"Maybe we'll get our chance next year" - Beat Luke Littler contestant eyes return after Fallon Sherrock's £501,000 win denies five their chance

Five contestants never got their opportunity to face Luke Littler on Netflix after Fallon Sherrock's £501,000 victory brought Beat Luke Littler to an early conclusion. But one of those left waiting, Welsh amateur Pwyll Edwards, has raised the possibility of returning in 2027, despite admitting his chance to challenge the world champion simply "wasn't meant to be" this time around.

The 34-year-old fencing contractor from Llanuwchllyn had earned his place among the 20 prospective challengers at Manchester Central on 30 October, only to watch Sherrock defeat Littler in the 15th leg of the competition.

With the first successful challenger claiming the entire jackpot, Edwards and four others, including WDF world number one Mitchell Lawrie, were left without the opportunity to step onto the stage.

Rather than expressing frustration at the outcome, however, Edwards was full of praise for the eventual winner. "That's how competitions go, and fair play to Fallon Sherrock, she took her chance," he told BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast. "And yes, I didn't get a turn, but there we are, it wasn't meant to be. It was an incredible experience all the same."

Edwards has not given up hope of eventually testing himself against Littler, suggesting that those who missed out could potentially be invited back if Netflix stages another edition. "Possibly, maybe the five of us who were left and didn't get the opportunity might get our chance next year, but who knows?" he said.

His suggestion comes after Littler himself expressed enthusiasm for another Netflix event following his defeat to Sherrock. The two-time world champion had won 14 consecutive legs before the former Women's World Matchplay champion produced a 15-darter to claim the jackpot, bringing the evening to an immediate end.

Netflix has yet to confirm a second edition, however, and there has been no indication that the five unused contestants would receive priority should the programme return.

The circumstances of Edwards' missed opportunity also touch on a controversy that had surrounded Beat Luke Littler before the event even began. Netflix's decision to include established competitors such as Sherrock and teenage Scottish talent Mitchell Lawrie in a competition promoted towards amateurs attracted criticism, although neither breached the eligibility rules, which excluded players who had previously held PDC Tour Cards.

Sherrock's victory only intensified that debate, with the format ensuring that several contestants, including Lawrie and Edwards, would never get their chance.

Edwards might not have thrown a dart against Littler, but the preparations for the Netflix spectacle still provided experiences far removed from his everyday life in North Wales.

"It was a surreal experience. They took me to the top of a huge building in Manchester to have photographs taken with Luke Littler, and then they projected us onto a massive building," he recalled. "It was an incredible experience, really."

Before travelling to Manchester, Edwards had spoken about wanting to promote the Welsh language and represent his country. His planned walk-on reflected that ambition. "We rehearsed the walk-on, so I had 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' and flags everywhere," he explained.

Edwards also tested himself against former UK Open finalist Colin Osborne during the experience. "I missed five darts to beat him, so I knew my game was there, but who knows!" he said.

Although his time in Manchester ended without the opportunity he had travelled there for, Edwards insisted he had "enjoyed every single moment" of the experience. For now, it is back to his usual work as a fencing contractor. "Unfortunately, it's back to the old fencing hammer, just as I'd feared, but it's not a bad thing. At least I'll get some exercise!"

For Edwards, the fencing work resumes, with the possibility of another shot at Littler dependent on whether Netflix brings the competition back.