14-year-old darts sensation to take on Luke Littler for £501,000 prize on live Netflix show
The self-taught teenager from Wrexham only started playing darts three years ago – and secretly applied for the Netflix show on a whim.
A self-taught darts prodigy is preparing to face world champion Luke Littler in a high-stakes showdown for a life-changing £501,000 prize – despite never having competed in the sport before.
Makinley Cooper-Johnson, 14, from Wrexham, Wales, will be among 24 contestants taking on the darts superstar in Netflix's live show Beat Luke Littler on October 30. The teenager is the second youngest competitor in the line-up, with hopefuls aged between 14 and 57 battling for the huge cash prize.
Remarkably, Makinley only picked up darts in 2023 after his family bought a board for a New Year's Eve game. Since then, he has taught himself the sport, practising for around two hours a day in his bedroom or alongside his dad, Tom, 36, and brother Mitchel, 21.
Mum Stacie Cooper, 41, said her son applied for the show on a whim – without telling his family. "He said he's sent the email off on a whim, for a joke to see what would happen," she told Talk to the Press.
The family only discovered his application when he received an invitation to audition in Manchester. After initially considering turning back because of the enormous queue, a steward redirected Makinley to a separate queue for under-18s. He went on to complete a series of auditions, including a challenge to check out 502 points using just 24 darts, followed by interviews with darts figures Phil Turner and Barry Hearn, and presenter Laura Woods. Two weeks ago, he finally learned he had secured a place in the live show.
Despite his lack of competitive experience, Makinley is determined to make his mark. "I'm feeling starstruck but confident that I can go out there and do what needs to be done on the night," he said. He added that winning would transform his family's future, revealing he has already promised his brother a new car.
Makinley also dreams of one day becoming a professional and winning a world title. Stacie said the family were both excited and nervous, but had encouraged him to enjoy the experience regardless of the result. "If he's lucky enough to beat the world champion then all good, but go out there and be yourself," she said.