In a thrilling display of precision and nerve, the 2025 US Darts Masters, held at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York from June 27-28, delivered a spectacle that captivated darts fans worldwide. The event, part of the PDC World Series of Darts, saw darts prodigies Luke Littler and Luke Humphries advance with commanding performances, while two Premier League heavyweights, Rob Cross and Stephen Bunting, suffered shocking first-round defeats. The electric atmosphere in the Big Apple set the stage for a tournament filled with high stakes, stunning upsets, and moments of brilliance.
The US Darts Masters brought together a star-studded field of 16 players, pitting eight PDC superstars against eight North American representatives in a battle for supremacy. Luke Littler, the teenage sensation and reigning PDC World Champion, continued his meteoric rise with a commanding 6-1 victory over Jules van Dongen in the first round. The 18-year-old, known as “The Nuke,” showcased his trademark flair, blending power scoring with clinical finishing. Littler’s performance was a reminder of why he’s the sport’s brightest young star, having recently claimed the 2025 PDC World Championship title at just 17 years and 347 days, breaking Michael van Gerwen’s record as the youngest world champion.
World number one Luke Humphries, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke,” also progressed to the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 6-4 win over American Stowe Buntz. Despite facing a spirited challenge, Humphries leaned on his experience as the 2025 Premier League champion and 2024 World Champion to secure his place in the next round. Reflecting on his performance, Humphries said, “It’s a great feeling to get through in such a tough atmosphere. The crowd here in New York brings an energy that pushes you to raise your game.” His victory underscored his consistency, having recently completed darts’ prestigious Triple Crown with titles in the World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League.
However, the night wasn’t without its shocks. Defending champion Rob Cross, a former world champion, suffered a stunning 6-0 whitewash at the hands of American Danny Lauby. The defeat was a bitter blow for Cross, who had hoped to build on his strong 2024 season. Similarly, top seed Stephen Bunting, known as “The Bullet,” fell 6-4 to Jason Brandon, another North American underdog. These upsets highlighted the growing strength of North American darts, with Lauby and Brandon seizing their moment on the big stage to topple Premier League stalwarts.
Other notable first-round results saw Nathan Aspinall overpower Matt Campbell 6-2, Michael van Gerwen crush Leonard Gates 6-1, Gerwyn Price defeat Adam Sevada 6-2, and Damon Heta dominate Jim Long 6-1. These victories set up an intriguing quarter-final lineup, with matches played over the best of 11 legs. The semi-finals will extend to 13 legs, while the final will be a best-of-15-leg showdown, promising intense battles as the tournament progresses.
Saturday’s schedule promises even more drama, with the evening session featuring quarter-final clashes: Jason Brandon versus Damon Heta, Luke Littler versus Nathan Aspinall, Danny Lauby versus Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price versus Michael van Gerwen. The afternoon session will also include the bet365 North American Darts Championship, where eight American and Canadian players compete for a $10,000 prize and coveted spots in the World Darts Championship and Grand Slam of Darts.
Littler and Humphries, fresh off their Premier League rivalry, are now set to team up for England at the upcoming World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt from June 12-15. Their partnership is a daunting prospect for opponents, with Humphries expressing confidence in their chances: “Luke and I will have a great shot at the title if we can connect on stage.” Littler echoed the sentiment, adding, “I can’t wait to team up with him. He’s won it before, so hopefully he can guide me to victory.” Their camaraderie off the oche contrasts with their fierce on-stage battles, which have defined darts’ modern era.
The US Darts Masters also highlighted the sport’s growing global appeal. With sell-out crowds and a vibrant atmosphere, the event underscored darts’ ability to captivate audiences far beyond its European heartland. As Littler and Humphries advance, the spotlight remains on their quest for another title, while the North American players’ upsets serve as a reminder that in darts, no one is safe. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports, with the tournament setting the stage for a thrilling summer of darts, including the Betfred World Matchplay from July 19-27.
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