Luke Littler’s Netflix opponents could miss out on £501,000 without ever facing him

Luke Littler is arguably the most famous darts player in history but tonight it could be another youngster who puts their name on the sporting map tonight.

The teenage sensation, who has won 28 PDC titles in his career, will go up against 20 members of the general public for a Netflix show at 7pm this evening (30 October).

As many as 24 contestants will enter the competition before being whittled down to 20, and then they'll be selected at random to take on Luke Littler, who recently made it back-to-back titles in the World Matchplay event.

Should anyone triumph against the reigning PDC World Darts Champion, they'll take home a tidy $501,000 and the event will end immediately, but Littler has made it clear that he won't be going easy against his opponents, many of whom consider themselves to be among the best amateurs in the UK.

“Everyone thinks they can beat me,” Littler says. “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,” Littler added. "There’s half a million quid up for grabs, I won’t be going easy at all. I’ll be wanting to beat everyone who comes up. Maybe the first few legs could be a bit nervy, but once I get going then I don't think anyone will stop me.”

Littler has promised that he won't be going easy on his amateur opponents ( Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Naturally, everyone lucky enough to be picked to appear on the Netflix special will want their chance to go up against the best player in the world, but some might miss out on the huge cash prize without even facing him if someone takes him down early, or if they suffer the indignation of failing to make the final 20.

Although we all like to joke in the pub about how we could do better than our football team's striker or even take on Littler in darts, the reality is that the professionals in nearly any sport would beat us without even breaking a sweat, unless you're maybe up against Raygun in a dance competition.

The amateurs up against Littler on tonight's Netflix special (Netflix)

And Littler will likely be no different but perhaps after 20 straight legs, the teenager might begin to tire somewhat, which might just open the door for someone to beat him in a single 501 leg, which would be enough to take home the half a million.

Tonight's show, which will go live on Netflix at 7pm, will be hosted by author and former Pointless host Richard Osman, alongside comedian Lee Mack and former darts pro Laura Turner, with Littler's close friend Angry Ginge also on the scene.

“As a huge darts fan, and proud owner of a signed photo of Jocky Wilson, I couldn't be more excited to join the amazing Beat Luke Littler live show,” Osman says. “He's the greatest player in the world. But 20 legs in a row? I honestly think someone is going to win that £501k. It's going to be an incredible night.”

Although we might be hoping to see an amateur upset the apple cart, the quicker Littler can take everyone down, the quicker we can also tune in to the Celebrity Traitors finale at 8pm.