A 14-year-old darts prodigy is set to face world champion Luke Littler in a live showdown for a shot at £501,000. Jayden Walker, from Christchurch, Dorset, is one of 24 amateur players picked to appear on Beat Luke Littler, a live Netflix show in which contestants take on the world champion in a single leg of 501 — unless someone beats him, ending the challenge.
Jayden, whose playing nickname is The Young Gun, has already played Littler twice. He said: "He beat me 3-0 the first time... he was on fire, then the second time I lost 2-1 but I won the first leg so I got the leg I need tonight to win the money." Ahead of the live show in Manchester at 19:00 GMT on Friday, he said he was "excited... but then also a little bit nervous".
The teenager, who started playing darts in local leagues aged about 10, said his family was "so proud" and planned to hold a watch party because his two brothers were too young to attend the show. The first contestant to beat the 19-year-old two-time world champion will land the big-money prize and bring the competition to an end.
Jayden earned his spot through an audition process that saw thousands of hopefuls attempt to complete a leg of 501 in 24 darts or fewer. Successful players then progressed to an interview with the show's producers before a final stage assessment with a judging panel that included 16-time world darts champion Phil Taylor. Jayden described the interview with Phil "The Power" Taylor as quite "nerve-wracking" as he is the "GOAT (greatest of all time) of darts", adding that Taylor said "I was a nice kid".
If he lands the top prize, Jayden said the money will be put into a trust fund until he turns 18.
