Beau Greaves made history by defeating reigning PDC world champion Luke Littler in a thrilling semi-final of the World Youth Championship, becoming the first woman to reach the final of this prestigious event. The 21-year-old from Doncaster secured a dramatic 6-5 victory in a last-leg decider, showcasing her exceptional talent and composure under pressure.
The match took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan, where Greaves edged out Littler in a high-quality contest. Both players delivered impressive performances, with Littler averaging 107.4 and Greaves 105, highlighting the intensity of the clash. Greaves sealed the win with an 80 checkout in the final leg, overcoming a resilient effort from the young champion, who had just won the World Grand Prix the day before.
This upset came as a surprise to many, given Littler’s dominance in darts, having claimed his seventh major title only 24 hours earlier. Despite the quick turnaround, Littler competed strongly, but Greaves’ steady play and ability to level the match at key moments proved decisive. The loss marked a rare setback for Littler, who has been a formidable force in the sport since his breakthrough.
Beau Greaves is no stranger to success, with a remarkable record that includes three WDF women’s world championships and two PDC Women’s World Matchplay titles. She has been on an incredible streak, winning 58 consecutive matches and nine successive events in the PDC Women’s Series, earning her the nickname ‘Beau ‘n’ Arrow’ for her precision. Her background includes playing darts from a young age with her brother, and she has long been recognized within the sport as an outstanding prospect.
The victory is a significant milestone for women’s darts, as Greaves breaks barriers by reaching the final of a major PDC youth event. Deta Hedman, a pioneer in the sport, praised Greaves as a “very special” talent, noting her natural ability and unflappable demeanor. Hedman emphasized that Greaves has the skill to compete at the highest levels and could potentially win major titles against male competitors, challenging previous perceptions.
Greaves has previously expressed doubts about competing against top men, stating last July that she didn’t believe any woman could win the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace. However, this win has bolstered her confidence, and she is now set to participate in the PDC World Championship in December, having qualified through her performances. Her journey reflects a shift in attitudes toward gender in darts.
In the aftermath, Littler showed sportsmanship by congratulating Greaves on social media, calling her “some talent” and wishing her well for the final. This gesture highlights the mutual respect within the darts community and underscores the significance of Greaves’ achievement. The reaction from fans and peers has been largely positive, with many celebrating her as an inspiration for aspiring female players.
Looking ahead, Greaves will face defending champion Gian van Veen in the World Youth Championship final on November 23 at Butlin’s Minehead Resort. She has also qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton next month, where another potential clash with Littler could occur. Her success opens new doors for women in professional darts, and her continued progress will be closely watched as she aims to build on this historic moment.