In a match that had darts fans on the edge of their seats, Luke Littler emerged victorious against Beau Greaves in a breathtaking board final at Players Championship 24 in Milton Keynes on August 25, 2025. The clash, a showcase of raw talent and unyielding determination, lived up to its billing as a generational showdown, with Littler clinching a dramatic deciding leg to secure the win. The electric atmosphere at the Marshall Arena underscored the significance of this encounter, as two of darts’ brightest stars pushed each other to the limit in a contest that will be remembered as a classic.
Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion and world number two, entered the match as the favorite but faced a formidable challenge from Greaves, the two-time Women’s World Matchplay champion. The tension was palpable from the first dart, with both players trading 180s and high checkouts in a display of precision and nerve. Littler, known for his explosive scoring, delivered a performance that blended youthful exuberance with seasoned composure. His ability to stay calm under pressure was evident in the final leg, where he held his nerve to seal the victory. Reflecting on the match, Littler praised his opponent, saying, “What a game between two generational talents!” His words echoed the sentiments of fans who witnessed a contest that showcased the future of the sport.
Beau Greaves, a trailblazer in women’s darts, proved she could more than hold her own against the sport’s elite. The 21-year-old, who has dominated the Women’s Series, brought her A-game to Milton Keynes, where she was competing in the PDC ProTour thanks to the concurrent Women’s Series event. Greaves’ performance was a testament to her skill and ambition, as she pushed Littler to the brink with her relentless accuracy and fearless approach. Her earlier ProTour win against Josh Rock, where she averaged 102.7 and hit six 180s, had already signaled her potential, but this match against Littler elevated her reputation further. “It’s just great to be on stage with these players and give a good account of myself,” Greaves said afterward, her humility belying the ferocity of her performance.
The match, part of the 34-event PDC ProTour series, unfolded in a best-of-15-leg format, demanding both stamina and precision. The Milton Keynes crowd, buzzing with anticipation, roared with every maximum and gasped at every near-miss. Littler’s victory was hard-fought, with Greaves matching him dart for dart through much of the contest. The deciding leg was a microcosm of the match’s intensity, as Littler landed a crucial double to edge out Greaves, sparking wild celebrations among his supporters. The win not only added £15,000 to his coffers but also bolstered his standing in the Players Championship Order of Merit, where he sits 61st due to limited ProTour appearances. A top-64 finish is crucial for securing a spot in the Players Championship Finals in Minehead from November 21-23, and this victory keeps Littler on track.
For Greaves, the defeat was bittersweet but underscored her growing influence in the sport. Her presence in the final was a landmark moment, challenging stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of players. Luke Humphries, the world number one, had previously tipped her as a future star, saying she could soon rival the likes of Littler and Michael van Gerwen. This performance only strengthened that belief, as Greaves demonstrated she belongs on the biggest stages.
The broader context of Players Championship 24 added to the match’s significance. The event featured a stacked field of 128 players, including heavyweights like van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Stephen Bunting. Yet, it was the Littler-Greaves showdown that stole the show, broadcast live on PDCTV and captivating a global audience. The match highlighted the evolving landscape of darts, where young talents like Littler and barrier-breakers like Greaves are redefining what’s possible.
As the dust settles on this thriller, the darts world is left buzzing about what’s next for these two prodigies. Littler’s victory reinforces his status as a generational talent, while Greaves’ performance signals her readiness to compete with the best. Their clash was more than a match—it was a glimpse into the future of darts, where skill, heart, and drama collide to create unforgettable moments.
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