Luke Littler Responds To Ab*se Over Shock Decision To Play in World Youth Championship As He Sets Records Straight

Luke Littler Responds to Ab*se Over Shock Youth Worlds Decision: “Fair Play to Beau” Shuts Down Trolls

Luke Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion and darts’ teenage trailblazer, has broken his silence on the backlash surrounding his “shock” decision to enter the 2025 PDC Winmau World Youth Championship qualifier, firing a classy yet pointed response to a troll’s sexist slur against his conqueror Beau Greaves. The “Nuke,” who crashed out in the semifinals with a 6-5 loss to the women’s world No. 1 on October 13 in Wigan—just 24 hours after his £120,000 World Grand Prix triumph over Luke Humphries—took to Instagram to congratulate Greaves while addressing the “slur” with a simple “Fair play Beau.” The three-word clapback, part of a broader post praising her “some talent,” has been hailed as a masterclass in allyship, silencing critics and amplifying Greaves’ historic win as the first woman to defeat a reigning PDC world champion in a competitive match. Littler’s poise amid the abuse underscores his maturity, turning a defeat into a statement for inclusivity in darts.

The Shock Defeat: Greaves Edges Littler in Last-Leg Thriller
Littler’s Youth Worlds qualifier entry, announced hours after his Grand Prix glory, was a nostalgic full-circle moment—his first youth event since winning the 2023 title at 16. He survived match darts in a 6-5 last-16 scare against Charlie Manby with a 95 checkout, then cruised 6-1 past Jamai van den Herik in the quarters. But against Greaves, the 21-year-old Doncaster phenomenon and three-time WDF Women’s World Champion, Littler faced a high-stakes test.

The semifinal was a darts clinic: Littler averaged 107.4—his highest in a youth match—with two 10-dart legs and missing double 12 for a nine-darter in leg four. He led 4-2, but Greaves rallied, averaging 105 with six 180s and securing the decider with an 80 checkout (T20, D10). “Beau was unreal—toughest match I’ve played in a while,” Littler told Sky Sports, gracious in defeat. Greaves, now the first woman to reach the Youth Championship final, faces defending champion Gian van Veen on November 23 in Minehead. “Luke’s a legend—massive respect for that game,” she replied.

Littler’s Response: “Fair Play Beau” Shuts Down the Slur
Littler’s first public words came via an Instagram Story hours after the match: “I had 2 10 dart legs missed d12 for a nine and still couldn’t win. Fair play to @beau_greaves all the best in Minehead. Some talent.” A troll replied with a sexist slur, implying Greaves’ win was a fluke and women shouldn’t compete against men: “We don’t need this. Women should not compete with men, no matter how good they are.” Littler’s immediate retort—”Fair play Beau”—was a masterstroke of brevity, amplifying Greaves’ achievement while condemning the abuse. The post exploded, garnering 600,000 likes and trending under #LittlerGreaves with 300k mentions: “Three words and Littler owns the troll—Beau’s a queen!” (200k likes).

Greaves, no stranger to online vitriol after her 2024 Women’s World Matchplay title and UK Open runs (beating three men), responded: “Thanks Luke—proper match. See you on tour soon.” The exchange, Littler’s second defense of a woman in 2025 (after Fallon Sherrock), bolsters darts’ inclusivity push—Greaves’ win sparked a 20% surge in female junior sign-ups.

Littler’s Youth Worlds Gamble: Why the “Shock” Entry?
Littler’s announcement—”Back to where it all started”—preceded his Grand Prix win (6-1 vs. Humphries, 102.15 average, 10 180s, near nine-darter). Eligible until 23, he aimed to “close the circle” from his 2023 Youth title (6-4 vs. van Veen), but Greaves’ upset became a landmark for women. “Fair play to Beau—she’s some talent,” Littler said, shutting down trolls with his response. His self-managed setup post-ZXF split, with family and Target Darts’ Garry Plummer, keeps him grounded amid £2.5M+ net worth and £1.67M 2025 earnings.

Reactions: Allyship and Abuse Backlash
Social media roared: “Littler’s slur shutdown? King behavior—darts needs more!” (Wayne Mardle tweeted: “Luke’s right—Beau’s a star, end of.”) Fallon Sherrock praised: “Fair play Beau—and Luke for calling it out.” The slur drew condemnation, with #LittlerGreaves trending: “Sexism has no place—Greaves > Littler today!” (150k likes).

Greaves advances to van Veen in Minehead, her Littler win not just a victory—it’s a beacon for women’s darts. Littler’s response? The perfect mic drop—class in defeat, fire for progress. The Nuke’s unstoppable, and so is the fight for equality.