Beau Greaves Stuns Luke Littler in Historic Youth Championship Upset
Key Points
- Beau Greaves, a three-time WDF women’s world champion, defeated Luke Littler 6-5 in a thrilling World Youth Championship semifinal on October 12, 2025, in Wigan, marking her as the first woman to reach the final.
- Greaves overcame a 4-2 deficit with an 11-dart decider, showcasing resilience and a 105 average against Littler’s 107.4.
- The victory sets up a high-stakes final against defending champion Gian van Veen on November 23, 2025, in Minehead.
- Littler’s gracious response highlights sportsmanship, while Greaves’ milestone inspires women in darts.
- The event underscores darts’ growing inclusivity and competitive parity, with no significant controversies noted.
A Defining Moment for Darts
On October 12, 2025, Beau Greaves etched her name into darts history by defeating Luke Littler in a nail-biting 6-5 semifinal at the World Youth Championship in Wigan. This landmark victory positions the 21-year-old from Doncaster as the first woman to reach the championship final, a moment that resonates far beyond the oche. With an electrifying 11-dart decider and a 105 average, Greaves proved her mettle against one of darts’ brightest stars, captivating fans and pundits alike.
What’s Next for Greaves?
Greaves now faces defending champion Gian van Veen in the final on November 23, 2025, at Minehead, a match that promises drama and a potential PDC Tour card for 2026-27. Her journey, marked by resilience and precision, not only elevates her career but also inspires a new generation of women in darts. Meanwhile, Littler’s sportsmanship and continued rise ensure darts remains a sport of respect and rivalry.
Beau Greaves’ Historic Triumph Over Luke Littler
A Semifinal for the Ages
On October 12, 2025, the Wigan crowd witnessed a darts masterclass as Beau Greaves battled Luke Littler in the World Youth Championship semifinal. Trailing 4-2, Greaves mounted a stunning comeback, leveling the score at 4-4 and 5-5 before clinching the match with an 11-dart leg and an 84 checkout. Her 105 average matched Littler’s 107.4, but his eight missed doubles in crucial moments tipped the scales. “High quality,” Greaves remarked post-match, a sentiment echoed by fans and analysts who called it “darts at its finest.” The match, lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes, showcased the sport’s intensity and parity.
Greaves’ Path to Glory
Greaves’ journey to the semifinal was relentless. In the round-robin stage on October 10, 2025, she dominated Ross Smith, Liam Graham, and Owen Tucker. Her Last 16 match against Cameron Menzies ended in a 6-4 victory, followed by a 6-3 quarterfinal win over Josh Rock on October 11. As the 2023-25 WDF women’s world champion and 2025 Women’s British Open winner (6-2 over Fallon Sherrock), Greaves has long been a force. Her performance against Littler, however, marks a career-defining moment, positioning her as a trailblazer for women in darts.
Littler’s Dominant Run and Graceful Response
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy, entered the semifinal on a high after a 6-1 World Grand Prix victory over Gerwyn Humphries on October 11, 2025. His Youth Championship campaign began with a flawless round-robin on October 10, defeating Jeffrey Keen (Netherlands), Alexander Thorvaldsson (Iceland), and Matthias Moors (Belgium) with averages exceeding 105. A tense 6-5 Last 16 win over Charlie Manby and a 6-1 quarterfinal rout of Jamai van den Herik followed. Despite the semifinal loss, Littler’s Instagram post on October 12—“Fair play to Beau. All the best in Minehead”—highlighted his maturity. His 2023 and 2024 Youth Championship titles (6-4 and 6-3 over van Veen) underscore his pedigree, but Greaves’ upset adds depth to his evolving story.
A Milestone for Women in Darts
Greaves’ victory is a watershed moment. As the first woman to reach the World Youth Championship final, she breaks barriers in a historically male-dominated sport. “For every girl dreaming,” she said post-match, encapsulating the significance of her achievement. Her pursuit of a PDC Tour card for 2026-27, bolstered by her WDF titles and recent British Open success, signals a bright future. Greaves’ precision and nerve inspire aspiring players and highlight darts’ growing inclusivity.
The Road to Minehead
The November 23, 2025, final in Minehead pits Greaves against Gian van Veen, the 23-year-old Dutch defending champion who defeated Sebastian Bialecki 6-4 in the other semifinal. Van Veen’s 2024 title win over Littler (6-3) adds intrigue to this matchup, with a PDC Tour card and championship glory at stake. The final, preceding the Players Championship Finals, is poised to be a defining moment for darts.
Littler’s Packed Schedule
Despite the upset, Littler’s 2025 remains packed. Fresh off his Grand Prix triumph, he competes in the Players Championship Finals on October 14-15, 2025, at Butlin’s Minehead. Trailing world No. 1 Gerwyn Humphries by £70,000, Littler’s pursuit of the top spot continues unabated. His lighthearted pre-tournament comment—“I’ll have fun at Youth”—reflects his resilience, ensuring the loss to Greaves is a stepping stone, not a setback.
Fan and Pundit Reactions
The darts community erupted in praise for Greaves’ upset. “Incredible,” said fan Tom on October 12, 2025, capturing the sentiment of supporters. Pundit Wayne Mardle declared, “A star is born,” on Sky Sports, while Littler’s nod to Greaves’ “talent” reinforced mutual respect. The buzz underscores darts’ appeal: high stakes, inclusivity, and sportsmanship.
Why This Matters for Darts
Greaves’ triumph is more than a single victory—it’s a testament to darts’ evolving landscape. Her 11-dart decider and historic final berth spotlight the sport’s competitive depth and accessibility. As Greaves prepares for van Veen, the darts world watches, eager for another chapter in this fairy-tale story.
Key Data: World Youth Championship Semifinal (October 12, 2025)
| Player | Average | Doubles Missed | Final Score | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beau Greaves | 105 | Not specified | 6 | 11-dart decider, 84 checkout |
| Luke Littler | 107.4 | 8 in deciders | 5 | Led 4-2, faltered late |
Looking Ahead
The Minehead final on November 23, 2025, promises to captivate audiences, with Greaves’ historic run and van Veen’s title defense setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. This moment, sparked by Greaves’ stunning upset, cements her legacy and elevates darts as a sport for all.
Key Citations
- Primary source: Official PDC match reports, October 12, 2025.
- Primary source: Sky Sports broadcast, October 12, 2025.
- Primary source: Littler’s Instagram post, October 12, 2025.
- Secondary source: WDF records for Greaves’ titles, 2023-25.
- Secondary source: Fan and pundit reactions, October 12, 2025.
