Luke Littler may be the world's top-ranked darts player at just 19 years old, but two even younger sensations are preparing to test themselves against him on Friday night. Mitchell Lawrie, 15, and Jayden Walker, 14, will both feature in Netflix's Beat Luke Littler event, where a single victory over the two-time World Darts Champion could earn them a life-changing £501,000.
According to Sky Sports, the two teenagers are among 24 finalists selected to compete in the Netflix special. The format is straightforward but brutal: Littler must win 24 consecutive legs to deny his challengers, while any contestant who wins their single leg of 501 takes home the entire prize.
Both youngsters have already crossed paths with Littler and harbour genuine ambitions of toppling the world No 1. The announced field spans ages 14 to 57 and includes Fallon Sherrock, the women's world No. 3, alongside 22 other competitors carefully selected through a rigorous audition process.
Lawrie's unfinished business with Littler
Lawrie, a Target Darts ambassador, holds a remarkable distinction: he became the youngest player ever to win a match at the World Darts Federation World Championship, surpassing even Littler's previous record. The two-time World Youth Championship winner has already faced Littler before, though the encounter did not go his way.
It was three or four years ago [that I played Luke Littler]. And he beat me 3-2 - I missed a few match darts!Lawrie recalled to Sky Sports.
But that was before he went on to be what he is. And before I went on to be what I was as well.
This time, the stakes are different. Rather than needing three legs to defeat Littler, Lawrie needs only one.
It's life-changing money so I'm looking forward to it,he told Sky Sports.
I just obviously hope I get to get the chance to play because I know there are also 24 other good players that have been picked. I'm just hoping to get a chance to play Luke.
The Scot, who turns 16 next week, has mapped out his strategy with precision.
100 per cent [I'm expecting to beat him].he said.
It's one leg. He'll be up there throwing. I don't imagine I'll be on close to the start. Hopefully I'll win the bull-up and then hit two trebles to start -and then we'll see where the leg takes us. But that's the plan. Win the bull-up, hit two trebles, and then we'll see where it goes from there.
Professional ambitions beyond Friday
Lawrie's confidence extends far beyond the Netflix event. He has confirmed to Sky Sports that he will compete in the PDC's Qualifying School in 2027, a crucial stepping stone towards earning a professional tour card and establishing himself on the elite circuit.
No, I'm not thinking about it; I'm definitely doing [the Q-school] - that's what I want to do,he explained.
I've wanted to be a professional darts player since I started. And that's what we're going to try to do in January. Hopefully, I'll get my tour card there and then go on to bigger and better things.
The financial incentive is clear in his mind.
As I've said, I've loved the WDF system and stuff. They've been great with me and I've enjoyed that a lot. But the money's right in the PDC. That's where you can make a living out of darts. So, that's where you need to go.
To reach the Netflix finals, Lawrie had to complete 501 in 24 darts or fewer during the initial audition stage, powered by Target OMNI and DartCounter. The September auditions included later stages with producer interviews and assessment by a panel featuring Phil Taylor, Barry Hearn and Laura Turner.
Walker's understated brilliance
Jayden Walker, a year younger than Lawrie, carries an equally impressive résumé despite his more reserved demeanour. The Dorset teenager has already achieved feats that most players never accomplish, yet he remains focused on continuous improvement.
I've hit quite a few 170s, but I've only hit three nine-darters,Walker told Sky Sports.
The last nine-darter was in February last year. I've been so close to hitting double 12 a few times, but hopefully it'll come. You see the professionals on the TV, they probably hit about three or four a week - compared to them, it's not much at all. But hopefully, as I develop my game more, I can hopefully hit more and maybe I can get one competitively in a game.
Walker's most striking achievement came when he was just 12 years old. He defeated Luke Humphries, the world No 2, in an exhibition match while averaging 102 - a performance that prompted Humphries to call him
the best 12-year-old [player] I've ever seen in my life.
Despite these accomplishments, Walker has not yet fully convinced his parents that professional darts should be his sole focus.
My mum always tells me I have to finish my homework before I can go out to a night of darts. Because I love darts so much, I sort of make myself do the homework.he explained.
Mathematics has become his unexpected ally.
[One of my favourite subjects is] maths - it helped me in darts, because during lockdown when I first started playing, I started focusing on it. The only schoolwork they set us was maths. I just did maths and all those mental arithmetics helped me with my game, with all the shots out.
Walker's previous encounters with Littler
Walker has faced Littler on two separate occasions, with contrasting results.
I've met Luke before. I've played him twice as well, actually. He beat me easily the first time, but then the second time it was quite a competitive game.Walker told Sky Sports.
Despite the mixed record, Walker approaches Friday's event with realistic optimism.
If I do end up playing him on Friday, hopefully it'll be competitive.he said.
Even if I don't get to play Luke on the night, it'll be good publicity for being on Netflix. Hopefully I can get a few sponsors that can help me travel on the back of that. And a few followers, that'd be quite nice.
Walker's pragmatism reflects an understanding that the Netflix platform offers value beyond the prize money.
I'm excited for Friday. Obviously, I've been putting in a few hours this morning and I'll probably be putting in a few after this interview and for the rest of the week really, so I know I've got to practise and dedicate myself to beating him.
The broader significance of the event
Netflix's official event page indicates that the 24 contestants will compete for 20 places, with finalists grouped and randomly selected to face Littler. The event's format features one leg of 501 per challenger, with anyone who wins their leg against Littler taking the prize.
Both Lawrie and Walker represent a new generation of darts talent emerging to challenge Littler's dominance. Their presence on the Netflix platform signals the sport's growing mainstream appeal and the depth of young talent now developing through the professional ranks.
What happens next
The live event is scheduled for October 30 at Manchester Central, with Netflix listing a 7 p.m. UK start time. Both teenagers will arrive with preparation complete and ambitions high, ready to test themselves against the world's best player in a format that offers genuine opportunity for an upset.
Whether either Lawrie or Walker manages to claim the £501,000 prize, their participation in the Netflix special represents a significant milestone in their careers. The exposure alone could accelerate their paths towards professional status, while a victory would provide the financial foundation to pursue their ambitions at the highest level of competitive darts.
