The dartboards are ablaze at the Spark Arena in Auckland as the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters kicks off, with teenage sensation Luke Littler aiming to secure another World Series title and the coveted £30,000 prize. Fresh from his commanding victory at the Australian Darts Masters last week, the 18-year-old prodigy, known as “The Nuke,” is the undisputed favorite to dominate the competition. The event, running from August 15-16, marks the second leg of the World Series of Darts’ Oceanic double-header, featuring a star-studded field of 16 players—eight elite PDC stars and eight Oceanic representatives.
Littler’s journey in Auckland begins tonight, August 15, with a first-round clash against New Zealand’s Mark Cleaver. Scheduled as the seventh match of the evening, the best-of-11-legs encounter is set to start around 10:15 p.m. local time (11:15 a.m. BST, 6:15 a.m. EST). The young star’s recent form suggests he’s ready to make a statement. In Wollongong, Littler survived a nail-biting last-leg decider against New Zealand’s Haupai Puha, before delivering a masterclass on finals day, dispatching home favorite Damon Heta, top seed Stephen Bunting, and World Series debutant Mike De Decker to claim the Australian title. His final against De Decker was a showcase of precision, with Littler firing five 180s, a 143 checkout, and a 99.10 average to secure an 8-4 victory. Reflecting on that triumph, Littler said, “It feels great. I didn’t play that well last night, but I played very well tonight when it really mattered.”
The New Zealand Darts Masters promises intense competition, with Littler facing stiff challenges from a talented field. World No. 1 Luke Humphries, the defending champion, is looking to rebound after a disappointing Australian campaign, where an illness hampered his performance, leading to a 6-0 quarter-final loss to De Decker. Despite his pedigree, Humphries’ health concerns make his prospects uncertain, with some predicting he may struggle to reach the later stages. He faces Puha in the first round, a rematch of last year’s semi-final where Humphries staged a stunning 7-6 comeback from 6-2 down against Littler before dominating Heta 8-2 in the final. Humphries’ resilience is undeniable, but his form remains a question mark.
Stephen Bunting, the top seed due to his World Series order of merit standing, is another major contender. Despite falling to Littler in the Australian semi-finals, Bunting’s consistency—he won events in Bahrain and Denmark earlier this year—makes him a strong pick for the title. His first-round opponent is New Zealand’s Ben Robb, a fan favorite known for his smooth throwing style and stage presence. Analysts suggest a potential Bunting-Littler final, as the draw places them in opposite halves, ensuring they could only meet in the championship match.
Other notable players include Gerwyn Price, who faces Jonny Tata, and Damon Heta, who takes on Dean Reyland. Price, the 2024 Australian Darts Masters champion, is eager to maintain his strong form, while Heta, buoyed by regional support, aims to leverage his near-110 average from Wollongong’s first round. Chris Dobey, a dark horse, meets Simon Whitlock, and Mike De Decker, fresh off his impressive Australian run, faces Gordon Mathers. Josh Rock, another World Series debutant, rounds out the PDC elite, taking on Kayden Milne.
The tournament format mirrors other World Series events: first-round and quarter-final matches are best-of-11 legs, semi-finals are best-of-13, and the final is best-of-15. Littler’s hunger for titles is palpable. After his Australian win, he declared, “Obviously it hadn’t gone to plan on the World Series circuit this year, but there’s plenty of opportunities to win, and I’ve finally picked up that trophy. I cannot wait for Auckland now.” His confidence is backed by a sparkling 170 checkout against Bunting and a sixth consecutive win over Heta, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Local hopes rest on players like Robb and Puha, who aim to upset the PDC giants. Robb, in particular, is a standout, with his proven track record in national competitions and the Modus Super Series. However, translating that form to the PDC stage remains his challenge. The Oceanic representatives add a unique flavor to the event, with the passionate Auckland crowd expected to rally behind their homegrown talents.
As the darts fly in Auckland, all eyes are on Littler. Can he continue his meteoric rise and claim back-to-back World Series titles? Or will a resurgent Humphries, a determined Bunting, or a surprise contender steal the £30,000 jackpot? With the World Series Finals in Amsterdam looming in September, every leg counts in this high-stakes showdown at the Spark Arena.
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