New Zealand Darts Masters 2026: All results, Preview, Draw, Schedule, Field, Format, History, Predictions

The final events of this year's World Series of Darts, the action then heads to the finals in Amsterdam in September. Many of the top names aren't bothering this year with Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen all not travelling.

This means that Gian van Veen will be the leading light in both events alongside Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, James Wade, Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock, Ross Smith and Damon Heta.

Simon Whitlock, Adam Leek, Ben Robb and Jonny Tata are among the leading lights from the qualifier line-up which comprises of Leek and Whitlock who will play both events as well as DPNZ and ADA qualifiers for the rest.

Eight players remain in contention for the New Zealand Darts Masters title, with the tournament reaching its conclusion in Auckland from 08:00 BST on Saturday. The quarter-finals begin with a standout clash between Gian van Veen and Jonny Clayton, the world numbers one and five respectively. Van Veen enjoyed a comfortable opening round, cruising to a 6-1 win over Jonny Tata. Clayton had a much tougher time of it, only just edging Haupai Puha 6-5.

The winner of Van Veen against Clayton will meet either James Wade or Josh Rock in the semi-finals. Wade had a straightforward route into the last eight, whitewashing Kayden Milne 6-0. ‘The Machine’ averaged 89, still almost 20 points higher than Milne’s figure. Rock was made to work harder in his opener, with the Northern Irishman coming through 6-4 against Australian veteran Simon Whitlock.

Another major name still in the hunt is Gerwyn Price, winner of the New Zealand Darts Masters in 2022. ‘The Iceman’ had few problems against Mark Cleaver in the opening round and booked his place in the quarter-finals with a 6-1 victory. Damon Heta will be his next opponent after ‘The Heat’ fought back from 4-1 down against Ben Robb. The Australian struggled early on but suddenly reeled off an 11-darter, 12-darter and 14-darter to drag himself back into the contest. Heta then took out 105 to move ahead and did not surrender the advantage.

At least one Oceanic player is guaranteed to reach the semi-finals in Auckland, with the two biggest surprises of the first round meeting in the last eight. Adam Leek produced the first upset by beating Ross Smith 6-5 after the Englishman missed six match darts. Raymond Smith then followed with an impressive 6-2 victory over Stephen Bunting, averaging 99.81 and converting 85.71% of his doubles. That sets up an all-Australian quarter-final between Leek and Smith, with one of them certain to reach the last four.

Luke Littler is the latest champion, but he won't return in 2026. The tournament was first held in 2019 and has been played in both Hamilton and now Auckland.

Auckland also had its own standalone World Series between 2015-2018, but this is solely including the tournament known as the New Zealand Masters or New Zealand Darts Masters whether in Hamilton or Auckland.

Samuel Gill, Head Editor for DartsNews.com has picked Jonny Clayton or James Wade for the title.

With the field being the way it is I see one of a few rising to the fore and it is names who have a habit of picking off these titles. Jonny Clayton has won in Australia/New Zealand before and is often the man to do it and so I pick him.

James Wade too no doubt will have a good run and is often adept to proving those wrong who don't pick him for tournaments. I also see Stephen Bunting and Ross Smith as ones to watch.

Bunting is often a World Series spoiler and for me would be beneficial for his end to the year and his new book *wink wink nudge nudge* for him to win a title. Smith too will do good either here or in Wollongong. Mike de Decker reached the final last year in one of these and I see Smith having a breakout too.

*** Jonny Clayton

** James Wade, Ross Smith

* Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price

Pieter Verbeek, Editor for DartsNieuws.com sees Gerwyn Price as being the one to benefit from this.

The annual stop Down Under is upon us once again. Hopefully, the first-round matches will prove a little more competitive than they have in recent years, when none of the local representatives managed to defeat one of the PDC players. On paper, you would suggest their chances are greater this time around, with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries both absent, while Michael van Gerwen is also missing from the line-up.

Their absence naturally opens the door for the other PDC stars to add a World Series title to their résumé. While these tournaments may not carry the same prestige as a major, a World Series crown is still a valuable addition to any player's list of honours. Gerwyn Price has already won four of them, including the New Zealand Darts Masters in 2023. If he can reproduce the level he showed during the latter stages of the World Matchplay, then for me he is the clear favourite to take the title in Auckland.

Gian van Veen has also shown glimpses recently that he is finding his way back towards his best. The Dutchman travelled to New Zealand earlier than most of his rivals, which should at least mean he arrives at the oche feeling a little fresher and better acclimatised.

I am also very interested to see what Ross Smith can produce. It will be a debut for ‘Smudger’ at a regular World Series event after an impressive first half of the year in which he claimed two Players Championship titles and a European Tour crown. Elsewhere, I would consider Jonny Clayton, James Wade and Josh Rock as the main outsiders capable of challenging for the title.

*** Gerwyn Price

** Gian van Veen, Ross Smith

* Jonny Clayton, James Wade, Josh Rock

Lucas Michael, Editor for DartsNews.com has picked Jonny Clayton to seal the title.

Without Luke Littler, Luke Humphries or Michael van Gerwen, this New Zealand Darts Masters has the feel of a very wide open tournament in which anything can happen. With darts back Down Under, Auckland is the first stop as the World Series of Darts continues.

From the off, I cannot see any Damon Heta, Corey Cadby or Kyle Anderson runs from any of the home talents. Maybe one or two can get through into the second day of action but at the business end I only really see the main challengers battling for glory.

The Welsh duo catches my eye. On different sides of the draw, I predict Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton to battle in what could be a fascinating final following ‘The Iceman’ taking back the Welsh number one spot.

I am not sure what to expect from the highest ranked player Gian van Veen or fellow young talent Josh Rock who blow hot and cold in recent times. Rock especially after that first round exit in New York will hope to get past this stage.

It is good to see James Wade back on the World Series, where he honestly belongs, and for Ross Smith to get a shot at glory. Heta will look to put on a show in his neighbouring New Zealand while Stephen Bunting has to be one of the favourites.

As forementioned. I am feeling an all-Welsh final, now just a 50/50 pick at the winner. In a repeat of the 2022 final, I see roles reversing and Clayton having the bragging rights in Auckland.

*** Jonny Clayton

** Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting

* Josh Rock, Gian van Veen, James Wade

Mats Leering, Editor for DartsNieuws.com like his colleague has also picked Price for the win.

Big names such as Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries are not competing Down Under, and that opens the door for other players. As far as I’m concerned, Gerwyn Price is the overwhelming favourite to win the title in New Zealand. ‘The Iceman’ recently reached the final of the World Matchplay and, in my view, looks to be the man to beat here too.

Behind him, I have high hopes for James Wade this weekend. Somehow, I get the feeling he wants to prove he belongs at these World Series events, and he’s also in a favourable quarter of the draw with plenty of potential. He could well reach the final.

Gian van Veen and Jonny Clayton are two other players who I think could also be in with a chance of the title. I also reckon Ross Smith might spring a surprise.

To be honest, I don’t expect too much from the Oceanic players. Damon Heta might just beat Ben Robb, but I don’t expect him to beat Price after that. Apart from that, I can only see Raymond Smith, against Stephen Bunting, and Simon Whitlock, against Josh Rock, maybe winning one match each.

***Gerwyn Price

**James Wade, Jonny Clayton

*Gian van Veen, Ross Smith

With the tournament being played between 14-15 August, it is presumed that with the Friday start it will likely be confirmed around Wednesday 12 August.

The schedule will be confirmed in the days that follow before the tournament begins on 14 August.