The electrifying atmosphere of Auckland’s Spark Arena is set to come alive on August 15 and 16, 2025, as the fifth edition of the New Zealand Darts Masters takes center stage. This prestigious World Series of Darts event promises two days of high-octane competition, with a hefty £100,000 prize fund up for grabs. The tournament, returning to Auckland for the first time since 2018, will feature eight of the sport’s biggest names facing off against eight talented Oceanic representatives, creating a thrilling clash of global and regional darting prowess.
Leading the charge is reigning World Champion Luke Littler, the teenage sensation whose meteoric rise has captivated darts fans worldwide. Fresh off his dominant 8-4 victory over Mike De Decker at the Australian Darts Masters, Littler is hungry for another World Series title. “I cannot wait for Auckland now. We’ll have a few days off, and then off we go!” Littler declared after his recent triumph, signaling his intent to conquer New Zealand. His clinical performance in Australia, where he fired five 180s and posted a 99.10 average, has made him the outright favorite to claim the £30,000 winner’s purse.
Joining Littler is world number one Luke Humphries, who clinched the New Zealand Darts Masters title in 2024 with a commanding 8-2 win over Damon Heta. Humphries, known as “Cool Hand Luke,” has been a dominant force in darts, and his return to defend his crown adds another layer of intrigue. “I’ve been searching for a World Series title, and I felt one was coming,” Humphries said last year, reflecting on his breakthrough victory. Despite a less consistent 2025 season, his experience and precision make him a formidable contender for the £30,000 top prize.
Former World Champion Gerwyn Price, nicknamed “The Iceman,” is another heavyweight in the lineup. Price, who won the New Zealand Darts Masters in 2022, brings a wealth of experience and a fierce competitive edge. His 8-1 thrashing of Littler in the 2024 Australian Darts Masters final showcased his ability to dominate on the big stage. Price’s rivalry with players like Chris Dobey, whom he has defeated in 21 of 25 previous encounters, adds a compelling narrative to the tournament.
The PDC’s elite eight also include Stephen Bunting, Damon Heta, Chris Dobey, Mike De Decker, and Josh Rock. Bunting, the current World Series of Darts leader, is chasing his second title of the season after winning the Bahrain Masters. Heta, Australia’s top player, brings local pride and a 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters title to the table. De Decker, fresh off a strong showing in Australia, and Rock, a rising star who impressed at the World Cup of Darts, round out a formidable field.
These global stars will face eight Oceanic qualifiers in the opening round: Simon Whitlock, Haupai Puha, Jonny Tata, Mark Cleaver, John Hurring, Ben Robb, Dean Reyland, and Gordon Mathers. Whitlock, a darts veteran and former World Cup winner, and Puha, New Zealand’s number one, are poised to challenge the PDC’s best. The first round promises intense battles, with all players guaranteed at least £1,750, while the runner-up will pocket £16,000.
The tournament’s history adds to its allure. Past champions include Gerwyn Price (2022), Rob Cross (2023), and Luke Humphries (2024), with the event canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s increased prize fund, up from £60,000 in 2024, reflects the growing prestige of the World Series of Darts. Matches will unfold over two action-packed days, with the first round and quarter-finals on Friday, followed by the semi-finals and final on Saturday. The final, a best-of-15-legs showdown, will determine who claims the coveted title and the lion’s share of the prize money.
As the darts world converges on Auckland, fans can expect a spectacle of skill, drama, and unforgettable moments. Will Littler continue his reign, or can Humphries or Price steal the spotlight? With £100,000 on the line and a passionate crowd at Spark Arena, the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters is set to deliver a darting extravaganza like no other.
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