Beat Luke Littler delivered a headline moment on Friday as Fallon Sherrock, known as the “Queen of the Palace,” stunned the 19-year-old darts world champion in a single-leg showdown to claim a prize worth 501,000 pounds, about $670,000.
Beat Luke Littler puts $670,000 on the line
The one-off Netflix special challenged 20 amateur contestants to defeat Luke Littler over one leg, with the jackpot awarded to anyone who managed the upset. Littler had already dispatched 14 opponents when he faced Sherrock, who first made global headlines in 2019 by becoming the first woman to beat a man at the sport’s world championship at Alexandra Palace. She actually beat two men during that run.
Sherrock earned the opening throw by landing closer to bull, then piled on a maximum 180 to surge ahead. She left 43 while Littler remained on 142, and she sealed the victory with a double 20. The payout ranks as the sport’s second-largest, behind the 1 million pound winner’s check at the world championship.
‘Queen of the Palace’ answers critics
Sherrock’s participation drew some online criticism, since she qualified as an amateur because she does not hold a top-tier PDC Tour card. She said the win felt like another chance to showcase women’s darts, adding that she was happy to rise above the negativity.
“I’ve just beaten the best in the world, and I can’t say that very often,” she said, noting she met the event’s criteria and plays the game for enjoyment.
Rapid-fire format in Manchester
The event in Manchester featured one-leg matches played roughly every 10 minutes. Irish student Pearse Mackie, the eighth challenger, was the first to earn a dart for victory but missed the bull. Mark Pooke, who faced Phil Taylor in a pro match nearly two decades ago, also had a chance in the ninth leg but could not finish 138.
Littler said he relished the experience and would welcome another edition, calling the entire production, from advertising to photo shoots, enjoyable. For more on how public figures navigate big moments in the spotlight, see our coverage of King Charles III Bahamas visit draws cheers and reparations calls.
