US Darts Masters 2026: Results, Preview, Draw, Schedule, Field, Format, History and Predictions

The World Series of Darts returns and not only is the World Cup bringing sporting action to the US, but the top PDC stars will also strut their stuff at Madison Square Garden between June 26-27.

Taking place at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, it is the fourth event on the World Series of Darts this year and is also joined by the North American Championship which sees the winner seal their spot at the PDC World Darts Championship.

Luke Humphries is defending US Darts Masters champion having defeated Nathan Aspinall 8-6 in the 2025 final. Michael van Gerwen has won multiple titles and has reached another final so is far and away leading the World Series of Darts Order of Merit.

He won't play in the US though or Australia/New Zealand. But the field is led by Littler, Humphries, Gian van Veen, Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, James Wade, Jonny Clayton and Josh Rock as well as the top US and Canadian stars such as Jim Long, Leonard Gates, Alex Spellman, Alex Sevada and former UK Open finalist Gary Mawson.

Eight players remain in contention for the title at the US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden. Only one of the local representatives managed to upset one of the PDC stars. It was Jim Long, who holds a PDC Tour Card, defeating Josh Rock in the opening round. His reward is a quarter-final clash with two-time world champion Luke Littler, who is chasing his first title in New York. "The Nuke" opened his campaign on Friday with a 6–4 victory over David Cameron.

The second quarter-final features Gerwyn Price, who failed to impress in the opening round. He battled to a 6–4 win over Brayden Hall, who averaged just 78. "The Iceman" will need to raise his level in the quarter-finals, where he faces James Wade. The left-hander booked his place in the last eight with a 6–3 victory over Adam Sevada.

Gian van Veen will feature in the third quarter-final. The Dutchman marked his New York debut with a convincing 6–1 win over Fred Krueger, although he was rarely tested by the American. That is expected to change in the last eight, where he takes on Jonny Clayton. "The Ferret" produced the highest average of the opening round, posting a 98.54 average in a comfortable 6–2 victory over Gary Mawson.

Defending champion Luke Humphries appears in the final quarter-final. Humphries began his title defence with an emphatic 6–1 win over Leonard Gates. He now faces Stephen Bunting, who defeated Alex Spellman 6–2 in the opening round.

The semi-finals and the final will be played immediately after the quarter-finals.

The format for the World Series follows a format of short and sharp in the early rounds so first to six then for the final two games, it increases. One that no doubt lends itself on paper to potential shocks.

Samuel Gill, Head Editor for DartsNews.com sees a surprise winner.

I see one of two winning and it is not the two Luke's. I see Jonny Clayton or James Wade winning it.

This is the kind of title that will no doubt be feathered the way of the Luke's early and one that one of the outsiders can snare. I see Humphries losing to Leonard Gates early on and also shock wins for Jim Long and Alex Spellman over Rock and Bunting.

So not only a surprise winner but three big names out the first round. For me this leaves Littler, Wade and Clayton as well as perhaps Gerwyn Price in the mix. Pick at your peril!

** Jonny Clayton

* James Wade, Luke Littler, Gerwyn Price

Lucas Michael, Editor for DartsNews.com does see no surprises though.

We are off to the States for another US Darts Masters as some of the top PDC players clash for glory in New York.

The two Luke’s have to be the favourite for glory. If either of their game’s click throughout, then it is hard to imagine anyone else lifting that title. Luke Humphries is the one under pressure to defend his title, and there is still the questioning over his inconsistent doubling. Aside from that, him and Luke Littler are a step clear of the field.

I also do not see a repeated incident of 2023 occurring when Jeff Smith made an unexpected run to the final. However, I do not see too many, or even any, upsets occurring involving North American players throughout the week.

With no Michael van Gerwen competing, Humphries is the only former champion in the field. The chance of a new winner is high. Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton will be aware of this and could be threatening for the title with the opportunistic James Wade there to pounce. Not really sure what to see from Josh Rock on the oche with Stephen Bunting and Gian van Veen’s form not currently at the standard to win a World Series title in my eyes.

