The World Series Showpiece hits New York as Luke Humphries targets back-to-back titles in the Big Apple

The 2026 bet365 US Darts Masters gets underway in New York on Thursday evening, with many of the sport’s biggest stars set to battle for World Series glory at the iconic Madison Square Garden.

The eighth edition of the tournament will be staged at the Infosys Theater on June 25-26, as the World Series roadshow returns to the Big Apple for another celebration of darts in the United States.

Reigning champion Luke Humphries heads to New York looking to defend the title he claimed in memorable fashion 12 months ago, when he captured his second World Series crown on one of the most famous stages in world sport.

The world number two begins his campaign against former North American Championship winner Leonard Gates and is eager to create more special memories in a city that already holds huge significance for him.

“In my opinion it’s the most prestigious World Series event to win,” declared Humphries.

“It’s nice to come back as the reigning champion, and I definitely want to go out and defend it.

“It’s such an incredible venue – one of the best in the world, not just in America – so it was a special feeling to say I’ve won in Madison Square Garden.

“New York also holds special memories for me and my partner because I got engaged here, so it’s a title I really wanted to tick off and I’m glad I did last year.

“I’m really looking forward to this week and I’m hoping I can carry on from where I left off over the last few weeks.”

World number one Luke Littler is also among the headline acts on opening night, as the reigning two-time World Champion looks to add another major title to his remarkable collection.

The teenager opens his challenge against Canadian veteran David Cameron, with another strong World Series showing expected from the sport’s biggest attraction.

Gerwyn Price, runner-up in last year’s event, also faces Canadian opposition when he takes on rising star Brayden Hall, while fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton will play 2008 UK Open finalist Gary Mawson in pursuit of a place at Finals Day.

One of the most eagerly anticipated debuts of the weekend belongs to Dutch number one Gian van Veen.

The world number three will make his first appearance at the US Darts Masters when he faces American newcomer Fred Krueger in Thursday’s opening match.

Fresh from helping the Netherlands reach the World Cup of Darts final earlier this month, Van Veen is embracing the opportunity to compete in one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

“To get the opportunity to explore all the beautiful things this city has to offer while representing our sport is fantastic,” said Van Veen, speaking at Madison Square Garden ahead of the event.

“Walking into this iconic venue for the first time gives you goosebumps, and it really is a dream coming true.

“I think my game is getting better and I’m feeling in a better place right now, so hopefully I can do some damage on the board again.”

Another player making his New York debut is Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock.

The World Cup champion begins his title challenge against Canadian number one Jim Long and is relishing the chance to perform inside one of the world’s most celebrated sporting arenas.

“I’m really looking forward to this,” admitted Rock, featuring in his first World Series event of 2026.

“I’ve followed Boxing and UFC all my life and there’s obviously been huge events at Madison Square Garden, so to have the opportunity to play here with the PDC is exciting.

“I’m here to win the title, the same as everybody else, so may the best man win!”

The remaining first-round fixtures promise plenty of intrigue.

James Wade returns to the US Darts Masters stage and will begin his campaign against CDC ProTour leader Adam Sevada, who continues to establish himself as one of North America’s leading players.

Meanwhile, Stephen Bunting faces a stern opening test against two-time CDC Continental Cup champion Alex Spellman, as the St Helens star looks to build on another strong year on the World Series circuit.

Following Thursday’s opening round, the tournament reaches its conclusion on Friday evening, when the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final take place before a sold-out crowd of 5,000 spectators.

That attendance figure represents a new record for a darts event in the United States and highlights the continued growth of the sport across North America.

Earlier on Friday, attention will also turn to the bet365 North American Championship, where eight regional stars will battle not only for silverware, but also for places in this year’s World Darts Championship and Grand Slam of Darts.

Canadian number one Jim Long enters as the top seed and opens his campaign against compatriot Brayden Hall in an all-Canadian encounter.

Former champion Leonard Gates, who lifted the title in 2022, takes on tournament debutant Fred Krueger as he attempts to reclaim the crown.

Adam Sevada and Alex Spellman will renew their rivalry in another fascinating quarter-final clash, while experienced campaigners David Cameron and Gary Mawson complete the quarter-final line-up in what promises to be a battle between two North American stalwarts.

With world champions, emerging stars and local heroes all featuring across two action-packed days, another memorable chapter in the history of the US Darts Masters looks set to unfold in the heart of New York City.

The World Series Showpiece hits New York as Luke Humphries targets back-to-back titles in the Big Apple 

2026 bet365 US Darts Masters

Draw Bracket

(1) Luke Littler v David Cameron

Josh Rock v Jim Long

(4) Gerwyn Price v Brayden Hall

James Wade v Adam Sevada

(2) Luke Humphries v Leonard Gates

Stephen Bunting v Alex Spellman

(3) Gian van Veen v Fred Krueger

Jonny Clayton v Gary Mawson

2026 bet365 US Darts Masters

Thursday June 25 (1900 EST)

Round One

Gian van Veen v Fred Krueger

Gerwyn Price v Brayden Hall

James Wade v Adam Sevada

Josh Rock v Jim Long

Luke Littler v David Cameron

Luke Humphries v Leonard Gates

Jonny Clayton v Gary Mawson

Stephen Bunting v Alex Spellman

Friday June 26 (1930 EST)

Quarter-Finals – Best of 11 legs

Semi-Finals – Best of 13 legs

Final – Best of 15 legs

2026 bet365 North American Championship

Draw Bracket

(1) Jim Long v Brayden Hall

(4) Leonard Gates v Fred Krueger

(2) Adam Sevada v Alex Spellman

(3) David Cameron v Gary Mawson

Schedule of Play

Friday June 26 (1300 EST)

Quarter-Finals

Jim Long v Brayden Hall

Leonard Gates v Fred Krueger

Adam Sevada v Alex Spellman

David Cameron v Gary Mawson

Semi-Finals

Long/Hall v Gates/Krueger

Sevada/Spellman v Cameron/Mawson

Final

v

All matches best of 11 legs