The darts world is still buzzing after a thrilling showdown between two of its brightest stars, Luke Littler and Beau Greaves, at Players Championship 24 in Milton Keynes. The August 25, 2025, match, which saw the 18-year-old world champion Littler edge out the 21-year-old women’s world champion Greaves in a nail-biting 6-5 last-leg decider, has sparked fervent excitement among fans. Described as a “generational clash,” the match showcased the immense talent of both players, leading to widespread calls for them to join forces as a dream team for England at the World Cup of Darts. With electrifying performances and mutual respect on display, this encounter has cemented their status as the future of darts.
The match was a spectacle from start to finish. Littler, known as “The Nuke,” faced a formidable challenge from Greaves, who averaged an astonishing 101.92 compared to Littler’s 96.64. Greaves, with an 83% checkout success rate, took out five of her six attempts at doubles and broke Littler’s throw twice, pushing the reigning PDC World Champion to his limits. The pair split eight 180s, delivering a high-octane display that left spectators in awe. Littler sealed the victory with a clinical 56 finish, but the intensity of the match left him visibly drained, as he went on to lose 6-4 to Rob Cross in the next round. “Littler is completely done after his match against Beau Greaves. There’s not much left in the tank,” one fan observed, highlighting the toll of the epic battle.
Greaves’ performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Earlier in the tournament, she showcased her dominance with a 6-0 whitewash over Dennie Olde Kalter and a 6-4 victory against five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld. Her average of 106 in the loss to Littler underscored her ability to compete at the highest level. “Beau Greaves gonna be a problem on the tour next year,” one fan predicted, while another declared, “Beau Greaves has gone toe to toe with both Lukes this year. She is top class.” Her fearless play against Littler marked her first main-tour encounter with the world champion, a milestone that only amplified her growing reputation.
The idea of Littler and Greaves teaming up has captured the imagination of the darts community. “Team England at the World Cup in 2030. A fantastic match to watch,” one fan enthused, envisioning a powerhouse partnership. Another added, “Great game, Bo is just incredible.” The chemistry between the two young stars, combined with their complementary skills, could make them an unstoppable force. Littler’s explosive scoring and clutch finishing, paired with Greaves’ precision and consistency, would create a formidable duo. Fans see this as a potential game-changer for England, especially after Littler’s lackluster World Cup performance alongside Luke Humphries earlier this year, which former player Michael Smith attributed to the “ego” of the world number one.
Greaves’ journey to this moment has been remarkable. As the reigning WDF Women’s World Champion, she has dominated the Women’s Series, winning 58 consecutive matches and securing eight titles in 2025 alone. Her earlier clash with Humphries at the UK Open, where she averaged 92 in a 10-7 loss, earned her widespread praise, with Humphries bringing her back on stage for a standing ovation. Greaves is on track to earn a PDC Tour Card through her top ranking on the Development Tour, a step she’s ready to embrace. “I would be stupid not to,” she said in May. “You never know when you’re going to get that chance again. I want to have that next part of my game.”
Littler, meanwhile, continues to redefine darts. At just 18, he’s already the youngest PDC World Champion, with six major titles, including the Premier League, World Matchplay, and UK Open. His nine-darter at the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters and a record-breaking six in a single year have solidified his status as a global superstar. Yet, Greaves’ ability to push him to the brink highlights her potential to match his brilliance. Their shared history—having last faced off six years ago when Littler was 12 and Greaves was 15—adds a layer of nostalgia to their rivalry.
The darts world is eager for more chapters in this saga. Greaves’ reluctance to face male players on television, as expressed before the 2024 Grand Slam (“People know I’m not keen on playing the lads on telly”), contrasts with her fearless performance against Littler, suggesting she’s ready to embrace bigger stages. As fans dream of a Littler-Greaves partnership, their clash has already proven one thing: darts is thriving with young talent, and these two are leading the charge. Whether they team up or continue to battle as rivals, their story is far from over, promising more thrilling moments for fans worldwide.
Leave a Reply