By Basant El-Faramawy
Luke Littler, the reigning world darts champion, will take on 20 amateur players in a new Netflix special titled "Beat Luke Littler," with a £501,000 prize for anyone who can defeat him in a single leg.
Format and Participants
The three-hour show, co-hosted by Richard Osman and Gary Lineker, features amateurs selected through an X Factor-style audition process. Participants include Fallon Sherrock, the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship, youth champion Mitchell Lawrie, and Challenge Tour player Ashley Coleman, alongside a bin man, a Nando's manager, and other professionals.
Selection Process
A panel including 16-time world champion Phil Taylor, former pro Laura Turner, and ex-PDC chairman Barry Hearn helped choose the 24 candidates, whittled down to 20 on the night. All amateurs lack a PDC tour card but include highly ranked players; Lawrie has previously beaten Littler in junior competition.
Odds and Predictions
Bookmakers price Littler at 2/9 to lose at least one leg and 3/1 to sweep all 20. Osman estimates an 85% chance per leg but only 15% to win 20 consecutively. He predicts the £501,000 will likely be awarded, citing pressure as the only factor that could save Littler.
Littler's Win-Win Situation
Regardless of outcome, Littler benefits. A clean sweep would defy odds and boost his aura; a loss would generate publicity and not damage his reputation. The special also promotes his brand ahead of Christmas, following dartboard sales spikes after his 2025 and 2026 world titles.
