The darts world turns its attention to Gliwice, Poland, as the 2025 Superbet Poland Darts Masters kicks off on July 4-5 at the PreZero Arena. This electrifying World Series of Darts event promises two days of high-stakes action, with reigning champion Luke Littler aiming to defend his crown against a formidable lineup of global stars and Eastern European talents. With a passionate crowd of over 9,000 expected to pack the arena, the stage is set for a thrilling spectacle.
## Tournament Overview and Schedule
The Poland Darts Masters, now in its third edition, is the fifth stop on the 2025 World Series of Darts circuit. Sixteen players—eight elite PDC representatives and eight regional qualifiers—will compete for the coveted title and a share of the £100,000 prize pool. The winner will claim £30,000 and 12 points toward the World Series rankings, which determine qualification for the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.
The action begins on Friday, July 4, at 7:00 PM CEST (1:00 PM ET), with the first round featuring best-of-11-leg matches. Each PDC star faces an Eastern European opponent, setting the stage for potential upsets. Saturday, July 5, also starting at 7:00 PM CEST, hosts the quarter-finals (best of 11 legs), semi-finals (best of 13 legs), and the final (best of 15 legs), crowning the 2025 champion in a single, action-packed session.
### First Round Draw
– Stephen Bunting (1) vs. Tytus Kanik
– Jonny Clayton vs. Krzysztof Ratajski
– Nathan Aspinall (4) vs. Radek Szaganski
– Luke Littler vs. Karel Sedlacek
– Gerwyn Price (2) vs. Sebastian Bialecki
– Chris Dobey vs. György Jehirszki
– Rob Cross (3) vs. Krzysztof Kciuk
– Michael van Gerwen vs. Pero Ljubic
## Star-Studded Lineup and Littler’s Quest
Luke Littler, the reigning world champion and 2024 Poland Darts Masters winner, enters as a favorite after his dominant 8-3 victory over Rob Cross in last year’s final. “I’m delighted to get the win, it’s an amazing feeling to lift trophies in front of massive crowds,” Littler said after his 2024 triumph, where he averaged 101.84 and nailed a stunning 164 checkout. The 18-year-old phenom, known as “The Nuke,” faces Czech star Karel Sedlacek in the opening round, a player with five World Championship appearances under his belt.
Littler’s path to back-to-back titles won’t be easy. Michael van Gerwen, the 2023 champion, is hungry for redemption after a 113.22-average masterclass in the inaugural final. The Dutchman takes on Croatian Tour Card holder Pero Ljubic, aiming to replicate his past brilliance. Meanwhile, top seed Stephen Bunting, with 33 World Series points, faces Poland’s Tytus Kanik, and Gerwyn Price, seeded second, meets home favorite Sebastian Bialecki. Rob Cross, fresh off a strong World Series run, and Nathan Aspinall, who pushed Littler in recent tournaments, add further depth to the field.
## Eastern European Contenders
The eight regional qualifiers bring local flavor and upset potential. Krzysztof Ratajski, a Polish darts veteran, challenges Jonny Clayton, while Radek Szaganski faces Aspinall. Other qualifiers include Karel Sedlacek, Pero Ljubic, Krzysztof Kciuk, György Jehirszki, Sebastian Bialecki, and Tytus Kanik. Last year, Croatia’s Boris Krcmar stunned Nathan Aspinall in the first round, proving the regional players’ ability to shake up the tournament.
## How to Watch
Fans can catch every dart live on ITV4 in the UK, with international coverage on DAZN, Viaplay, and PDCTV (excluding subscribers in the UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). For those seeking free streaming, ITVx offers access in the UK, though a VPN may be required for viewers abroad due to regional restrictions. The broadcast begins at 7:00 PM CEST each day, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
## Littler’s Rivalry and Crowd Dynamics
Littler’s meteoric rise has made him a global darts sensation, but it hasn’t come without challenges. Some fans have criticized the PDC for not addressing crowd behavior, particularly when Littler’s supporters disrupted opponents last season. “I also didn’t see Littler kicking off about this issue when it was his fans whistling and putting off opponents,” one observer noted in 2024, highlighting the double-edged sword of his popularity. With Littler now a household name, the Gliwice crowd is expected to be electric, potentially amplifying both support and pressure.
## Prize Money and Stakes
The tournament’s £100,000 prize pool is distributed as follows:
– Winner: £30,000 (12 World Series points)
– Runner-up: £16,000 (8 points)
– Semi-finalists: £10,000 (5 points)
– Quarter-finalists: £5,000 (3 points)
– First-round losers: £1,250
While the prize money doesn’t count toward the PDC Order of Merit, the World Series points are crucial for securing a spot in the Amsterdam finals, adding extra motivation for the players.
## A Global Darts Spectacle
The Poland Darts Masters continues to grow as a highlight of the World Series, blending elite talent with regional pride. With Littler aiming to cement his legacy, van Gerwen chasing past glory, and local heroes ready to make their mark, Gliwice is poised for an unforgettable weekend. As Littler reflected after his 2024 win, “I had a week off in Orlando [after the US Darts Masters] and there was a bit of rustiness at times, but I’ve played well overall.” Will he overcome any rust to claim another title, or will a new champion emerge? Tune in to find out.
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