"Can definitely win a leg against him, that wouldn’t be strange at all" – Vincent van der Voort sees major danger for the world champion during Netflix show
PDC
The special Netflix show 'Beat Luke Littler' has the darts world talking. On Friday evening, 20 challengers will get the chance to beat the world champion in a single leg and win a remarkable £501,000. Vincent van der Voort and Damian Vlottes are also eagerly anticipating the event. In the latest episode of the Darts Draait Door podcast, they discuss the unusual format, the strong line-up and whether the show could be over after just one leg.
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Van der Voort is particularly intrigued by the concept. It is the first event of its kind, with the broadcast ending as soon as a challenger manages to beat Littler. The former professional believes that brings considerable risks.
“As I understand it, the show is live too. But if someone wins, it’s over straight away,” Van der Voort says. “That’s quite risky, of course. It could all be over after the first leg. But it’s exciting. It’s the first time this has been done. We’ve never seen anything like it, so it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.”
Van der Voort impressed by the line-up
The standard of the selected players stands out. Although the event was initially presented as an opportunity for amateurs, the line-up features several talented and experienced players. Mitchell Lawrie, Fallon Sherrock and 14-year-old Jayden Walker are among those taking part.
“Looking at the names taking part, this is no easy field, is it?” Vlottes remarks. Van der Voort agrees. “There are a few big names in there. Mitchell Lawrie, for one. He’s an enormous talent.”
Van der Voort adds that many of the participants are more experienced than the general public might expect. “The rest have all played on the Challenge Tour or other tours, or in the MODUS Super Series. They’re all pretty good players.”
Walker’s inclusion gives Vlottes some pause. He wonders whether it is appropriate for someone of that age to be in contention for such a large prize.
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Van der Voort understands the concern, but thinks Netflix is focused on the appeal of the participants. “I understand why it seems strange. But I think Netflix is simply asking: what will be most interesting for us?”
Can Lawrie beat Littler in a single leg?
“Mitchell Lawrie can definitely win a leg against him. That wouldn’t be strange at all”
Van der Voort expects a lot from Mitchell Lawrie in particular. The 15-year-old Scot is among the players he believes could genuinely beat Littler. “Mitchell Lawrie can definitely win a leg against him. That wouldn’t be strange at all. He regularly averages over 100,” the former professional says. “Mitchell Lawrie is the one we’ll be watching. If he wins a leg, it won’t even be a surprise. He’s that good.”
Alongside Lawrie and Sherrock, Vlottes is especially looking forward to seeing Zac Griffiths. The podcast host faced him on the Development Tour in the past and does not remember the experience fondly.
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“He was a bit of a pest,” Vlottes says. “He’d score 140, I’d score 100, and then he’d say, ‘Well done, mate.’ It was always a slightly condescending little compliment.”
Griffiths also reportedly drank from Vlottes’s water during their match. “I checked out 72 and he gave me a fist bump. Then he went and drank from my water. That can put me off, and it worked.”
Vlottes thinks Griffiths might also get under Littler’s skin. “He could perhaps get inside Littler’s head too. So keep an eye on Littler’s water, in case Griffiths suddenly starts drinking from it.”
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The financial side of the event also comes up. Van der Voort suspects Littler will receive a substantial fee for taking part. “I honestly have no idea what he’s getting for this. But I don’t think a young player like that would do it for peanuts. He’ll be paid very well.”
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With £501,000 on offer to whoever beats Littler, there is certainly a lot at stake. “That’s serious money, isn’t it? Half a million,” Van der Voort concludes.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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- Not even slightly interestedrick6730-10-2026
- And yet the PDC has decided to aggravate this problem by doubling the Players Championship Finals field from 2027. I can't imagine there will be fewer withdrawals next year with even less reason to turn up. I can only hope that a whole slew of Challenge Tour top-up players receive enough prize money in the absence of much of the elite, that some of the more complacent among them struggle to scrape into even a heavily diluted field! More semi-pro players will get to test their mettle, but the standard of competition will be much inferior. It could hardly be said that the Players Championship series will provide an opportunity for darts' second string to test their Tour Card credentials anymore, but at least it will underscore the achievements of those Challenge Tour players of current and previous years, who were able to prove themselves as more than capable of competing with, and beating, the elite of the sport on a consistent basis, and reaping the due rewards.Deduce635828-10-2026
- No point in being there? Champions want to win.Deduce635828-10-2026
- Littler lost to crabtree in the youth/junior/whatever you call it. He had no point in being there. He's unfortunately now got to the stage,he feels all he has to do is get on the stage to win. Well,I hope he realises part of his fear factor has gone. Happened to Taylor,then van gerwen,and it's causing him to realise pretty sharp,he isn't unstoppable. It's good for the sport,not 1 single player in my 60 years has ever,or will ever be, unbeatable.rick6725-10-2026
- I think it's great to see Mark Webster looking good,good ladrick6725-10-2026
- I agree,I can't believe the lack of coverage of this sad loss. Always enjoyed watching him,but I guess now it's all about littler,well it seems that way. Darts has sadly lost a good manrick6717-10-2026
- In the absence of a report regarding the death of Stefan Lord, I'll assist. An excellent player in the late 70s and early 80s, he actually won the now defunct 3rd place match at two World Championships and a couple of the News of the World Championships. A fabulous player and easily the best Swedish player ever. Rest peacefully Stefan.richieburnettrocks16-10-2026
- Joking aside, it is the second most watched sport on sky (more than golf, F1 etc) behind football only, and in participation is second to only football and swimming. It doesn't get the attention or sponsorship of "bigger" sports because it's not as sexy, but it's right up there.BandB13-10-2026
- i love darts but you can't seriously believe it's the second most popular sport in the uk. even top five is pushing it. it may be the fastest growing, though.colt13-10-2026
- I'm a big Clayton fan, but he's got this completely wrong. Qualification criteria exists for a reason - so just as failing to make the top 32/64 for the Euro championships/PT Finals means you miss out, so does not lifting a title for this one.26sForFun12-10-2026
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