Luke Littler, the teenage darts phenomenon who has captured the hearts of sports fans around the globe, has been ruled out of participating in one of the most popular celebrity football events of the year. The 19-year-old world champion publicly expressed his interest in joining the Sidemen Charity Match, but his request was firmly denied by YouTube superstar KSI in a direct and unapologetic manner.
The Sidemen Charity Match has evolved into a major annual spectacle, blending football, entertainment, and philanthropy in a way that resonates with millions. Scheduled for today, Saturday, April 18, at the historic Wembley Stadium in London, this year’s edition kicks off at 3pm BST. The iconic venue, known for hosting some of football’s greatest moments, sold out rapidly, highlighting the massive appeal of the event. With a capacity nearing 90,000, the stadium will be packed with enthusiastic fans eager to witness a fun-filled clash between two teams of prominent online personalities, all while raising substantial funds for charitable causes.
Littler, fresh from his impressive triumphs on the darts circuit, including his victory in the PDC World Championship, seemed excited about the possibility of crossing over into the football arena. The young star from Warrington tagged the Sidemen collective on social media with a simple but hopeful plea: “Get me in the team Sidemen.” For many observers, it appeared to be a perfect fit. Littler’s youthful charisma, combined with his growing mainstream popularity, could have brought an extra layer of excitement to the match. Fans imagined him trading his darts for football boots, adding his competitive edge to the lively atmosphere at Wembley.
However, those aspirations were quickly extinguished. While appearing on Capital FM, KSI, a key member of the Sidemen and a driving force behind the charity match, was asked about Littler’s request. His response was immediate and unambiguous. “I have not responded, and he’s not in,” KSI stated plainly. He elaborated further, acknowledging that his stance might come across harshly but emphasizing the event’s core principle. “It sounds so bad, but we only have content creators on the Sidemen Charity Match. So we haven’t ever had a celebrity come on to play.”
KSI went on to reinforce this policy, noting that the match has always been reserved exclusively for individuals from the content creation world. “I think for us we’re focusing more on just content creators. That’s how it’s always been, and even if Justin Bieber wanted to play, we’d go, ‘No! Content creators only.'” This strict guideline has defined the Sidemen Charity Match from its beginnings, ensuring that the event remains a celebration of the YouTube and streaming community. Participants share a common background in building audiences through videos, challenges, and live streams, creating a unique bond that enhances the camaraderie on and off the pitch.
The decision highlights the intentional boundaries the Sidemen have maintained to preserve the authenticity of their event. While crossovers between sports stars and digital entertainment are increasingly common, the charity match prioritizes its roots in the creator economy. KSI, who has himself explored ventures in boxing, music, and football club involvement, understands the importance of consistency in sustaining the match’s identity. Allowing external celebrities, regardless of their fame or talent in other fields, could shift the dynamic away from the original vision of creators coming together for a shared cause.
For Littler, the rejection represents a missed opportunity to engage with a vast, younger audience that overlaps with his own fanbase. At just 19, he has already achieved what many professional athletes dream of, boasting record-breaking performances and a down-to-earth personality that has made him a household name. His rapid rise has seen him dominate darts tournaments with precision, composure, and flair, drawing new viewers to the sport. Many believed a appearance at Wembley could further bridge the worlds of traditional sports and online content, potentially creating memorable moments and boosting charitable donations through heightened interest.
As the match unfolds today, the lineup stays true to the content creators-only format. The Sidemen team features core members and collaborators such as Zerkaa, Vikkstar123, Wroetoshaw, TBJZL, Deji, and others, with additional talents like xQc, Adapt, and Jynxzi. On the opposing YouTube Allstars side, players include KSI himself switching teams this year, alongside Miniminter, Behzinga, AngryGinge, Sketch, CarryMinati, Ibai, Max Fosh, and more. Managed respectively by figures like Jack Joseph and Calfreezy, the game promises plenty of skillful plays mixed with humorous mishaps typical of influencer football. The action will be broadcast live on YouTube, allowing millions to tune in for free and enjoy the commentary and highlights.
The exclusion of Littler has ignited conversations across social platforms and sports discussions. Some fans voiced disappointment, suggesting his inclusion could have elevated the event’s profile without undermining its spirit. Others praised KSI’s straightforward approach and the commitment to keeping the match as a dedicated space for creators. This episode reflects broader trends in modern entertainment, where digital communities carve out distinct identities amid frequent overlaps with mainstream sports and celebrity culture.
Despite not featuring at Wembley, Littler’s focus remains on excelling in darts, where he continues to inspire aspiring players and entertain audiences with his remarkable skill. The Sidemen Charity Match, meanwhile, carries on its tradition of uniting influential figures for positive impact. Over the years, these games have raised significant sums for various good causes, demonstrating the power of online platforms to drive real-world change.
In a landscape where boundaries between different forms of fame are often blurred, the Sidemen’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the value in maintaining clear principles. Littler’s brief interest added an intriguing subplot to the buildup, showcasing the widespread allure of the event. As the final whistle blows today, the emphasis will be on enjoyment, friendly rivalry, and the charitable goals that bring everyone together. The sold-out crowd at Wembley will create an electric atmosphere, ensuring another memorable chapter in the Sidemen Charity Match history.
Whether Littler pursues future opportunities in similar crossover events or channels his energy solely into darts, his journey remains one of remarkable achievement and potential. For now, the pitch at Wembley belongs to the creators who have built this unique tradition, delivering entertainment and goodwill in equal measure. The 2026 edition is set to deliver excitement, laughs, and lasting contributions, proving once again that when passion and purpose align, the results can be truly special.