Over the years, the
World Series of Darts has brought an impressive roster of big names to New Zealand. From Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen to Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price, countless world-class players have taken to the stage one or more times at World Series events in the country. Yet one player stands head and shoulders above the rest. Simon Whitlock is the outright record holder with nine appearances.
The Australian was present at the very first World Series edition in New Zealand in 2015 and has been a mainstay ever since. Between 2015 and 2026, Whitlock featured no fewer than nine times.
That puts him one appearance ahead of the duo Peter Wright and Damon Heta. Wright collected seven appearances between 2015 and 2024, while compatriot Heta also featured seven times between 2016 and 2026.
New Zealand has its own players with an impressive track record as well. Ben Robb sits on seven appearances and thus shares second place on the all-time list with Wright and Heta. Warren Parry featured six times, and Haupai Puha has also reached six appearances to date. Puha remains active and can further increase his total in the future.
Anderson and Van Gerwen with five appearances each
Behind the outright record holders, there is a striking array of big names. Gary Anderson, Raymond van Barneveld, and Michael van Gerwen each featured five times in New Zealand. Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price, James Wade, and New Zealand crowd favorite Mark Cleaver also stand on five appearances. Wade and Price are particularly notable, as both are once again part of the field in 2026.
The list also neatly illustrates how the World Series has evolved over the years. Phil Taylor played in New Zealand three times between 2015 and 2017, while players such as Rob Szabo, Kyle Anderson, Dimitri Van den Bergh, and Stephen Bunting also participated at least three times. Bunting is a notable name here, as “The Bullet” has been on the entry list since 2015 and records his third appearance in 2026.
Several of the current generation’s biggest stars have now gained experience in New Zealand as well. Luke Littler and Luke Humphries both featured twice in 2024 and 2025. Jonny Clayton and Josh Rock also have two appearances, with both returning again in 2026.
Gian van Veen makes his New Zealand Darts Masters debut this year
Gian van Veen is making his debut at a World Series event in New Zealand. The Dutchman is among the players taking to New Zealand soil for the first time this year. Ross Smith, Adam Leek, and Raymond Smith are also set for their first appearance at a World Series event in the country.
With names like Whitlock, Wright, Heta, Price, Wade, and Bunting, the World Series in New Zealand boasts a rich history of established stars. At the same time, the arrival of fresh faces such as Van Veen ensures the historical entry list continues to grow each year. The Australians and New Zealanders remain traditionally well represented, but Europe’s elite are increasingly leaving their mark on the event.
This makes the World Series in New Zealand not only a key stage for the current generation, but also a tournament where the history of international darts is further written every year.