The darts world is gearing up for an electrifying showdown at the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals, set to light up Amsterdam’s AFAS Live from September 12-14. This prestigious tournament, the culmination of the PDC’s global World Series, brings together a 32-player field featuring the sport’s biggest names, including defending champion Luke Littler, five-time winner Michael van Gerwen, and world No. 1 Luke Humphries. With a £400,000 prize fund on the line, the event promises not only fierce competition but also substantial rewards for its stars, even as its non-ranking status means the cash won’t impact the PDC Order of Merit. As the darts elite battle for glory, the financial stakes and the electric atmosphere in the Dutch capital are set to make this a defining moment in the 2025 season.
The prize money structure for the World Series of Darts Finals remains unchanged from 2024, offering a total of £400,000. The champion will claim a hefty £80,000, a significant payday for a weekend’s work, while the runner-up will pocket £40,000. Semi-finalists are guaranteed £25,000 each, and quarter-finalists will earn £17,500. Those reaching the last 16 will take home £10,000, while first-round exits still yield a respectable £5,000. “It is non-ranked which means that the only money that will go is in their back pocket over the Order of Merit,” noted a darts analyst, emphasizing the event’s focus on prestige and immediate financial rewards rather than long-term ranking points.
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy, enters as the defending champion after defeating Michael Smith in 2024. His meteoric rise, highlighted by his 2025 PDC World Championship win (£500,000) and Premier League title (£315,000), has made him the player to beat. Littler’s dominance in the World Series, with victories in Australia and New Zealand, earned him top seeding alongside Stephen Bunting, who also claimed two titles. “I’m so glad to win it. This is one of the ones I wanted to win,” Littler said after his 2024 World Series triumph, a sentiment that fuels his drive for another £80,000 prize in Amsterdam.
Michael van Gerwen, a five-time champion of this event, faces a unique challenge as an unseeded player, making him a dangerous floater in the draw. Despite missing events in Australia and New Zealand due to personal commitments, the Dutch legend remains a fan favorite on home soil. His 2023 title win showcased his clutch performance, and a sixth victory would tie him for the most World Series Finals titles. “MVG played in New York last but has also missed multiple events this year,” observed a commentator, noting his potential to upset top seeds like Littler or Bunting.
Luke Humphries, the world No. 1, is eager to reclaim his form after a mixed 2025. His World Series win in New Zealand and consistent performances make him a strong contender for the £80,000 top prize. “Cool Hand Luke will want to revive his fortunes as of late as he fights to keep his World No.1 spot this Autumn,” a pundit remarked. Humphries’ first-round clash with Haupai Puha promises fireworks, especially after his 2024 Czech Darts Open triumph over Littler.
The tournament’s expanded 32-player format, introduced in 2024, adds depth with international stars like Danny Lauby, Haupai Puha, and Simon Whitlock, alongside Dutch talents Kevin Doets and Jermaine Wattimena. Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross, both World Series event winners in 2025, bolster the field, while Nathan Aspinall and Dimitri Van den Bergh aim to make their mark. The schedule kicks off on Friday, September 13, with first-round matches, including Littler vs. Ross Smith and van Gerwen vs. Jonny Clayton. Saturday’s afternoon and evening sessions cover the remaining first-round and second-round games, with Sunday’s quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final deciding the champion.
Amsterdam’s AFAS Live, known for its raucous atmosphere, will amplify the stakes. “The choice for Amsterdam and the AFAS Live proves a masterstroke again,” a Dutch fan enthused, anticipating the vibrant energy of local supporters cheering for van Gerwen and other Dutch stars. For Littler, Humphries, and van Gerwen, the £80,000 prize is just part of the allure—glory in front of a passionate crowd and a chance to cement their legacies await. As the darts world converges on the Netherlands, this weekend promises to deliver drama, precision, and a glimpse of who will dominate the sport’s future.
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