The darting world is buzzing, but not everyone is on the oche! The World Series of Darts is heading to New Zealand and Australia for its final two events before the grand finals, but notably absent are the tour’s top three stars: Michael van Gerwen, Luke Littler, and Luke Humphries. Instead of competing, these champions are taking a well-deserved break, enjoying family holidays in Ibiza, theme park adventures in Orlando, and some much-needed relaxation away from the intense pressure of professional darts. This unexpected shake-up means new opportunities for other players to shine in the upcoming double-header.
The World Series of Darts is gearing up for its thrilling conclusion, with two pivotal events scheduled down under. First, the action kicks off in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday, August 14th, continuing through the following day at the Spark Arena. The darts caravan then moves to Wollongong, Australia, for the subsequent weekend, culminating at the WIN Entertainment Centre. These events are the last chance for players to secure their spots and build momentum before the prestigious World Series of Darts Finals in September.
The Top Three Take a Break
However, the biggest news surrounding these events isn’t who’s playing, but who isn’t. The entire top three on the World Series Order of Merit – Michael van Gerwen, Luke Littler, and Luke Humphries – have all opted out. Each is using this valuable downtime to recharge and enjoy personal moments away from the intense demands of the dartboard, affectionately known as the ‘oche’.
Where Are They? A Look at Their Time Off:
- Michael van Gerwen: Ibiza Bound!
Currently ranked number one on the World Series Order of Merit after his dominant victories in Bahrain and Denmark, ‘Mighty Mike’ has traded his darts for holiday mode. He recently shared joyous photographs of his family boarding a plane, eagerly anticipating their getaway. His social media caption perfectly summed up the excitement: “Whoah! We’re going to Ibiza,” indicating a sun-soaked family vacation for the Dutch superstar. - Luke Littler: Orlando Adventures and Card Collecting
The sensational 19-year-old Luke Littler, sitting second in the standings after his triumph in Saudi Arabia and a strong run to the USA final, is embracing his break with enthusiasm. Following his World Matchplay win, Littler openly spoke about his August plans: “I need to relax, go to America, chill out, not think about darts and come back for the World Series.” He’s certainly doing that! Littler has been documenting his American journey on Instagram, sharing glimpses of his time at Universal Studios in Orlando with Faith Miller, enjoying the theme park thrills. Beyond the rides, his well-known passion for collecting sports cards continues, as he recently posted about visiting a card shop and adding new treasures to his collection. - Luke Humphries: Enjoying the Heat, Location Unknown
World number three, Luke Humphries, who secured his spot at the top after a victory in the USA, is also enjoying a well-deserved family break. Like Van Gerwen, ‘Cool Hand’ has shared updates on his social media, showcasing moments of relaxation with his loved ones. He’s reportedly basking in a warm 39-degree Celsius heat, though the exact location of his sunny escape remains a mystery.
Opportunity Knocks for Others
With the top three taking a hiatus, the playing field for the upcoming events is wide open. Gian van Veen now stands as the highest-ranked player competing in this World Series of Darts double-header, presenting a golden opportunity for him to make a significant impact.
Other prominent PDC representatives set to battle it out include Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, James Wade, Josh Rock, Stephen Bunting, Ross Smith, and Damon Heta. While many of these players are formidable, the absence of the established top three certainly shakes up the competition, creating an exciting and unpredictable atmosphere for fans.
As the World Series of Darts pushes towards its grand finale, these upcoming events promise thrilling darting action, even as its biggest stars enjoy a well-earned break before returning to the oche for the final showdown in September.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
