Netflix Beat Luke Littler | Contestants, start time, format and how to watch
Beat Luke Littler is a one-off live darts spectacular on Netflix, giving a group of ambitious challengers the opportunity to defeat the world’s number one player and win a life-changing prize.
Taking place on Friday October 30, the event sees reigning world champion Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler put his reputation on the line against a selection of non-tour-card-holding players, ranging from talented teenagers to experienced darts competitors.
How does Beat Luke Littler work?
The competition features 24 challengers, aged between 14 and 57, who have been selected following an extensive audition process.
However, only 20 contestants will earn the opportunity to face Littler. The initial 24 must compete for those places before the successful players are divided into groups and randomly selected to challenge the world champion.
Unlike traditional darts tournaments, there are no lengthy matches, best-of-seven contests or knockout brackets. Instead, each challenger has just one opportunity to beat Littler in a single leg of 501.
The concept is straightforward: beat Luke Littler once and win £501,000.
If Littler defeats an opponent, he progresses to face another challenger. However, the moment somebody beats him, the competition ends immediately and the successful player claims the entire jackpot.
Should Littler remain undefeated throughout the challenge, nobody wins the £501,000 prize.
What are the rules?
Each contest follows the standard rules of 501 darts. Both players begin with 501 points and take turns throwing three darts, subtracting their scores from their remaining total.
The objective is to reach exactly zero, with the winning dart required to land in a double segment or the bullseye.
Players must avoid reducing their score below zero, leaving one point, or reaching zero without finishing on a double. Doing so results in a bust, with their score reverting to its previous total.
The first player to complete a legal checkout wins the leg.
The single-leg format creates considerable pressure because even the smallest mistake from Littler could provide an opponent with a winning opportunity.
Who are the Challengers?
The diverse field includes students, tradespeople, military personnel and experienced darts players.
Among the most recognisable names is Fallon Sherrock, who famously became the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship in 2019.
Other notable challengers include Scottish starlet Mitchell Lawrie – runner-up at the 2025 WDF World Championship and 14-year-old sensation Jayden Walker.
Their inclusion means Littler could face genuine competition despite entering as the overwhelming favourite.
| Challenger | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Kasey Smith | 16 | Manchester |
| Makinley Cooper-Johnson | 14 | Wrexham |
| Taylon Forrester | 18 | Bedford |
| Tony Cole | 39 | South Wales |
| Katie Sheldon | 22 | Dublin |
| Zac Griffiths | 25 | Hereford |
| Lauren Bloomfield | 30 | Kent |
| David Wawrzewski | 50 | London |
| Jayden Walker | 14 | Christchurch |
| Zac Spain | 30 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Jasper Scarrott | 54 | York |
| Jarod Becker | 23 | Hildesheim, Germany |
| Mitchell Lawrie | 15 | Renfrew, Scotland |
| Ashley Coleman | 29 | Suffolk |
| Mark Pooke | 57 | London |
| Fallon Sherrock | 32 | Milton Keynes |
| Pwyll ap Llŷr Edwards | 34 | Bala, Wales |
| Will Kemp | 30 | Harrogate |
| Sonny Johal | 29 | Derby |
| Brett Todd | 25 | Ipswich |
| Théodore Wallich | 23 | Paris, France |
| Jacob Gwynne | 27 | Leeds |
| Bhav Patel | 36 | Kent |
| Pearse Mackle | 21 | County Cavan, Ireland |
When and where can you watch?
Beat Luke Littler takes place at the Manchester Central Convention Complex and is broadcast live exclusively on Netflix.
The programme begins at 7pm GMT on Friday October 30, with viewers requiring an active Netflix subscription.
Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker hosts the event, while television personality Richard Osman provides statistical analysis and insight.
The broadcast also features comedian Lee Mack and popular streamer Angry Ginge, as well as former PDC Master of Ceremonies John McDonald.
Produced by Workerbee in partnership with Netflix and the Professional Darts Corporation, Beat Luke Littler combines elite sporting competition with the unpredictability of live entertainment.
With £501,000 at stake and potentially just one dart separating an outsider from victory, the event promises an unusual test for one of darts’ biggest stars.
