American Stars Shine as Lauby and Brandon Stun Seeds at US Darts Masters Opener

The 2025 US Darts Masters kicked off in dramatic fashion at Madison Square Garden on Friday night, with American duo Danny Lauby and Jason Brandon producing the biggest wins of their careers to shock top-seeded opposition and ignite the New York crowd.

Back in the heart of Manhattan, the World Series of Darts made a triumphant return to The Theatre at MSG, and it was two homegrown talents who stole the spotlight. Lauby produced a flawless display to whitewash defending champion Rob Cross 6-0, while Brandon toppled the tournament’s number one seed Stephen Bunting with a sensational 6-4 triumph.

Lauby, who had suffered first-round exits in each of his previous three appearances at the US Darts Masters, was near-unplayable on the big stage. The Indiana native averaged 94 and threw a spectacular 11-darter to close out the match, having earlier nailed a 118 checkout that set the tone for a dominant performance.

“That was something special,” Lauby reflected after the match. “I haven’t had many opportunities on the big stage this year, so to produce that against someone like Rob means everything. He didn’t play his best, but I took my chances and I’m thrilled to be through.”

The left-hander now shifts his focus to Saturday’s bet365 North American Championship, where a spot in the World Darts Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts is up for grabs. With his PDC Tour Card also on the line this year, Lauby knows this weekend could shape his future in the sport.

“I really needed this,” he admitted. “I haven’t shown my best on tour, but this gives me belief. The North American Championship is massive for me – rankings, Ally Pally, everything – so I want to keep this momentum and win both events if I can.”

Joining Lauby in the quarter-finals is Tennessee’s Jason Brandon, who held his nerve to eliminate in-form Bunting with a 97 average. Brandon, who lost to Cross in his New York debut two years ago, exacted revenge on the same stage with a calm and clinical performance—despite Bunting hitting a 170 checkout during the match.

“This is the biggest win of my career, no doubt,” said an emotional Brandon. “I came here hoping for a bit of redemption after what happened in 2023, and I got it. I just stayed focused, played my game, and it paid off.”

The 50-year-old had even put aside plans to celebrate his wedding anniversary in the Caribbean to take his place in this year’s event. Now, he’s playing for a place in Sunday’s final.

Elsewhere on a pulsating night in New York, reigning World Champion Luke Littler got his campaign off to a strong start with a 6-1 victory over Jules van Dongen, sealing the win in style with a dazzling 120 checkout via three double tops. The teenage phenom now faces 2019 US Darts Masters champion Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals.

Aspinall was equally impressive, hitting eight maximums and averaging 105 in a commanding 6-2 win over Canada’s Matt Campbell.

“I knew I had to be sharp,” Aspinall said. “Matt’s a top player, but I found my rhythm early. I’d love to win here again—it’s been a few years, and I feel like I’m playing better darts now than back in 2019.”

World number one Luke Humphries had to dig deep to avoid becoming the third victim of the American contingent on Friday. Trailing 4-3 to Stowe Buntz, the Premier League champion reeled off three consecutive legs to seal a 6-4 victory and set up a showdown with Lauby in the next round.

Two-time champion Michael van Gerwen also marked his return to competition in style, averaging close to 100 in a 6-1 demolition of Leonard Gates. The Dutchman, seeking his third US Masters title, now meets Gerwyn Price in a blockbuster quarter-final.

Price, the 2024 runner-up, was in sparkling form himself, averaging over 102 and hitting six 180s in a 6-2 win against Adam Sevada.

Australian number one Damon Heta completed the quarter-final lineup with a composed 6-1 win over Jim Long, punishing the Canadian’s missed doubles and averaging just under 99 in his MSG debut. Heta now takes on Brandon for a spot in the final four.

The action continues on Saturday with a jam-packed day at The Theatre. The afternoon session features the bet365 North American Championship, where eight North American players will battle for a $10,000 prize and places in major global tournaments.

In the evening, the US Darts Masters will reach its climax with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final—all played out in front of what promises to be another electric New York crowd.

American Stars Shine as Lauby and Brandon Stun Seeds at US Darts Masters Opener

2025 bet365 US Darts Masters

Friday June 27

First Round

Damon Heta 6-1 Jim Long

Danny Lauby 6-0 Rob Cross

Jason Brandon 6-4 Stephen Bunting

Gerwyn Price 6-2 Adam Sevada

Luke Littler 6-1 Jules van Dongen

Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Matt Campbell

Luke Humphries 6-4 Stowe Buntz

Michael van Gerwen 6-1 Leonard Gates

Best of 11 legs

Saturday June 28

Afternoon Session (1300 EST)

bet365 North American Championship

Quarter-Finals

Matt Campbell v Jason Brandon

Jules van Dongen v Stowe Buntz

Danny Lauby v Leonard Gates

Jim Long v Adam Sevada

Best of 11 legs

Semi-Finals

Campbell/Brandon v Van Dongen/Buntz

Lauby/Gates v Long/Sevada

Best of 11 legs

Final

Best of 11 legs

Evening Session (1930 EST)

bet365 US Darts Masters

Quarter-Finals

Jason Brandon v Damon Heta

Luke Littler v Nathan Aspinall

Danny Lauby v Luke Humphries

Gerwyn Price v Michael van Gerwen

Best of 11 legs

Semi-Finals

Brandon/Heta v Littler/Aspinall

Lauby/Humphries v Price/Van Gerwen

Best of 13 legs

Final

Best of 15 legs