July 28, 2026, 2:30 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Netflix is expanding its live offerings with an unusual sports show. Titled “Beat Luke Littler,” the British darts pro Luke Littler will compete against amateur players. The winner will receive a prize of 501,000 pounds–a nod to the starting score of 501 in darts.
Netflix turns darts hype into a live event
Luke Littler is only 19 years old but is already considered the biggest star in modern darts. The Englishman has won the last two world championships and the Premier League, significantly boosting the sport’s popularity. Now, he is set to help Netflix gain more attention.
The streaming service has announced a one-time live event where Littler will face challengers from the public. The concept is reminiscent of well-known TV formats like “Beat the Star”: Those who qualify for the show and defeat the pro will receive a prize of 501,000 pounds. The unusual sum is a nod to the starting score of 501, which must be played down to zero in darts.
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How the “Littler Challenge” works
The format’s background involves numerous messages from fans claiming they could beat the darts star. Littler is now taking up this idea, inviting his fans to apply and prove their skills.
Those wishing to participate in the show must first succeed in qualifying tournaments held in September 2026 in London and Manchester. The winners of these preliminaries will then have the chance to compete against Littler live on Netflix on October 30, 2026.
Part of a larger Netflix strategy
The show is more than just a darts experiment. Netflix has been increasingly investing in live content, aiming to expand its offerings beyond traditional series and films. In recent years, the streaming provider has already focused on boxing matches, live specials, and other real-time formats.
With Luke Littler, Netflix has found the perfect ambassador. The young Brit is one of the most recognizable faces in international darts and has a massive social media following. The combination of sports, competition, a large audience, and a high prize is likely to attract interest far beyond the traditional darts community. For Netflix, the “Littler Challenge” is primarily another step in binding viewers to the platform with exclusive live events over the long term.