US Darts Masters 2025 Preview: MSG Set for World Series Showdown
- Darts Central
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
The World Series of Darts returns after a brief three-week hiatus as the 2025 US Darts Masters heads to the iconic Madison Square Garden. Taking place from Friday, 27th to Saturday, 28th June, the event features eight of the PDC’s elite stars facing off against eight of North America’s top darting talents in the fourth World Series invitational of the year.
Previous editions have delivered some memorable moments at Madison Square Garden in the heart of the Big Apple, including Canada’s Jeff Smith’s remarkable run to the final in 2023 and Michael Smith winning the inaugural title at the venue in 2022. Most recently, Rob Cross snatched victory away from Gerwyn Price in 2024 and will be aiming to become the first player to win back-to-back titles at this iconic location.
With a best-of-11 legs format in the opening round, there’s little room for error. The PDC stars will need to be sharp from the start as they look to avoid early upsets and build momentum towards the longer-format semi-finals (best of 13) and final (best of 15).
The Draw:
The draw for the 2025 US Darts Masters is based on seedings determined by performances in the first three World Series events of the year, held in Bahrain, Copenhagen, and the Netherlands.
Here’s how the Last 16 lines up:
(1) Stephen Bunting vs Jason Brandon
Damon Heta vs Jim Long
(4) Luke Littler vs Jules van Dongen
Nathan Aspinall vs Matt Campbell
(2) Rob Cross vs Danny Lauby
Luke Humphries vs Stowe Buntz
(3) Gerwyn Price vs Adam Sevada
Michael van Gerwen vs Leonard Gates
Each match features a PDC World Series invitee against a North American representative. The format is a straight knockout; win three matches, and you’ll be playing in Saturday night’s final.
Key Players to Watch
Luke Humphries
The World Number 1 has enjoyed a stellar 2025 so far, picking up major titles at the rebranded World Masters and the Premier League. He has just one World Series title to his name, claimed in New Zealand last year, and will be aiming to double that tally this weekend under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
Stephen Bunting
‘The Bullet’ currently tops the World Series rankings after winning two of the first three events in Bahrain and, most recently, Copenhagen. He’s also added a European Tour title and a Players Championship title this season, underlining a significant upturn in his ability to convert deep runs into silverware. Bunting is now a genuine contender at every event, and that includes this weekend in New York.
Damon Heta
‘The Heat’ is making his first World Series appearance outside the Australia and New Zealand region. Now ranked World No.10, he has risen rapidly in just over five years as a professional and boasts an impressive haul of 10 PDC titles, including eight Players Championship wins, one European Tour title, and his breakout triumph at the 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters. A natural showman who thrives on the big stage, Heta will look to energise the New York crowd and make a serious push for the title.
North American Challengers: Can They Cause an Upset?
The North American representatives may enter as heavy underdogs, but they’ll relish the opportunity to test themselves against the PDC’s elite on home soil.
While history tends to favour the invited stars, the short format leaves the door open for a shock or two. With the New York faithful firmly behind them, expect these regional players to bring passion, pride, and plenty of fire to the oche.
Here are two players who could spring a surprise:
🇨🇦 Matt Campbell
The Canadian has been making steady progress in the PDC and recently climbed to World No.53 after his best-ever run on the European Tour. He faces a tough assignment in Nathan Aspinall, but if the Premier League star has an off day, Campbell is more than capable of capitalising and pulling off a surprise.
🇺🇸 Danny Lauby
The quick-fire American is a recognisable Tour Card holder with undoubted talent, though consistency has often been his biggest challenge. Currently ranked World No.86, Lauby faces Rob Cross, a player who has struggled for form in recent months, and will fancy his chances of delivering a shock in the Big Apple.
Potential Routes & Talking Points
If the seeded players hold their nerve, fans could be treated to some mouthwatering clashes on finals day. A potential heavyweight quarter-final between Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen stands out on one side of the draw, while the other could feature a fiery meeting between Luke Littler and Nathan Aspinall, always a lively encounter.
There’s also the subplot of World Series ranking points, with a strong run here potentially crucial for securing qualification to the end-of-year finals.
Many eyes will be on the World’s top two, Humphries and Littler, who are on opposite halves of the draw and could be on course for yet another showdown in a final. But the remaining 14 players will be equally determined to spoil the party and lift the trophy themselves on Saturday evening.
Final Thoughts
The US Darts Masters offers a unique showcase, pitting the PDC's elite against top talent from the North American region. With a packed crowd in New York and a short format across the weekend, drama is virtually guaranteed.
Stephen Bunting and Rob Cross have split the opening three World Series titles of the year in Bahrain, Copenhagen, and the Netherlands. While Luke Littler and Luke Humphries remain favourites with the bookmakers, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall are building momentum and look like real contenders every time they step on stage.
Expect upsets, fireworks, and top-tier drama as the World Series continues to showcase darts on a truly global stage.
🔗 Follow Darts Central:
Comments