A darts fan has secured a remarkable £5,005 payout from a mere £10 bet after accurately forecasting that both Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen would execute the prestigious 170 checkout during their Premier League Darts semi-final clash in Dublin. The astonishing 500/1 wager, placed with Sky Bet, has generated significant buzz across social media platforms, with some users initially questioning its authenticity.
The Big Fish Bet That Paid Off
Stevan Wil De Cotten, the fortunate punter, predicted that both players would achieve the 'Big Fish' 170 checkout, which is the highest possible three-dart finish in the sport. This demanding feat requires a player to hit triple 20, triple 20, and bullseye consecutively under immense pressure. During the match, Van Gerwen struck the 170 to take a 5-3 lead, only for Littler to replicate the checkout to level the score at 5-5, ultimately winning the decider 6-5.
Wil De Cotten expressed his elation on social media, stating, 'I HAVE JUST MADE THE GREATEST BET OF ALL TIME. This has just changed my life.' He also addressed sceptics, noting, 'Literally won a decent bet and have every weirdo on here calling it fake.' Sky Bet confirmed that an additional 176 customers backed the same market with varying stakes, resulting in a six-figure total payout.
Littler's Dramatic Comeback Victory
Following his semi-final triumph, Luke Littler proceeded to win an epic final against Welshman Gerwyn Price, staging a remarkable comeback from 5-0 down to secure a 6-5 victory. The 19-year-old world number one reflected on his performance, admitting he is 'still learning not to react to the fans' after facing jeers from the Dublin crowd. Despite the hostility, Littler had the last laugh, celebrating sarcastically and waving goodbye when trailing 5-1, only for Price to miss three match darts, allowing the teenager to complete a stunning turnaround.
In a post-match press conference, Littler shared his mindset during the final, saying, 'In the first game against Stephen Bunting I didn't give anything to the fans, I didn't give any reaction and got the job done. It was the same in the final when I was 5-0 down, everyone doubted me, I definitely doubted myself but I had a little laugh and a joke. I was just having a bit of fun because I knew I was beaten.'
Reflections on Fan Interactions and Format Challenges
Littler elaborated on his approach to dealing with crowd reactions, emphasising his ongoing development in this area. 'I'm still learning not to react to the fans. I didn't do much then, only for the first leg, and then I can build on it. It is what it is, people want to see new winners but I've won again,' he remarked. Price missed crucial doubles when leading 5-3 and 5-4, ultimately losing in a tense last-leg decider.
The evening also highlighted struggles for other players, such as Northern Ireland's Josh Rock, who suffered a 6-0 defeat to Price, leaving him without a win after seven nights of the Premier League. Despite hitting a nine-darter in Belfast three weeks prior, Rock's form has been inconsistent. Littler offered support, stating, 'It's not going to plan with Josh but he definitely deserves to be here. Hopefully Josh can get a grip off the format and the Premier League very soon.'
