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Darts

Darts Enthusiasts Upset Over Contestant Lineup for 'Beat Luke Littler'

The new Netflix darts showdown will see 24 competitors face off against Luke Littler, but fans aren't pleased with the lineup.

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Later this month, thrill-seeking darts enthusiasts will witness a unique competition featuring 24 amateur players attempting to outsmart two-time world champion Luke Littler on Netflix. The show, aptly named 'Beat Luke Littler', presents a spectacular opportunity for skilled individuals to win a life-changing cash prize of £501,000. However, the stakes are high, as only the victor will leave with the money, while the others will go home empty-handed.

Show Details and Lineup

This highly anticipated live event is scheduled to air on October 30 at 7 PM. It will be hosted by sports veteran Gary Lineker with insights from darts connoisseur Richard Osman. Viewers can also look forward to appearances from YouTube star Angry Ginge, former professional player Laura Turner, and comedian Lee Mack.

Despite being just a teenager, Luke Littler is already regarded as a darts legend. With confidence in his abilities, Littler expressed anticipation for the challenge ahead. “Everyone thinks they can beat me. Now they get a chance to prove it. I think it'll be an amazing night and I’m just really looking forward to getting started,” he shared.

Audition Process

The journey to compete against Littler commenced with auditions held in London and Manchester in September. Contestants had to showcase their skills by finishing a game of 501 with 24 darts or fewer. Successful participants then faced interviews with producers, ultimately culminating in a final assessment conducted by a panel that included the legendary Phil Taylor and Barry Hearn, founder of Matchroom.

Star Competitors

The final contestant list has been announced, featuring several notable names. Among them, Fallon Sherrock, famously known as 'The Queen of the Palace', stands out. Sherrock made history as the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship, having reached the third round in 2020.

Another exciting competitor is Mitchell Lawrie, a young player tipped for greatness. Halting the competition at a mere 15 years of age, he reached the finals of the 2025 WDF World Championship and currently holds the status of WDF number one, making him a favorite for the world title.

Here are some of the other contestants eager to take on Littler:

  • Jarod Becker - The Finisher (23, Hildesheim, Germany)
  • Ashley Coleman - The Prince of Darkness (29, Suffolk)
  • Katie Sheldon - The Dublin Diamond (22, Dublin)
  • Jayden Walker - The Young Gun (Dorset)
  • Others: Lauren Bloomfield, Tony Cole, Makinley Cooper-Johnson, and more.

Twenty competitors will secure spots in the challenge against Littler, with a twist: they will be drawn into groups, facing off until one emerges victorious against 'The Nuke'.

Fan Reactions

Despite the excitement, many darts fans have taken to social media expressing frustration over the selection of contestants. Comments on X reflect discontent, with one user noting, “Wasn’t it advertised as giving pub dart players a chance to beat Littler?” Others echoed this sentiment, pointing out that many professional players had been included, leading to claims of a “scam” for those who auditioned.

Another fan remarked on the effort many made for the auditions, with one saying, “What was the point in having all the people queueing for hours?” Criticism echoed across multiple comments, calling the contestant selection a miss.

As Beat Luke Littler approaches, the results will reveal whether contestants can dethrone the reigning champion, while the banter and discussions among fans continue to heat up.