Although saying that, these are eight of the best players in the world and can pluck anything out of thin air. That saying, the Luke’s still catch my eye for the win. I will say a very tight final encounter will see ‘Cool Hand Luke’ reclaim his title.

*** Luke Humphries

** Luke Littler, Gerwyn Price

* Jonny Clayton, James Wade, Josh Rock

Oliver Ried, Editor for DartsNews.DE believes that Humphries will defend his title.

With the US Darts Masters, not only the football world is focusing on the United States this weekend, but the darts world as well. For us in Europe, the US Darts Masters gets underway during the night leading into Friday.

I think Luke Humphries will successfully defend his title. The Englishman is in outstanding form at the moment and already lifted this trophy last year. Ahead of the World Matchplay, he'll be eager to make another statement and prove that he is once again one of the men to beat. If he maintains his current level and handles the jet lag well, I expect him to go very deep into the tournament. However, he faces a tough opening test against fan favourite Leonard Gates.

Of course, Luke Littler will also have his sights set on this title. The world number one has never won the US Darts Masters, and chasing new achievements is what constantly drives the two-time World Champion. He opens his campaign against Canadian David Cameron, a favourable draw on paper. If he finds his rhythm early, The Nuke could take over North America this weekend.

Gerwyn Price is another player to keep a close eye on. The Welshman has travelled to the United States for years but has never managed to win this event. Two years ago, he lost the final to Rob Cross in a deciding leg, and this time he'll be determined to go one step further. However, he suffered a disappointing first-round exit in Bratislava last weekend. Anyone who knows Price knows he'll be desperate to bounce back.

I'm predicting that two big names will crash out in the opening round. The first is Josh Rock, who faces Canadian Jim Long. Long is a Tour Card holder and will provide a serious test for the Northern Irishman.

The second is James Wade. Under normal circumstances, I would back him to advance, especially as he'll want to prove to the PDC that he deserved his late call-up. However, he has been drawn against Adam Sevada, and the American showed at the World Cup of Darts that he has plenty of quality. I think Sevada could spring an upset.

***Luke Humphries

**Luke Littler, Gerwyn Price

*Stephen Bunting, Gian van Veen, Jonny Clayton

Pieter Verbeek, Editor for DartsNieuws.com sees it as hard to look beyond Luke Littler.

It's difficult to look beyond Luke Littler as the favourite for the US Darts Masters. The Nuke has yet to lift the trophy at Madison Square Garden, and that alone could provide all the motivation he needs. If the reigning World Champion produces his very best game, it's hard to see anyone stopping him.

The player most capable of pushing Littler all the way is Luke Humphries, the defending champion in New York. It may have been almost a month ago, but Humphries came agonisingly close to winning the Premier League Darts title. In what many consider the greatest Premier League final ever played, he narrowly lost 11-10 to Littler, who averaged a stunning 111.67. Even in defeat, Humphries proved he can match Littler when the young superstar is performing at his absolute peak.

The other players I'd consider genuine outsiders are Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and Stephen Bunting. Price is always among the contenders on paper, although his 2026 campaign has been marked by inconsistency. Clayton has enjoyed a strong season, but aside from a handful of nightly Premier League victories, he has yet to convert that form into major silverware. Bunting is renowned for producing brilliant runs when least expected, and he could well deliver another one on the big stage in New York.

*** Luke Littler

** Luke Humphries

* Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting

Mats Leering, Editor for DartsNieuws.com also picks the two Luke's to head towards glory.

As far as I’m concerned, whenever Luke Littler is in a tournament, he’s always the favourite to win the title. So that’s certainly the case here too. The fact that he’s never won this title before will provide extra motivation for the reigning world champion to lift that trophy.

But who, then, are his main challengers? I think it will be Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price. Humphries has been in brilliant form of late, and when he’s on form, he’s a real threat and certainly capable of beating Littler. Price, for his part, always seems to perform well at the World Series, so I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him winning here in New York either. The outsiders are Jonny Clayton and Stephen Bunting.

As far as I’m concerned, there are very few Canadians and/or Americans who might pull off an upset. In fact, the only name I can think of who might win his opening match against James Wade is Adam Sevada. Other than that, I don’t expect many surprises.

***Luke Littler

**Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price

*Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting