The darts world is gearing up for a thrilling showdown as the 2025 Jack’s Casino World Series of Darts Finals descends on Amsterdam’s AFAS Live from September 12-14, 2025. This prestigious tournament, the culmination of the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) global series, features 32 of the sport’s biggest names vying for a £400,000 prize fund, with the champion pocketing £80,000. Headlining the event is 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler, who begins his title defense against Australia’s Simon Whitlock, setting the stage for three days of high-octane action. With a star-studded lineup and a passionate Dutch crowd, the tournament promises unforgettable moments.
Littler, the reigning champion, enters as the second seed after a stellar 2025, highlighted by back-to-back triumphs at the Australian and New Zealand Darts Masters in August. His 11-4 rout of Michael Smith in the 2024 final cemented his status as a darts prodigy, and he’s eager to repeat the feat. “This will be the first time I’ve played Simon, and I’m sure it will be a good game,” Littler said, reflecting on his opening-round clash with the former World Cup winner. “Last year was a brilliant tournament for me. The highlight probably had to be the Michael van Gerwen game [in the semi-finals], and it would mean the world to go back-to-back.” Their match, set for Saturday afternoon, September 13, at 2:15 PM local time (CET), is a marquee fixture in a packed first round.
The tournament kicks off on Friday, September 12, with an evening session starting at 7:00 PM CET. Eight first-round matches will unfold, including Kevin Doets versus Jermaine Wattimena, Krzysztof Ratajski against Josh Rock, Damon Heta facing Joe Cullen, and Mike De Decker taking on Gabriel Clemens. The action continues on Saturday, September 13, with an afternoon session at 1:00 PM CET featuring Littler’s clash with Whitlock, alongside other blockbuster matchups like world No. 1 Luke Humphries versus 2018 champion James Wade, Rob Cross against Haupai Puha, and Michael van Gerwen, a five-time winner, facing rising Dutch star Wessel Nijman. “It’s a dream to play in front of the home crowd,” van Gerwen shared, his hunger for a sixth title palpable.
Saturday evening’s second-round matches, starting at 7:00 PM CET, will see winners advance in a high-stakes format, with best-of-11-leg encounters intensifying the drama. Sunday, September 14, brings the tournament’s climax, beginning with the quarterfinals in the afternoon at 1:00 PM CET, followed by the semifinals and final in the evening session at 6:00 PM CET. Coverage of the semifinals and final will air on ITV4, hosted by Jacqui Oatley with pundits Chris Mason, Alan Warriner-Little, and Mark Webster, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
The draw is loaded with talent, reflecting the global appeal of the World Series. Top seed Stephen Bunting, who dominated the 2025 rankings with wins in Bahrain and Copenhagen, faces Dutch ace Danny Noppert in a tough opener. “It’s been a great World Series campaign. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Bunting declared, his confidence buoyed by a sensational year. Elsewhere, Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld takes on Norway’s Cor Dekker, while Poland Masters champion Gerwyn Price meets American Danny Lauby. Other notable first-round clashes include Nathan Aspinall versus Dave Chisnall, Jonny Clayton against Jason Brandon, and Chris Dobey facing Luke Woodhouse.
Littler’s path to a second title is fraught with challenges, with potential matchups against elite players like Price, Cross, or Aspinall looming. His recent form, including a 6-2 victory over Cameron Menzies at the Czech Darts Open and a perfect 6/6 doubling display at the Flanders Darts Trophy, makes him a favorite. However, Whitlock’s experience and flair could pose an early threat, despite controversy over his inclusion. Dutch player Vincent van der Voort questioned Whitlock’s spot, stating, “He gets an invitation despite not having achieved anything,” but the Australian’s big-stage pedigree ensures he’s a dangerous opponent.
The tournament’s format, with 16 first-round matches split across Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, keeps the pace relentless. The £400,000 prize fund, unchanged from last year, underscores the event’s prestige, with £40,000 for the runner-up and £25,000 for semifinalists. Amsterdam’s AFAS Live, known for its electric atmosphere, will amplify the stakes, especially for Dutch stars like van Gerwen, Noppert, and van Barneveld, who thrive on home support.
As the darts world converges on Amsterdam, Littler’s title defense is the headline act, but the depth of talent ensures surprises are inevitable. From Bunting’s quest to cap his stellar season to van Gerwen’s pursuit of home glory, the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals is poised to deliver a spectacle. Whether Littler can fend off Whitlock and navigate a gauntlet of champions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: darts fans are in for a treat.
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