He met Steve Davis, a young snooker talent, and became his manager. Under Hearn’s guidance, Davis dominated the sport, winning six World Championships in the 1980s.
In 1982, Barry founded Matchroom Sport, and snooker was at the heart of its operations. He revolutionized the game’s marketing, organizing snooker tournaments with dramatic lighting, crowd participation, and television coverage. Snooker quickly became a prime-time sport in the UK.
Boxing Revolution
In the late 1980s, Hearn moved into boxing. He managed and promoted some of Britain’s top fighters, including Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, and Lennox Lewis. His charismatic and innovative style of promotion brought boxing to mainstream audiences, often securing prime television slots.
Though his son Eddie Hearn later took over the boxing division of Matchroom, Barry laid the foundation for the company’s dominance in the sport. Under his influence, boxing became more commercial, organized, and lucrative.
Darts and the PDC
One of Barry Hearn’s most transformative moves was taking over the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). When he became chairman, darts was struggling with image and popularity. Hearn overhauled the structure, branding, and prize money. He brought glitz, music, and large-scale arenas into what was previously a pub game.
The PDC is now an internationally recognized organization, and darts tournaments attract thousands of fans and millions of viewers globally.
Other Sports and Business Interests
Barry Hearn’s passion for sports goes beyond the mainstream. Matchroom has also promoted:
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Pool, including the Mosconi Cup and World Pool Championship
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Tenpin bowling
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Fishing (he created Fish-O-Mania)
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Golf and table tennis
His business acumen turned these smaller sports into commercial successes through clever TV deals and high-stakes tournaments.
Football – Leyton Orient
From 1995 to 2014, Hearn was the chairman of Leyton Orient Football Club. He bought the club during a financial crisis and stabilized its finances. Though the club didn’t reach the Premier League under his leadership, it enjoyed stability, avoided administration, and reached League One playoffs.
He sold the club in 2014 but returned briefly as honorary president. He eventually resigned from the honorary post in 2017 due to disagreements with the new owners.
📊 Barry Hearn Career Table
| Year/Period | Career Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Entry into Sports Promotion | Purchased Lucania Snooker Club in Romford; started promoting snooker. |
| 1976 | Met Steve Davis | Became manager of Steve Davis, who later became a 6-time World Snooker Champion. |
| 1982 | Founded Matchroom Sport | Created a company to promote snooker and other sporting events. |
| 1987 | Entered Boxing Promotion | Promoted major British boxers including Chris Eubank, Frank Bruno, and Nigel Benn. |
| 1995 | Became Chairman of Leyton Orient F.C. | Saved the financially troubled football club; oversaw its operations until 2014. |
| Late 1990s | Expanded Matchroom into Other Sports | Began promoting pool, darts, fishing, and bowling events. |
| 2001 | Took Control of Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) | Revamped darts with larger venues, bigger prize pools, and global tournaments. |
| 2009 | Returned to Snooker as WPBSA Chairman | Took leadership during a financial crisis and restored the sport’s stability and popularity. |
| 2014 | Stepped Down as Leyton Orient Chairman | Sold the football club but remained involved briefly as honorary president. |
| 2021 | Retired as Chairman of Matchroom Sport | Passed leadership to his son, Eddie Hearn; became company president. |
| 2025 | Pushed for World Snooker Championship Expansion | Advocating changes to venue and prize fund; open to moving it internationally if demands unmet. |
Let me know if you’d like this in a downloadable format (PDF/Excel) or expanded with more specific events.
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Love Story
Barry Hearn met his future wife, Susan, during his early professional years. Their relationship blossomed as Barry was building his business and venturing into sports promotion. Despite the pressures of his growing career and long hours, the couple nurtured a strong bond built on mutual support and understanding. Susan stood by him during challenging times, including financial hardships and health scares. They eventually married and built a stable family together, raising two children—Eddie and Katie—who would both grow up to contribute to the Hearn family legacy in sports and media.
