The US Darts Masters 2025 sees the return of the World Series of Darts to the Big Apple between June 27-28. It features the biggest names in darts competing against North America's best in the iconic Madison Square Garden.
A hot ticket especially with the rise of messrs Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, it likely won't be long until the venue is changed and given a grander scene even.
Rob Cross is the defending champion after defeating defending champion Gerwyn Price 8-7 in the 2024 final. Both will return in 2025.
Evening session (from 7 p.m. local time)
Damon Heta (98.68) 6-1 (86.25) Jim Long
Rob Cross (89.26) 0-6 (93.94) Danny Lauby
Stephen Bunting (91.85) 4-6 (86.40) Jason Brandon
Gerwyn Price (102.47) 6-2 (74.65) Adam Sevada
Luke Littler (92.16) 6-1 (73.75) Jules van Dongen
Nathan Aspinall (104.68) 6-2 (84.38) Matt Campbell
Luke Humphries (93.42) 6-4 (86.08) Stowe Buntz
Michael van Gerwen (99.63) 6-1 (90.33) Leonard Gates Best of 11 legs
Saturday, June 28 – Final Stages
Evening session (from 7 p.m. local time) Quarter-Finals: Best of 11 legs
Jason Brandon (85.00) 0-6 (93.94) Damon Heta
Luke Littler (108.89) 4-6 (105.88) Nathan Aspinall
Danny Lauby (77.30) 2-6 (90.26) Luke Humphries
Gerwyn Price (98.24) 6-3 (93.94) Michael van Gerwen
Semi-Finals: Best of 13 legs
Damon Heta (104.34) 3-7 (102.00) Nathan Aspinall
Luke Humphries (96.82) 7-2 (90.13)
Final:Best of 15 legs
Nathan Aspinall (92.49) 6-8 (99.14) Luke Humphries
Prize Money Breakdown
There will be £30,000 for the winner with £100,000 available overall. This of course is non ranked with the World Series akin to an exhibition albeit with higher stakes.
The runner-up will claim £16,000 while semi-finalists seal £10,000. Quarter-Finalists claim £5,000 while for losing in the first round it is £1,750.
Prize Money Table
Prize Money
Position (No. of Players)
Prize Money
Winner (1)
£30,000
Runner-up (1)
£16,000
Semi-finalists (2)
£10,000
Quarter-finalists (4)
£5,000
First round (8)
£1,750
Predictions
Samuel Gill, Head Editor for DartsNews.com sees a certain Australian striking while the irons hot on his World Series chance.
I see Damon Heta sealing the deal. The Aussie ace is going from strength to strength and seems to be a player at least in my head who will live up to the opportunity he has been given in New York.
If not I see Michael van Gerwen returning to form with a bang. After his much mooted personal issues, it can either make or break someone and I think it will make him and he can go on a run here.
Other players of course Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, I semi count out Gerwyn Price due to illness this week and albeit it might just merely be precaution ahead of this tournament it is still a tad bit concerning.
Favourites:
*** Damon Heta
** Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries
* Luke Littler, Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting
Heta to strike while the irons out?
Kieran Wood, writer for DartsNews.com sees the World No.1 lifting the title.
I’m backing Luke Humphries to lift the trophy this weekend. He’s been consistently strong as always this year and tends to rise to the occasion on big stages. With his scoring power and recent TV form, he’s the man to beat.
Michael van Gerwen is an intriguing one, and although his form is somewhat unknown after his recent absence after a breakdown in his marriage, I expect the Dutch icon to be full of fire on his return to the PDC stage. Luke Littler obviously needs consideration too. He’s already proven himself on American soil and always seems to deliver when the spotlight is brightest. If he finds rhythm early, he’ll be right there at the business end.
As for others, I’m keeping a close eye on Nathan Aspinall and Rob Cross. And don’t rule out one or two North Americans springing a shock or two, especially Matt Campbell.
