Get ready for a thrilling shake-up in the world of darts! Rising stars Gian van Veen and Ross Smith are making their highly anticipated World Series debuts in Australia and New Zealand this August. Both players have earned their spots through a string of incredible performances, with Van Veen reaching major finals and Smith clinching significant titles. They’ll join a formidable lineup of PDC giants and local talents, all vying for glory. With last year’s champion, Luke Littler, not competing, new winners are guaranteed in what promises to be an electrifying tournament series Down Under.
Darts’ New Guard: Gian van Veen’s Meteoric Rise
Dubbed “The Giant,” Gian van Veen has been nothing short of sensational in recent months, solidifying his status as one of the planet’s top darts players. His remarkable form saw him play a pivotal role in leading the Netherlands to their first World Cup of Darts final in eight years, a hard-fought battle where they ultimately fell to England. Prior to this, Van Veen also reached the prestigious 2025 World Championship final in January, where he faced off against the formidable Luke Littler. His consistent high-level performances make him a truly deserving addition to the World Series lineup.
Ross Smith: A Veteran’s Breakthrough onto the World Stage
Joining Van Veen as a World Series debutant is the 37-year-old Ross Smith. Smith has carved out his spot on the elite tour through sheer determination and an impressive run of victories. His recent triumphs include securing the coveted International Darts Open title and clinching two ProTour titles. These significant achievements underscore his current peak form and firmly establish him as a player to watch on the international stage.
The Battle Down Under: Who’s Competing?
The stellar performances of both Gian van Veen and Ross Smith have secured their places among the 16-player roster set to compete in the Southern Hemisphere. They will face a challenging field of both established PDC giants and talented local players.
PDC Stars Confirmed for Australia and New Zealand:
- Damon Heta
- Gerwyn Price
- Gian van Veen
- James Wade
- Jonny Clayton
- Josh Rock
- Ross Smith
- Stephen Bunting
Oceanic Talent and Qualification Paths:
While the full list of local representatives is still being finalized, two Oceanic players have already been confirmed: Adam Leek and Simon Whitlock. More local talents are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Aspiring players from Oceania have the opportunity to qualify for both the New Zealand and Australia events through upcoming qualifying events on the ADA (Australian Darts Association) and DPNZ (Darts Players New Zealand) circuits, ensuring a strong local presence.
The Double Header: New Zealand and Australia Darts Masters
The World Series action kicks off with the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland. Following this thrilling opener, the same 16 players will travel to Wollongong, Australia, to compete in the Australia Darts Open just one week later. This back-to-back format promises an intense period of competition and high-stakes darts.
Expect the Unexpected: New Champions Guaranteed
While the PDC stars are often considered favourites, the World Series tournaments are renowned for delivering surprising upsets. Fans can certainly anticipate plenty of thrilling contests and potential shocks in both New Zealand and Australia. Notably, Luke Littler, who dominated and won both competitions in 2025, will not be competing this August. This significant absence guarantees that we will crown new champions in both the New Zealand Darts Masters and the Australia Darts Open, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the events.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
