"I can compete with one of the best in the world" - Charlie Manby reacts to Luke Littler epic at World Youths and eyes success on upcoming Ally Pally debut

Charlie Manby has reflected on his epic World Youth Championship clash with Luke Littler, describing it as “a bit surreal” but proof that he can compete with the very best — and now the 20-year-old prodigy is ready to test himself on the grandest stage of all at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.

Manby was inches from stunning the world number one in their memorable encounter, missing the bull on a 130 finish to win the match. It’s a moment that still sticks in his mind. “It was mad,” he told Tungsten Tales. “Even there at the venue, everyone in the room was gathered around that board watching. It was surreal, but I felt comfortable. Knowing I can compete with one of the best in the world was a great feeling. Yeah, I missed match darts — on another day they go in — but just competing is the main thing. You can be in the same room as them all you like, but if you’re competing, then you’re at a good level.”

Afterwards, the two rising stars shared a warm chat that showed the friendship behind the rivalry. “Yeah, we had a good chat about old times really — coming up as youngsters and now producing one of the greatest games in World Youth history. I’ve got a lot of time for Luke, and he’s got a lot of time for me as well. It’s a good friendship, as well as hopefully a battle that carries on for years.”

Manby also wasn’t surprised to see Littler confirm his participation in this year’s World Youth Championship — though he admits the reaction among players was telling.

“Yes and no,” he said. “If he wants to come, he can come. He’s still eligible to play, so why not? People were going around the room saying, ‘Littler’s coming, Littler’s coming,’ and that’s when you get worried about it. But if you’re not bothering and just take every game as it comes, you’ll be fine. People can think about it way too much. I know Luke as a friend, not as a famous darts player.”

It’s been a breakthrough season for Manby, and the highlight so far is qualifying for the PDC World Darts Championship — an achievement that left him both relieved and proud.

“It was crazy,” he admitted. “I knew I was somewhere there or thereabouts. Then when Jamai won the first one on the Sunday, it all started to go a bit the other way. I was very nervous playing the games, but luckily I tried not to think about it and just kept winning. I knew I’d be all right. When I found out, it was just a big relief and a great feeling.”

Playing at Ally Pally will be a huge step up — but Manby is taking it in his stride. “Like you say, it’s just riding the wave at the minute and I’m just happy to be there and participate on one of the greatest stages of all time. Just to get there this year is a great achievement and I’m happy to be there. There’s no pressure on me, which I think is a big thing. I’m not fighting for prize money to keep my Tour Card like some people. It’s just a free shot for me, essentially year one of doing everything. It’s good to have that freedom of just playing, knowing whatever happens, happens.”

That relaxed attitude stems from how far he’s already come this season. Manby admits the early months of the year tested his self-belief, but the turnaround has been remarkable. “At the start of the year, with going to Q School and the start of the Challenge Tours, it was tough,” he explained. “I sort of didn’t have that belief in myself, but then something just clicked and it all started to fall into place quite nicely. I started to get results, and I had a bit of luck on my side, which gave me the confidence to come out on the right side of games.”

Confidence, he says, has been the key ingredient. “That first Dev Tour win was a big thing for me, and it was a long time coming. Like you say, you just kick on from there. It’s a big confidence thing — if you’re confident going into any game of darts, you’re going to do well.”

Manby’s progress has come on the ultra-competitive Development Tour, where the standard continues to rise year after year. “Yeah, definitely,” he said. “The standard’s only got better and better — and it’s only going to get better, that’s the scary thing. You think what’s going on now is crazy, but what could happen in the next five years with the young ones who are 13 or 14 now? They’re going to come through and hit even harder.”

“I enjoy playing the better players. I think it brings the best out of me because you know you have to be on your game, and that’s where I want to be. I want to be playing the pros, and I think that’s where I am at the minute with the results I’ve had. I enjoy it, and like I said, I enjoy playing the better players because it brings out the best in me.”

Manby’s name first exploded into wider attention earlier this year when he recorded a staggering 130 average — the highest ever seen on the PDC circuit. The performance went viral overnight, but the man himself didn’t realise how historic it was until later.

“It was very strange,” he recalled. “During the game I wasn’t really thinking about much at all, but it just felt like you could put a blindfold over me and I’d still be able to hit treble 20. It was really weird. I’d never felt like that before and it was a great feeling. After the game, when I found out it was a record, I didn’t know it was going to go as big as it did. It all hit me at once after the tournament finished — social media was popping off, going mad. It gave me a big confidence boost and I was riding the wave for a good few weeks after that.”

Even so, he remains humble about the achievement. “It’s a good stat to have, but at the end of the day it’s just one game. It’s not a tournament win, it’s not a massive win — it’s just one game.”

Asked whether he thinks anyone will break the record, Manby was diplomatic. “I don’t know. Because it was only first to four, I think in longer formats like the Pro Tours — first to six or more — it’s harder to keep that consistency. Players are definitely capable, but it’d be tough.”

With his form, confidence and reputation all on the rise, Manby believes now is the moment to push on towards the professional ranks. “I don’t see why not,” he said. “The chances are there to be taken. I know my game, I believe in myself, and I’m riding a big wave at the minute with confidence. Fingers crossed it should all go well and I’ll take the chances that are there.”

And looking into 2026, the target is clear. “Hopefully a Tour Card. That’s the main aim for most people going to Q School. But like I said, I’m still young — I’m only 20 — so I’ve got plenty of time. If it’s not to be this year, hopefully I’ve got many years to come to try and get it. I just take it as it comes. There’s plenty of stuff to do with or without a Tour Card. I’ll just keep busy and hopefully push on and get that Tour Card — that’s the main aim.”

From that record-shattering 130 average to the bright lights of Ally Pally, Charlie Manby’s rise has been rapid and fearless. With the game, belief and temperament already in place, his journey is only just beginning.