Favourites:
*** Luke Humphries
** Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen
* Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price
Jack Clucas, writer for DartsNews.com sees an Iceman triumph. The US Darts Masters is shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity for every player involved to make a statement. For the likes of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, the burning desire to silence their doubters—especially after a disappointing and embarrassing World Cup of Darts exit—is likely to fuel top-form performances.
For the returning Michael van Gerwen, it will be fascinating to see how he readjusts to life on the big stage. As we all know, that fierce passion to win still burns brightly within the Dutch darting icon. I actually fancy MVG to do well here and remind everyone exactly why he’s one of the game’s all-time greats.
Another player I believe could make a strong run is Gerwyn Price. Fresh off a World Cup final defeat—where, in truth, he didn’t play badly at all—The Iceman will be confident of his chances when play begins on June 27.
Favourites:
*** Gerwyn Price
** Luke Littler, Luke Humphries
* Michael Van Gerwen
Gerwyn Price to surge in the Big Apple?
While Mats Leering, writer for DartsNieuws.com sees Price also also hitting the jackpot in the Big Apple.
For the US Darts Masters, I think Gerwyn Price could score big. I thought he played very strongly at the World Cup of Darts and I think he may well continue this form in Madison Square. I am curious to see how Michael van Gerwen will appear at the oche. After everything he went through recently, I can't imagine he can win straight away, but it's still Van Gerwen so I certainly do not rule him out.
Furthermore, I think Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are always among the favourites, despite their poor performance at the World Cup. As outsiders, I see names like Damon Heta and Stephen Bunting. As for the North American players, I think only Matt Campbell could possibly surprise a little, but I don't see any other names that will make a big impact.
Favourites:
*** Gerwyn Price
** Luke Humphries, Damon Heta
* Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting
Nicolas Gayer, writer for DartsNews.DE sees Luke Humphries as the winner.
Yes, I love underdog stories and surprises – and yes, maybe I’m looking at this through rose-tinted glasses – but I genuinely believe at least two of the North American representatives will make it through to the next round at this year’s US Darts Masters. One name that stands out for me is Matt Campbell. The Canadian showed real class at the recent European Tour event in Leverkusen, where he reached the quarter-finals and took down top-tier opponents like Ross Smith and James Wade along the way. I also think players like Leonard Gates and Stowe Buntz – both of whom have already proven themselves on the big stages at Ally Pally and the Grand Slam – have what it takes to cause an upset against one of the PDC stars.
From the PDC side, I’m expecting a big weekend from Luke Humphries – title-worthy, in fact. If Humphries has shown one thing over the past few years, it's this: when people talk about him, speculate about him, or doubt him, he tends to answer in the most convincing way possible – with results on the board. Following all the recent headlines and World Cup discussions, I’m backing Cool Hand Luke to lift the US Darts Masters trophy.I’m also tipping Nathan Aspinall to deliver a strong showing. After taking a short break from the Pro Tour, I expect him to use this World Series event to build momentum heading into his prize money defence at the World Matchplay.
Favourites:
*** Luke Humphries
** Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting
* Luke Littler, Gerwyn Price, Stowe Buntz
Pieter Verbeek, Editor for DartsNieuws.com sees Luke Littler redeeming himself after the World Cup.
I believe the Englishmen Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are determined to redeem themselves individually after their World Cup fiasco. And don’t rule out Gerwyn Price either, who has been throwing exceptionally well in recent months.
I’m also very curious to see what Michael van Gerwen will bring to the table after all the turmoil of the past period. ‘Mighty Mike’ can enter the tournament without too much pressure, and who knows, that might actually work in his favor. As outsiders for the title, I see Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall.
Favourites:
*** Luke Littler
** Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price
* Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting
Field
The field is led by Luke Littler, Luke Humphries as well as Michael van Gerwen who will return after a short absence.
He played in an exhibition in Belgium last week and has confirmed that he will in fact return to the sport in the coming days to play in New York. This after a split from his wife Daphne.
Gerwyn Price, Damon Heta, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross are also involved in the Big Apple against the American representatives led by Matt Campbell, Jim Long, Danny Lauby and Leonard Gates. They also contest the North American Championship.