The darts world is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Australian Darts Masters kicks off this weekend at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, Australia. The sixth event in the prestigious World Series of Darts, set for August 8-9, promises high-octane action as eight of the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) biggest stars face off against eight top talents from the Oceanic region. With a boosted prize pot of £100,000—up from £60,000 last year—the winner will claim a hefty £30,000, while the runner-up secures £16,000 and semi-finalists pocket £10,000 each. This electrifying tournament, a cornerstone of the PDC’s global expansion, is poised to deliver thrilling battles, with reigning world champion Luke Littler, world No. 1 Luke Humphries, and defending champion Gerwyn Price headlining a formidable field.
The Australian Darts Masters has cemented its status as a fan favorite since its inception, with Welshman Gerwyn Price dominating last year’s final, crushing Littler 8-1 to claim the 2024 title. Price, the 2021 PDC world champion, showcased his ruthless precision, averaging 99.42 and converting 53% of his doubles in a performance he described as fueled by Littler’s red-hot form. “Luke is playing fantastic darts at the moment, and that probably kicked me into gear,” Price admitted, reflecting on the victory that marked his second World Series title of 2024. This year, the 39-year-old Welshman returns to defend his crown, joined by a stellar lineup including Humphries, Littler, Stephen Bunting, Chris Dobey, Josh Rock, Mike De Decker, and Australia’s own Damon Heta.
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation known as “The Nuke,” enters as the top seed, fresh off his 2025 World Darts Championship triumph, where he pocketed £500,000 after defeating Michael van Gerwen. Despite his 2024 Australian Masters final loss, Littler’s recent form—averaging over 104 in high-stakes matches—makes him a favorite. His journey to Wollongong has been a personal one too, with girlfriend Faith Millar joining him, their “plane selfie” shared on social media capturing the excitement of his Australian debut. Littler’s hunger to add to his eight titles this year is palpable, and he’s eager to erase the memory of last year’s defeat. “We can all hit nine, ten, 11, 12-darters, but the game is all about confidence,” Price noted, a sentiment Littler embodies as he aims to seize the £30,000 prize.
World No. 1 Luke Humphries, the 2024 World Matchplay champion, is another heavyweight contender. Despite a shock quarter-final exit to Dimitri Van den Bergh last year, Humphries’ consistency—highlighted by a 6-4 win over Littler at the Hyde Park Darts Championship—makes him a formidable threat. “If I win that, I’ll be world number one for a long time,” Humphries said of major titles, underscoring the stakes in Wollongong. His clash with local qualifier Joe Comito in the first round could set the stage for a blockbuster semi-final against Littler, given their placement in the same half of the draw.
The field is rounded out by debutants Josh Rock and Mike De Decker, both riding waves of momentum. Rock, fresh off steering Northern Ireland to a historic 2025 World Cup of Darts victory alongside Daryl Gurney, brings youthful energy and a fearless style. De Decker, now Belgium’s No. 1 after surpassing Van den Bergh, adds intrigue with his World Grand Prix title. Local hero Damon Heta, Australia’s No. 1, is eager to shine on home soil after falling to Price in last year’s semi-finals. “I felt like I was trying too hard,” Heta reflected on his 2024 performance, signaling a more focused approach this time.
The tournament’s format ensures intense competition, with first-round matches pitting PDC stars against Oceanic qualifiers like Rob Modra, Stuart Coburn, and Haupai Puha. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final unfold on Saturday, August 9, with top seeds strategically separated to avoid early clashes. Rob Cross, the 2023 champion, is absent this year, but the presence of Bunting, Dobey, and others ensures no shortage of firepower. The event’s £100,000 prize fund, a £40,000 increase from 2024, reflects the PDC’s growing investment in the sport, with PDC chairman Eddie Hearn’s vision of a £1 million World Championship prize by 2026 signaling even bigger paydays ahead.
As Wollongong’s 6,000-capacity venue prepares for a raucous crowd, the Australian Darts Masters promises drama and spectacle. With Littler’s prodigious talent, Price’s proven pedigree, and Humphries’ relentless pursuit of glory, the battle for the £30,000 top prize is set to captivate fans worldwide. The tournament, broadcast live on ITV4, marks a pivotal stop before the New Zealand Darts Masters and the World Series Finals in Amsterdam. For these darting titans, it’s not just about the money—it’s about legacy, pride, and the chance to etch their names into darts history.
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