‘I’m the one’ – Luke Littler has clear message for critics after playing in World Youth Championship

Luke Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion and darts’ teenage phenomenon, has fired a defiant shot at his detractors following his surprise semifinal exit at the 2025 PDC Winmau World Youth Championship qualifier on October 13 in Wigan. The “Nuke,” fresh off his £120,000 triumph over Luke Humphries in the World Grand Prix final the previous day, was edged out 6-5 by Beau Greaves in a last-leg decider, prompting a troll’s sexist slur on his congratulatory Instagram post. Littler’s response—”Fair play to Beau”—not only shut down the abuse but sent a clear message to critics questioning his “shock” decision to compete: “I’m the one who gets it in the neck… I didn’t win so obviously a lot of people were happy.” Speaking exclusively to the PDC after a 6-3 win in Players Championship 32, Littler set the record straight, emphasizing his unbreakable spirit amid the backlash.

The “Shock” Defeat: Greaves’ Sensational Upset

Littler’s youth 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 thriller against Charlie Manby with a 95 checkout, then demolished Jamai van den Herik 6-1 in the quarters. But against Greaves, the 21-year-old Doncaster sensation and three-time WDF Women’s World Champion, the session became a high-stakes classic. Littler averaged a blistering 107.4—landing two 10-dart legs and missing double 12 for a nine-darter in leg four—to lead 4-2. Greaves, with a 105 average and six 180s, rallied to force a decider, winning with an 80 checkout (T20, D10) to become the first woman to reach the World Youth Championship final.

“Beau was unreal—toughest match I’ve played in a while,” Littler told Sky Sports, gracious in defeat. Greaves, who advances to face defending champion Gian van Veen on November 23 in Minehead, replied: “Luke’s a legend—massive respect for that game.” The upset, Littler’s first in a youth event since 2023, sparked debate: Critics called it “pointless” for a world champion to “compete with kids,” but Littler clapped back during PC32: “The likes of Van Veen & Keane Barry were in it but I’m the one who gets it in the neck. I didn’t win so obviously a lot of people were happy.”

Littler’s Response: “Fair Play to Beau” Shuts Down the Troll

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, amplifying her achievement while condemning the abuse. The post exploded, garnering 600,000 likes and trending #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.” Littler’s allyship echoes his support for Fallon Sherrock, boosting darts’ inclusivity—Greaves’ win sparked a 20% surge in female junior sign-ups.

The Bigger Picture: Littler’s ‘Shock’ Decision and Defiant Spirit

Littler’s youth entry, announced with “Back to where it all started,” was a fun nod to his 2023 Youth title (6-4 vs. van Veen). “Some people said I’m not going to make it [to PC Finals]—well, there you go, I’ve made it now,” he buzzed after PC32, hitting the top 64 with £5,000 for a last-32 win over Edhouse. The Greaves loss “stings,” but his “I’m the one” message to critics underscores resilience—his 2025 Triple Crown (£1.5M+), Grand Prix (£120k), and PC Finals qualification prove he’s untouchable.

Reactions: Allyship and Abuse Backlash

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

As Greaves eyes van Veen in Minehead, Littler’s message is clear: He’s the one who rises. The Nuke’s “fights” fuel his fire—the oche awaits his roar.