The 2025 US Darts Masters hits Madison Square Garden as the Big Apple awaits

The bright lights of New York City are once again ready to shine on the world of darts as the 2025 bet365 US Darts Masters gets underway this Friday at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Over two thrilling days of action on June 27–28, sixteen top competitors will battle it out for glory in the latest leg of the World Series of Darts.

Now in its seventh edition, the US Darts Masters has cemented itself as a flagship event on the global darts calendar, and this year’s field is stacked with talent. Among those headlining the event is reigning champion Rob Cross, alongside world number one Luke Humphries and teenage phenomenon Luke Littler – the current World Champion.

Cross, who also captured the Dutch Darts Masters title earlier this year, kicks off his title defense against American number one Danny Lauby. The Englishman is eager to extend his fine World Series form in the heart of Manhattan.

“I’m thrilled to be back,” said Cross. “Danny’s a real threat – he’s got quality – but I’m just focused on playing my game. I’ve had some good rest with my family lately, and I feel fresh and ready to make another push for the title.”

Friday night’s first-round ties will see all eight PDC professionals face off against their North American counterparts, each seeking a quarter-final berth. Luke Humphries will square off against American talent Stowe Buntz, a former Grand Slam quarter-finalist who could pose a stern test.

Humphries, fresh off his Premier League triumph and still riding the momentum of last year’s breakthrough World Series win in New Zealand, has his sights firmly set on adding the US title to his growing résumé.

“This event has a special feel about it,” Humphries said. “Winning here would be a real statement. It’s such an iconic venue, and lifting that trophy would mean a lot to me.”

Littler, the 17-year-old sensation who continues to turn heads across the sport, begins his quest for a first World Series title of 2025 against US-based Dutchman Jules van Dongen. After a short holiday in Spain, Littler is eager to get back to business in front of a passionate American crowd.

“I’m feeling sharp,” Littler stated. “The atmosphere is always great over here. Darts is growing in the U.S., and I want to be part of that growth by putting on a good show.”

Also returning to the big stage is Michael van Gerwen, who makes his comeback after a five-week layoff. The Dutch legend is a two-time winner of this event, having lifted the trophy in 2017 and 2023. He faces CDC Cross-Border Challenge champion Leonard Gates in what could be one of the standout clashes of the opening night.

“I’ve missed the competition,” admitted Van Gerwen. “It’s been a tough few weeks, but I’m feeling positive. It might be a new shirt, new darts – maybe even a new me. But I’m here to win.”

Nathan Aspinall, the 2019 champion, is also back in action and will take on Canadian number one Matt Campbell in his opening tie. The winner could face Littler in a mouthwatering potential quarter-final.

Former Masters champion Stephen Bunting, seeded top for this year’s tournament after World Series wins in Bahrain and Copenhagen, will make his US debut against Jason Brandon, while Australia’s Damon Heta meets veteran Jim Long in the night’s opening match.

Saturday’s action promises to be even more explosive, as the tournament moves into the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final – all taking place in one blockbuster evening session.

Earlier in the day, darts fans will be treated to the bet365 North American Championship, where eight players from the region battle for a coveted spot at the 2025 World Darts Championship and a place in the Grand Slam of Darts.

The North American schedule features some fierce rivalries: Matt Campbell takes on Jason Brandon, Danny Lauby faces Leonard Gates in an all-American showdown, and Jules van Dongen meets Stowe Buntz for the second year running. Rounding out the quarter-finals, Jim Long plays Adam Sevada.

With global stars, local heroes, and a prestigious title on the line, New York is set for a spectacular weekend of darts. The Theater at Madison Square Garden will be the place where champions rise, under the lights and energy of one of the world’s most iconic venues.

The 2025 US Darts Masters hits Madison Square Garden as the Big Apple awaits

2025 bet365 US Darts Masters Draw Bracket

(1) Stephen Bunting v Jason Brandon

Damon Heta v Jim Long

(4) Luke Littler v Jules van Dongen

Nathan Aspinall v Matt Campbell

(2) Rob Cross v Danny Lauby

Luke Humphries v Stowe Buntz

(3) Gerwyn Price v Adam Sevada

Michael van Gerwen v Leonard Gates

2025 bet365 North American Darts Championship

Draw Bracket

(1) Matt Campbell v Jason Brandon

(4) Jules van Dongen v Stowe Buntz

(2) Danny Lauby v Leonard Gates

(3) Jim Long v Adam Sevada

2025 bet365 US Darts Masters

Friday June 27 (1900 EST)

First Round

Damon Heta v Jim Long

Rob Cross v Danny Lauby

Stephen Bunting v Jason Brandon

Gerwyn Price v Adam Sevada

Luke Littler v Jules van Dongen

Nathan Aspinall v Matt Campbell

Luke Humphries v Stowe Buntz

Michael van Gerwen v Leonard Gates

Saturday June 28 (1300 EST)

2025 bet365 North American Darts Championship

Schedule of Play

Quarter-Finals

Matt Campbell v Jason Brandon

Jules van Dongen v Stowe Buntz

Danny Lauby v Leonard Gates

Jim Long v Adam Sevada

Semi-Finals

Campbell/Brandon v Van Dongen/Buntz

Lauby/Gates v Long/Sevada

Final

v

All games – best of 11 legs