Childhood
Barry Hearn was born in 1948 in Dagenham, East London, and raised on the Debden Estate in Loughton, Essex. His upbringing was rooted in working-class values, shaped by a father who worked as a London bus driver and a mother who cleaned for a living. Though the family lacked wealth, they instilled in Barry a strong work ethic and ambition. He was an avid sports fan from a young age, spending hours playing cricket and football, and even organizing local games—early signs of his future as a sports impresario.
Personal Life
Barry Hearn is known for his down-to-earth personality despite his vast influence and wealth. He is married to Susan Hearn, and the couple has two children: Eddie Hearn, a high-profile sports promoter who currently runs Matchroom Boxing, and a daughter named Katie Hearn, who has also worked in sports broadcasting.
Barry is an ardent fan of West Ham United Football Club and has been vocal about his support over the years. He is also an enthusiastic participant in various sports including golf, fishing, and pool.
Hearn suffered a minor heart attack in April 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown but recovered well and continues to remain active in sports promotion and public appearances.
Family
The Hearn family has become synonymous with sports entertainment in the UK. His son, Eddie Hearn, has not only followed in his father’s footsteps but has elevated boxing promotion to global heights with major events in the U.S., Middle East, and Asia.
His wife Susan has remained a private figure, and the family has largely kept a low profile outside of professional life. Together, they reside in Essex, where Barry owns multiple properties and enjoys a relatively quiet life when not on the road.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barry Maurice William Hearn |
| Date of Birth | 19 June 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Dagenham, Essex, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Sports Promoter, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1973–present |
| Organization | Matchroom Sport |
| Spouse | Susan Hearn |
| Children | Eddie Hearn, Katie Hearn |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $400 million |
Latest News
As of May 1, 2025, Barry Hearn, President of Matchroom Sport, is at the center of discussions regarding the future of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. With the current hosting contract set to expire in 2027, Hearn has expressed concerns about the venue’s suitability, citing its limited 980-seat capacity and outdated facilities. He has called for significant upgrades, including expanding the seating capacity to 3,000 and increasing the winner’s prize money to £1 million, aligning with other major sports events. Hearn has given Sheffield City Council a three-month deadline to present a viable plan; otherwise, he suggests the possibility of relocating the championship to international venues like Saudi Arabia or China to ensure the event’s growth and sustainability.
Physical Appearance
Barry Hearn is known for his charismatic presence and professional demeanor. While specific details about his height and physical attributes are not publicly disclosed, he is often seen in formal attire, reflecting his role as a prominent figure in the sports industry.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Account Name | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @BarryHearn | twitter.com/BarryHearn | |
| Not publicly available | N/A | |
| Not publicly available | N/A |
Net Worth as of 2025
Barry Hearn’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million in 2025. His wealth stems from decades of successful sports promotion through Matchroom Sport, real estate investments, and various business ventures. Hearn’s strategic approach to sports marketing and event management has solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in the sports world.
Legacy and Impact
Barry Hearn’s contributions to sports promotion have left an indelible mark on the industry. His innovative strategies have transformed niche sports into mainstream spectacles, providing athletes with greater exposure and fans with enhanced viewing experiences. Hearn’s legacy continues through the ongoing success of Matchroom Sport and the leadership of his son, Eddie Hearn, in the boxing arena.
FAQS
How rich is Barry Hearn?
As of 2024, Barry Hearn’s estimated net worth is approximately £158 million, reflecting his successful career in sports promotion.
What football team did Barry Hearn own?
Barry Hearn owned Leyton Orient Football Club from 1995 until 2014, during which he played a significant role in the club’s development.
Does Barry Hearn own snooker?
Barry Hearn, through his company Matchroom Sport, has had a controlling interest in the commercial arm of professional snooker since 2010, significantly influencing the sport’s promotion and growth.
Is Eddie Hearn related to Barry Hearn?
Yes, Eddie Hearn is Barry Hearn’s son. He has followed in his father’s footsteps and is a prominent sports promoter, currently serving as the Chairman of Matchroom Sport.
