Here is why Luke Littler won't be appearing in Sidemen charity match as World Champion receives sharp but not personal response from KSI

Luke Littler’s hope of making an appearance in the 2026 Sidemen Charity Match has definitively vanished. The reigning darts world champion announced on social media in February that he would love to take part in the popular charity game, but this week received a clear “no” from KSI.

The British YouTube star firmly shut down the rumors and stressed that Littler’s participation simply does not fit within the event’s rules.

The annual Sidemen Charity Match, organized by the hugely popular YouTube group Sidemen, is scheduled for April 18th at a fully sold-out Wembley Stadium in London. The game has grown into one of the world’s biggest online sporting events, with millions of viewers tuning in live via YouTube. Last year, alongside the core Sidemen members, major internet personalities such as IShowSpeed, Logan Paul, and MrBeast also took part.

In early February, the just 19-year-old Littler shared an Instagram post from the Sidemen announcing that tickets had sold out within hours. The young Englishman, who has often presented himself as a big football fan and is a Manchester United supporter, added a clear message: “Put me in the team, Sidemen.”

Excitement quickly spread among darts fans and Sidemen followers alike. The idea of the darts world champion swapping his arrows for football boots captured the imagination. Littler is no stranger to the wider sports world either; he regularly appears at football matches and other sporting events. Yet the dream soon proved further away than hoped.

During an interview on Capital FM, KSI was asked whether he had responded to Littler’s request. His answer was unequivocal. "I have not responded, and he's not in,” he said bluntly.

The 32-year-old Brit, who is not only a YouTuber but also a boxer and a Britain’s Got Talent judge, elaborated on his decision. According to KSI, the organization has adhered to one fixed rule for years: only content creators may participate. “It sounds so bad, but we only have content creators on the Sidemen Charity Match,” KSI said. “So we haven't ever had a celebrity come on to play. That's more for like Soccer Aid. You never know, maybe one day we'll have Soccer Aid versus Sidemen."

KSI emphasized that the rejection of Littler is nothing personal. On the contrary, he spoke respectfully about the young darts sensation but stood by the event’s principle. "I think for us we're focusing more on just content creators,” he explained. "That's how it's always been, and even if Justin Bieber wanted to play, we'd go, 'No! Content creators only!'"

For Littler, it means that his sporting venture to Wembley is off the table for now. Although his world title and massive popularity among young people would certainly have had pull, he falls outside the event’s target group as a professional darter.

Among darts fans, the reaction is mixed. Many understand the organization’s stance; others would have found it special to see the reigning darts world champion in action on Wembley’s hallowed turf. After all, Littler is the face of the sport’s new generation and enjoys huge popularity beyond the circuit.

For now, however, the teenage sensation will have to refocus fully on the oche. With his young age and already impressive honors list, plenty of opportunities lie ahead, perhaps even a creative collaboration with the Sidemen away from the football pitch one day.