Luke Littler has been the center of attention in the darts world for quite some time. The 19-year-old phenom, already at the pinnacle of the sport, is about to take on another unique challenge. In a new Netflix series titled 'Beat Luke Littler,' he will face off against 20 amateur darts players. Each amateur will compete in single 501 games against Littler. If any of the amateurs manage to beat him, they will earn a staggering prize of £501,000. While the structure seems straightforward, the chances of anyone pulling off a win are extremely slim. This is due to Littler's current form and skill level.
Littler’s performance throughout the year has been nothing short of extraordinary. His World Matchplay campaign was a display of unmatched precision and consistency. This earned him the title and proved his dominance in the sport. Now, the 19-year-old is setting his sights on securing all the major titles in 2026. He has already captured the PDC World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League Darts, and the World Cup of Darts. He also won the World Matchplay, leaving only the European Championship in October as the final piece to his impressive collection.
A Challenge for Dominance
Former PDC darts referee and talkSPORT commentator Russ Bray has observed that the new Netflix show highlights just how far the sport has come. Bray praised Littler as a generational talent and suggested that even with his incredible skill, a perfect 20-0 record in the series might be challenging to achieve. He emphasized that while Littler will likely beat most of the amateurs, a victory against all 20 is not a given.
Bray explained, 'I don’t think he’ll necessarily go 20-0.' He added, 'If you’ve got someone like that up against Luke, then he’s going to be in trouble.' This insight shows that even the most dominant players can be pushed. This is especially true in live televised events where the pressure is heightened.
Facing the Pressures of Fame
Despite his impressive achievements, Littler’s journey has not been without its challenges. In a Premier League Darts match, he found himself in a difficult situation with Gian van Veen, which led to a tense on-stage exchange. The incident resulted in Littler facing boos and jeers from the crowd during the remainder of the event. The negativity was evident when he received the trophy, with Littler appearing visibly upset. Bray acknowledged the harsh reality of success in the public eye, noting that people often build up athletes, only to criticize them when they consistently win.
It's fantastic to watch. Praise the lad for what he is, because he is an absolutely wonderful talent. This sentiment reflects the challenges that come with success. It also reflects the expectations placed on athletes who dominate their sport.
Looking Ahead to the European Championship
The Netflix show will also serve as a test to see if the intense pressure of live television can affect Littler, who has remained steady in high-pressure moments. Bray confirmed that performing in front of millions of viewers could be a factor in the competition. “Goodness me, yes,” Bray said. “You’ve both worked in the spotlight yourselves, so you know what it’s like to perform live.” This comment highlights the unpredictable nature of live events and how even the most confident players can be tested under such circumstances.
Littler’s next major goal is the European Championship in October. If he wins, he will have completed the rare feat of capturing every major title in the sport. At the time, there were only three PDC darts majors, with Phil Taylor winning all of them in 2000, the only time in history that this has happened. Littler has already kicked off 2026 with a first World Masters Title, defending the UK Open and reclaiming the Premier League. He then partnered with World #2 Luke Humphries to claim one of the only two majors he had yet to win in the World Cup, producing a brilliant 104.77 average in the Final. He set a new record in the World Matchplay with an incredible tournament average of 111.04. With this opportunity, he continues to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest talents in darts history.