"You've had Mike Tyson, you've had Muhammad Ali, and now you've got Michael Smith here as well" - BullyBoy keen to impress at iconic Madison Square Garden

For the latest round of World Series of Darts action, the PDC travels to New York City for the US Darts Masters. One of those representing the PDC's elite will be Michael Smith.

"When we first come two years ago, it wasn't as big as it is now. But you could just sense something was going to happen," previews Smith in a pre-tournament interview with Online Darts, with the former world champion feeling a real buzz about the iconic Madison Square Gardens ahead of the 2024 edition of the US Darts Masters. "There is something special about this, playing in the MSG, probably the biggest arena in the world and yeah, it's just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. Hopefully bringing the new fans."

Smith is under no illusions about why the sudden influx of interest has come to the sport of late either. "Luke Littler. He's bringing all the younger fans and he's the global face of the sport," Smith says with a smile, refuting James Wade's recent claims that a lot of the top pros are jealous of the fame and notoriety Littler is recieving since bursting onto the scene at the recent World Darts Championship. "You know why they're here, they're all here for Luke. That's what I say in every interview I have no jealousy nothing against him because he's growing the sport now."

A winner of the US Darts Masters back in 2022, Smith knows exactly what it takes to win stateside. Given the iconic venue, the added media attention and all the glitz and glam of the Big Apple, Smith is incredibly motivated to once again prove himself on the World Series of Darts.

"If you don't get excited about coming to an arena like this, with some of the greatest that's been here, you should just stop playing. Don't even bother," Smith laughs. "You've had Mike Tyson, you've had Muhammad Ali, you've had some of the greatest singers and now you've got Michael Smith here as well. It's weird isn't it!"

In the opening round, Smith takes on Canada's Jeff Smith, who sensationally made it all the way to the final twelve months ago before losing out to Michael van Gerwen.