Fallon Sherrock delivered a remarkable performance in Manchester, defeating reigning PDC world champion Luke Littler in a single-leg darts match to claim a life-changing £501,000 prize. The event, titled “Beat Luke Littler” and broadcast globally on Netflix, saw the 32-year-old secure victory in 15 darts after winning the bullseye to throw first. Her winning moment included a maximum 180—only the third of the night—before she expertly took out double 20 to seal the win. Her achievement saw her nicknamed ‘The Queen of the Palace’ and she was also awarded an MBE for her services to darts in 2023. According to for most of the night, Littler cruised through the competition as he went in search of the £501,000, which he had, He would donate to charity. But Littler showed he was in no mood to mess about, hitting treble 20s against her with his first two darts on his way to an easy win, the first challenger was 16-year-old Kasey Smith from Manchester. Although everyone was keen to make the most of the experience, some of Littler’s opponents had never played a competitive game of darts. But there were still entertaining moments. A year 10 pupil from Dorset, threw off a school blazer and tie to reveal his darts outfit and, as the third-highest ranked player, threatened to cause a huge shock, fourteen-year-old Jayden Walker.
Reflecting on the achievement, Sherrock said, “It’s insane, I can’t put it into words of what it means, especially having my son Rory here.
It’s his first time at anything and he has seen me win. I’m really proud of myself, I rise to the occasion.
It’s a great moment and I will memorise this forever. The win marks a significant milestone for the Milton Keynes native, who previously earned £25,000 for reaching the third round of the 2019 PDC World Championship, where she made history as the first female player to defeat a male opponent at the tournament. Meaning Sherrock, who became the first female player to beat a male opponent at the PDC World Championship on her way to the last 32 in December 2019, was allowed to compete, players could not be members of the PDC Tour. While the eight most experienced players were paired off, with Netflix viewers voting on which one should be able to compete, sixteen were selected outright. She had picked up £25,000 for reaching round three of the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace seven years ago after beating Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic before losing to Chris Dobey. Who retired as the main PDC master of ceremonies after the 2026 World Championship final, announcing the players before their elaborate walk-ons, this was a fun event, although most players came nowhere near beating Littler, with John McDonald.
Luke Littler, the 19-year-old who has won back-to-back world titles, praised his opponent’s clinical display. “Brilliant, that’s what one person had to do – win the bull and go out in 15 and that’s what she did, world class,” said the teenager. Littler had been on stage for over two hours facing a series of challengers, and by the time he faced Sherrock in match 15, his consistency had begun to dip.
The event drew from a massive pool of 25,000 applicants, with players selected based on a rigorous process that included a 501-point qualifying challenge and a three-person interview panel featuring Phil Taylor, Barry Hearn, and Laura Turner. Sherrock earned her spot by winning 75% of a viewer vote against Germany’s Jarod Becker. Because Sherrock emerged victorious, the competition concluded immediately, denying the five remaining amateur challengers their opportunity to play. Give me an opportunity and I will take it every time. With those successful then facing a three-person interview panel, including 16-time world champion Phil Taylor, PDC president Barry Hearn and darts television pundit Laura Turner, the first stage saw players have to get down from 501 in 24 darts or less.
The night was characterized by a festive, boisterous atmosphere at Manchester Central, with host Gary Lineker and pundits Lee Mack and Richard Osman adding to the entertainment. But this was darts with a difference, the packed crowd in Manchester was in boisterous mood with many fans in fancy dress. This was a night to bring darts to a new audience, with former England footballer Gary Lineker hosting and with comedian Lee Mack and television presenter Richard Osman joining Turner as part of the punditry team.
While many amateurs were thrilled to face the world number one, the field offered a diverse mix of backgrounds.
Notable challengers included 14-year-old Jayden Walker, who pushed Littler to a 12-dart finish after the champion hit a 180 and a 158 checkout, and 18-year-old binman Taylon Forrester, who made a dramatic entrance from a dumpster. Taylon Forrester, 18, described himself as a “binman who works with his dad” and he jumped out of a dumpster on his way to the oche.
Other competitors ranged from 57-year-old Mark Pooke to Australian jockey Zac Spain and Will Kemp, who returned to the sport following a heart attack earlier this year. A jockey from Melbourne, Australia, Frenchman Theodore Wallich, who dubbed himself the ‘Moustache Kid’, 57-year-old Mark Pooke, another 14-year-old in Makinley Cooper-Johnson and Will Kemp, back playing after a heart attack earlier this year, other entrants included Zac Spain.
Despite the variety of challengers, only Pearse Mackle, a 21-year-old student from County Cavan, came close to upsetting the champion, ultimately missing a match-winning bullseye.
Following the match, PDC president Barry Hearn presented Sherrock with the prize cheque, capping off a surreal evening that brought darts to a broad international audience.
