PDC Chairman Barry Hearn has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business by the University of East London.
The presentation was made to recognise Hearn's contribution to sport over the past four decades and presented by the UEL's School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.
In his current role as Chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation, which he took on in 2001, Hearn has overseen the transformation of the professional game into a £7 million-plus circuit attracting over 200,000 fans per year.
Also the founder of Matchroom Sport and Chairman of World Snooker, Hearn is the former owner of Leyton Orient FC, who have a partnership with the University of East London.
"It came as a huge shock and a tremendous honour," said Essex-based Hearn.
"It's a unique occasion - I've had a few occasions in my life that I'll never forget and this is another one of them.
"I think it's a statement of how the world has changed. When I was growing up I decided to be a chartered accountant, and it was very difficult with the background I had, but we live in the world of opportunity.
"It wasn't always like that. I took my opportunity and I've seen the benefits in my life and my children's life."
Upon receiving his Honorary Doctorate at The O2 in London in November, the 66-year-old added: "I'm still on my journey which has taken me very far.
"It has brought me here to UEL and it makes me proud to see an institution in the East End of London which is of the people and for the people. UEL's journey is really just beginning and that is exciting, as is receiving this doctorate."
Click below to see Barry Hearn talking about his Honorary Doctorate: