2025 World Series of Darts draw confirmed as Littler starts his defence against Whitlock

The draw has been made for the 2025 Jack’s Casino World Series of Darts Finals, setting up a host of mouth-watering clashes as the prestigious event returns to Amsterdam from September 12-14. The tournament, staged at AFAS Live, will feature 32 of the world’s finest players competing for a £400,000 prize fund, with £80,000 going to the eventual champion.

Reigning champion Luke Littler begins his title defence against Australian stalwart Simon Whitlock in the opening round, kicking off what promises to be a thrilling three days of darting drama in the Dutch capital.

Littler Back to Defend His Crown

The teenage sensation claimed his first World Series Finals crown in Amsterdam last year, adding another major trophy to his growing collection. Since then, he has continued his remarkable rise, capturing back-to-back titles in Australia and New Zealand this August. Now, the 17-year-old returns to the AFAS Live as one of the players to beat, and he will be tested immediately against Whitlock – a veteran of the big stage and former World Cup champion who is never afraid of a fight.

Littler’s rise has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, but in a field as stacked as this, he knows he cannot take anything for granted. Whitlock, with all his experience, will relish the chance to spoil the party.

Dutch Legends in Spotlight

The draw has delivered some tantalising home clashes for Dutch fans. Michael van Gerwen, a five-time winner of this event, will lock horns with compatriot Wessel Nijman in a fascinating all-Netherlands affair. Van Gerwen, desperate to reclaim his crown on home soil, will face stiff opposition from Nijman, who sealed his qualification in Milton Keynes and will be inspired by the chance to shine in front of a passionate crowd.

Meanwhile, Raymond van Barneveld – the legendary figure of Dutch darts – begins his campaign against Norway’s Cor Dekker. For Van Barneveld, every outing in Amsterdam feels special, and his clash with debutant Dekker has all the makings of a crowd-pleasing encounter.

Seeds Face Tricky Openers

Top seed Stephen Bunting, who topped the 2025 World Series Rankings thanks to victories in Bahrain and Copenhagen, has been handed a tough opener against Danny Noppert. The Dutch number two and 2019 finalist will be aiming to upset the form guide and delight the home fans by toppling the World Series leader.

World number one Luke Humphries will take on fellow Englishman James Wade in what is arguably the standout fixture of the first round. Humphries has lifted multiple titles in 2025, including the US Masters, while Wade is a former World Series Finals champion himself, guaranteeing a high-quality battle.

Other seeded players also face intriguing ties. Poland Masters winner Gerwyn Price opens against America’s Danny Lauby, while Rob Cross, fresh from his Dutch Masters victory, will meet New Zealand’s Haupai Puha. Mike De Decker, who broke into the seedings after a superb run to the Australian Darts Masters final, has drawn German qualifier Gabriel Clemens. Nathan Aspinall will take on Dave Chisnall in an all-English showdown, and Chris Dobey begins against Luke Woodhouse.

Tournament Schedule

The World Series Finals will begin on Friday, September 12, with a blockbuster evening session. The opener sees Dutch pair Kevin Doets and Jermaine Wattimena face off, before a star-studded line-up featuring Humphries against Wade, Nijman versus Van Gerwen, and Bunting’s clash with Noppert rounds off the night.

On Saturday afternoon, the first round concludes with several high-profile ties, including Littler’s showdown with Whitlock and the meeting between Van Barneveld and Dekker. Saturday evening will then host the second round, as the eight seeds enter the tournament and the competition intensifies.

The action reaches its crescendo on Sunday, September 14. The afternoon session will stage the quarter-finals, while the semi-finals and final will headline a bumper evening of darts. With £80,000 awaiting the winner, the stakes could not be higher.

A Truly Global Lineup

This year’s field once again underlines the international reach of the sport. In addition to the big-name seeds, the tournament features 22 qualifiers from the World Series circuit, four players from the Werner Rankings Ladder, and six who earned their place via the Tour Card Holder Qualifier.

Among them are experienced major champions like Peter Wright, Jonny Clayton and Damon Heta, as well as debutants such as Luke Woodhouse and Cor Dekker. With representation from Europe, Oceania and North America, the competition promises a global showcase of talent.

High Stakes in Amsterdam

The 2025 Jack’s Casino World Series of Darts Finals has all the ingredients of a classic edition. Littler will aim to defend his crown, Van Gerwen will be desperate to deliver in front of home fans, and Humphries will look to underline his world number one status. Add in proven winners like Price, Cross and Bunting, alongside dangerous outsiders hungry to cause upsets, and the AFAS Live is set for three days of unmissable darts.

As the draw makes clear, there will be no easy path to glory. Every round throws up blockbuster ties, and with £400,000 in prize money and major honours on the line, the world’s best are ready to deliver another unforgettable spectacle in Amsterdam.

2025 World Series of Darts draw confirmed as Littler starts his defence against Whitlock 

September 12-14

AFAS Live, Amsterdam

Draw Bracket

(1) Stephen Bunting v Danny Noppert

Krzysztof Ratajski v Josh Rock

(8) Mike De Decker v Gabriel Clemens

Damon Heta v Joe Cullen

(4) Luke Humphries v James Wade

Kevin Doets v Jermaine Wattimena

(5) Rob Cross v Haupai Puha

Wessel Nijman v Michael van Gerwen

(2) Luke Littler v Simon Whitlock

Jonny Clayton v Jason Brandon

(7) Nathan Aspinall v Dave Chisnall

Jonny Tata v Ross Smith

(3) Gerwyn Price v Danny Lauby

Cor Dekker v Raymond van Barneveld

(6) Chris Dobey v Luke Woodhouse

Cameron Menzies v Peter Wright

Schedule of Play

Friday September 12 (1900 local time)

First Round x8

Kevin Doets v Jermaine Wattimena

Krzysztof Ratajski v Josh Rock

Damon Heta v Joe Cullen

Mike De Decker v Gabriel Clemens

Luke Humphries v James Wade

Wessel Nijman v Michael van Gerwen

Stephen Bunting v Danny Noppert

Rob Cross v Haupai Puha

Saturday September 13

Afternoon Session (1245 local time)

First Round x8

Chris Dobey v Luke Woodhouse

Cameron Menzies v Peter Wright

Jonny Tata v Ross Smith

Cor Dekker v Raymond van Barneveld

Gerwyn Price v Danny Lauby

Luke Littler v Simon Whitlock

Jonny Clayton v Jason Brandon

Nathan Aspinall v Dave Chisnall

Evening Session (1900 local time)

Second Round

De Decker/Clemens v Heta/Cullen

Bunting/Noppert v Ratajski/Rock

Humphries/Wade v Doets/Wattimena

Cross/Puha v Nijman/Van Gerwen

Price/Lauby v Dekker/Van Barneveld

Dobey/Woodhouse v Menzies/Wright

Littler/Whitlock v Clayton/Brandon

Aspinall/Chisnall v Tata/R Smith

Sunday September 14

Afternoon Session (1245 local time)

Quarter-Finals

Evening Session (1900 local time)

Semi-Finals

Final