The highly anticipated US Darts Masters 2026 is set to electrify New York City, taking place at the iconic Madison Square Garden from June 25th to 26th. This prestigious PDC World Series event pits eight of the sport’s biggest stars against eight top North American qualifiers in a thrilling knockout format. While the tournament doesn’t count towards the PDC Order of Merit world rankings, it offers significant prize money, crucial World Series ranking points for qualification to the Finals, and the chance to claim a coveted title in the ‘Big Apple’. Defending champion Luke Humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler are among the favorites, with all the action available to watch live on DAZN and Pluto TV.
The Stage is Set in the Big Apple
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) makes its fourth stop on the World Series of Darts tour in New York City. The legendary Madison Square Garden will host this annual American darts highlight, bringing together the sport’s elite with the best talent from North America.
This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase darts on a grand stage in the United States, offering local fans an unforgettable experience and helping to grow the sport’s popularity across the continent. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, building on the excitement felt during the pre-tournament media day and meet-and-greet sessions.
Tournament Format and Schedule
PDC Stars vs. North American Talent
The tournament features eight invited PDC stars who are among the world’s best, including many Premier League participants. They will face off against eight qualifiers from the USA and Canada. These North American players earned their spots through various routes, including tournament victories, the CDC Tour, and a dedicated qualifier series, ensuring only the strongest local talent makes it to the main stage.
Key Dates and Times (All Times Local New York / CEST)
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Thursday, June 25th, 2026: First Round
- Starts: 7:00 PM local time (Friday, June 26th, 1:00 AM CEST)
- Format: Best of 11 Legs
- Eight matches will take place, with winners advancing to the quarterfinals.
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Friday, June 26th, 2026: Quarterfinals, Semifinals, & Final
- Starts: 7:30 PM local time (Saturday, June 27th, 1:30 AM CEST)
- Format: Quarterfinals (Best of 11 Legs), Semifinals (Best of 13 Legs), Final (Best of 15 Legs)
- All remaining matches, culminating in the crowning of the champion, will be played in this single session.
The Contenders: Who’s Playing?
The field is a mix of established PDC giants and promising North American players eager to make their mark.
PDC Invited Stars
The PDC selects its top players for this invitation-only event. This year’s lineup includes:
- Luke Littler (1)
- Luke Humphries (2) – Defending Champion
- Gian van Veen (3)
- Jonny Clayton (4)
- James Wade
- Gerwyn Price
- Josh Rock
- Stephen Bunting
North American Qualifiers
These players have battled through qualifiers to earn their spot against the PDC elite:
- Jim Long
- David Cameron
- Alex Spellman
- Leonard Gates
- Gary Mawson
- Fred Krueger – Making TV debut
- Adam Sevada
- Brayden Hall – Making TV debut
First Round Match-ups
The opening night promises thrilling encounters:
- Gian van Veen vs. Fred Krueger
- Gerwyn Price vs. Brayden Hall
- James Wade vs. Adam Sevada
- Josh Rock vs. Jim Long
- Luke Littler vs. David Cameron
- Luke Humphries vs. Leonard Gates
- Jonny Clayton vs. Gary Mawson
- Stephen Bunting vs. Alex Spellman
While the PDC stars are clear favorites, players like Adam Sevada against James Wade offer the highest chance for an upset, adding an exciting dynamic to the tournament.
Prize Money and World Series Points
Financial Rewards
The US Darts Masters boasts a total prize fund of £100,000. The champion will walk away with a substantial £30,000. It’s important to note that while the prize money is significant, it does not count towards the PDC Order of Merit world rankings. However, this tournament is crucial for players looking to secure a spot in the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, as valuable ranking points are awarded.
Prize Money Breakdown
- Winner: £30,000 (12 World Series points)
- Runner-Up: £16,000 (8 World Series points)
- Semifinalists: £10,000 (5 World Series points)
- Quarterfinalists: £5,000 (3 World Series points)
- First Round Losers: £1,750 (1 World Series point)
- Total: £100,000
Beyond the Masters: North American Darts Championship
In addition to the US Darts Masters, the North American Darts Championship (NADC) will also take place on Friday evening, June 26th, starting at 7:00 PM local time. This separate tournament is incredibly important for North American players, as the winner secures a coveted spot in both the World Darts Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts. All sessions, including the NADC, will be broadcast live.
How to Watch the Action
Fans around the world can tune in to catch all the darts excitement:
- DAZN: This premier sports streaming service offers live and high-definition coverage of all PDC Major tournaments, European Tour events, and World Series events. DAZN is accessible on smart TVs, smartphones, PCs, laptops, and tablets. It provides extensive sports content, including top football leagues and other major sports, often with replay options for missed matches. Subscription models vary, typically offering monthly or annual plans.
- Pluto TV: For those looking for a free option, the US Darts Masters 2026 will also be broadcast live on the DAZN Darts X Pluto TV channel, available on Pluto TV. This provides an accessible way for a broader audience to enjoy the tournament without a subscription.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
