The electric atmosphere of The Theater at Madison Square Garden is set to ignite on June 27 and 28, 2025, as the bet365 US Darts Masters returns to New York City for its seventh edition. This prestigious stop on the PDC’s World Series of Darts brings together eight of the sport’s elite stars and eight top North American talents, all vying for glory and a share of a significantly boosted £100,000 prize fund. With the winner poised to claim a hefty £30,000 cheque, the 2025 tournament promises not only thrilling darts but also life-changing payouts, elevating the stakes in the heart of the Big Apple.
The US Darts Masters has grown into a marquee event since its debut in Las Vegas in 2017, moving to New York in 2022 to capitalize on the city’s vibrant energy. “New York is a bullseye of a host, the perfect city to introduce North America to darts,” one organizer enthused, capturing the event’s appeal. The 2024 edition saw Rob Cross clinch the title in a nail-biting 8-7 final against Gerwyn Price, and both are confirmed to return, joined by heavyweights like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen. Littler, the 18-year-old world champion, aims to redeem his 2024 semi-final loss to Price, where he missed a match dart. “It has been crazy out here,” Littler said last year, reflecting on New York’s frenetic atmosphere. “I’m just happy to get past that first game, but I want to go all the way this time.”
The 2025 prize fund marks a 66% increase from the £60,000 offered in 2024, reflecting the PDC’s commitment to elevating the World Series. The winner will pocket £30,000, up from £20,000, while the runner-up earns £16,000, a jump from £10,000. Semi-finalists will each take home £10,000, quarter-finalists £5,000, and first-round losers £1,750, ensuring all 16 players leave with a payout. “This is a huge moment for all players with the ambition to make it to the very pinnacle of the sport,” a PDC official noted, highlighting the financial boost across the 2026 circuit, which includes a £1 million World Championship prize. While World Series earnings don’t count toward the PDC Order of Merit, they enhance players’ profiles and bank accounts, with Littler’s career earnings already exceeding £1 million.
The tournament’s format is relentless, with the first round wrapping up on Friday, June 27, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final on Saturday, June 28. Adding to the drama, Saturday’s afternoon session features the North American Championship, where eight regional players, including 2024 champion Matt Campbell and veterans like Jim Long and Danny Lauby, compete for a spot in the Grand Slam of Darts and the 2026 World Championship. “It’s an incredible experience,” a fan raved after last year’s event, citing the “rowdiest crowd” and players tossing trinkets into the stands. Tickets, starting at $300 for a two-day pass on StubHub, reflect the event’s growing popularity, with floor seats offering a chance to appear on the broadcast.
Van Gerwen, a two-time champion (2019, 2023), returns after a personal hiatus, eager to reclaim his dominance. “I’m ready to go on a run here,” he declared, signaling a fierce comeback. Analysts, however, see Australia’s Damon Heta as a dark horse. “The Aussie ace is going from strength to strength,” one pundit predicted, citing Heta’s recent form. Fans are equally optimistic, with one tweeting, “Littler or Heta could steal this—New York’s gonna be wild!” The Theater, seating up to 5,600, promises an electric vibe, amplified by New York’s passionate crowd, though some griped about $19 beers last year. As the darts world descends on Madison Square Garden, the 2025 US Darts Masters is poised to deliver drama, dollars, and unforgettable moments.
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