From its exciting start in Sydney in 2013 to the upcoming 2026 event in Wollongong, Australia has been a significant stage for the World Series of Darts. This article delves into the rich history of the nineteen events held Down Under, highlighting legends like Phil Taylor’s early dominance, Michael van Gerwen’s multiple triumphs, and the unforgettable moment when local hero Damon Heta, a non-Tour Card holder, clinched a shocking victory. While recent years have seen international stars claim the titles, there’s growing anticipation for Australasian players to make their mark and claim a breakthrough win in the future.
The Early Years: Sydney Kicks Off the Action (2013-2016)
The World Series of Darts made its grand debut in Australia in 2013, with Sydney hosting the very first event. This inaugural competition featured regional qualifiers, creating a unique opportunity for local talent to challenge the global elite. A memorable moment saw Tic Bridge defeat the legendary Raymond van Barneveld, proving that even top professionals could be upset. Ultimately, darts icon Phil Taylor secured the first-ever title, overcoming Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling final.
For the next three years, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) expanded its Australian presence, adding the Perth Darts Masters to the calendar. Phil Taylor’s dominance was undeniable, as he claimed both events in 2014 and 2015, followed by a fourth consecutive Sydney title in 2016.
Taylor’s Unbroken Streak and its Dramatic End
Phil Taylor’s run in Australia was nothing short of legendary. He had won all six World Series titles held Down Under, accumulating an incredible 24 consecutive match wins. This phenomenal streak finally came to an end in the first round of the 2016 Perth Masters. An emerging talent, Corey Cadby delivered a sensational performance, averaging 103.58 to defeat Taylor, who himself posted an astonishing 111.65 average – a testament to the high quality of the match. Though Cadby later lost to Peter Wright, this moment marked a significant shift. That year, Michael van Gerwen went on to secure his first World Series title in Australia.
Shifting Sands: New Venues and New Champions (2017-2019)
In 2017, the PDC introduced a new host city, with Melbourne replacing Sydney. This saw Phil Taylor return to winning ways, claiming his final Australian title. The following week, Gary Anderson triumphed in Perth. The 2018 events brought more new champions, with Peter Wright taking the Melbourne title and Rob Cross winning the inaugural Brisbane Masters.
The Unforgettable 2019: Damon Heta’s Historic Triumph
The year 2019 delivered a moment that etched itself into World Series history. Something truly unprecedented occurred:
- Damon Heta, a local player who did not hold a PDC Tour Card, remarkably won the title.
- He overcame a formidable lineup of top players, including James Wade, Gary Anderson, and Simon Whitlock.
- Heta sealed his incredible victory by defeating Rob Cross in a tense last-leg decider.
This victory was a massive inspiration for aspiring darts players across Australia. The following week, before the global pandemic paused international darts, Michael van Gerwen won the final event in Melbourne, marking a three-year hiatus for the World Series in Australia.
The Return and Evolution (2022-Present)
The World Series of Darts made a welcome return to Australia in 2022. This year saw the unique, single appearance of the Queensland Darts Masters, which Michael van Gerwen won. The following week, the New South Wales Masters took place, with Jonny Clayton emerging as the champion. This marked the last time Australia hosted two World Series events in a single year, as the PDC began to expand its global reach, adding new destinations like Poland, New York, and Bahrain to its international calendar.
2023 saw the New South Wales Masters hosted for its second and final time, where Rob Cross secured his second Australian title. The baton then passed to Wollongong, which hosted the inaugural Australian Darts Masters in 2024.
Recent Champions and the Local Challenge:
The first two Australian Darts Masters events in Wollongong have been claimed by global superstars:
- Gerwyn Price won in 2024.
- Luke Littler secured the title in 2025.
A notable observation from these two events is the absence of any match wins by Oceanic qualifiers. While the top international players continue to dominate, there are promising signs for local talent. For instance, in a recent event in New Zealand, players like Raymond Smith and Adam Leek successfully defeated PDC professionals, demonstrating that Australasian players are capable of competing at the highest level.
The Road Ahead: Awaiting Australasian Breakthroughs
With players such as Raymond Smith and Brody Klinge showcasing impressive form on the ADA Tour this year, there’s genuine optimism that 2026 could finally be the year we see more Australasian winners on the World Series stage. The question remains: how far can they go, and can a local hero once again lift the coveted trophy Down Under? The darts world eagerly awaits.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
