New York City is buzzing as the world’s top darts players descend upon the iconic Madison Square Garden for the bet365 US Darts Masters on June 25-26. This prestigious event, part of the global World Series of Darts, promises thrilling action, featuring rising stars like Dutch debutant Gian van Veen and Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, alongside established champions such as Gerwyn Price. With a record-breaking 5,000 fans expected, expect an electrifying atmosphere as players compete for the coveted title and a piece of darts history in the Big Apple. The event also includes the parallel North American Championship, offering local talent a chance to shine and qualify for major world tournaments.
The Stage is Set: Darts at Madison Square Garden
The eighth edition of the bet365 US Darts Masters kicks off in the Infosys Theatre at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden. This event is a key stop on the World Series of Darts, bringing the sport’s biggest names to battle for one of its most prestigious titles. For two action-packed days, June 25-26, the venue will host a sell-out crowd of 5,000 fans – a new record for darts in the United States, underscoring the sport’s growing popularity.
Rising Stars and Seasoned Champions Take Aim
Gian van Veen: A Dream Debut at MSG
Dutch number one Gian van Veen, a World Championship finalist, makes his highly anticipated debut at the US Darts Masters. After an early-year illness, Van Veen is looking to reignite his season on the grandest stage. He faces newcomer Fred Krueger in the opening match of the tournament.
“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 from Madison Square Garden. “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.”
Josh Rock: Premier League Talent in the Big Apple
Another exciting talent making his first appearance in New York is Josh Rock, a Northern Irishman who is set to debut in the Premier League in 2026. Rock will begin his challenge against Canada’s ‘Gentleman’ Jim Long.
“I’m really looking forward to this,” admitted Rock, featuring in his first World Series event of the year. “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!”
Welsh Powerhouses and Returning Legends
Wales is strongly represented with top contenders:
- Gerwyn Price, the 2024 runner-up, will face Canadian opposition in Brayden Hall.
- Another Welsh title contender, Jonny Clayton, meets 2008 UK Open runner-up Gary Mawson.
The tournament also marks a World Series return for James Wade, who will play the USA’s CDC ProTour leader Adam Sevada. Meanwhile, Stephen Bunting locks horns with another United States representative, two-time CDC Continental Cup champion Alex Spellman.
Other top seeds in the tournament include reigning World Champion Luke Humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler, ensuring a star-studded lineup for the fans.
The North American Championship: A Local Battle for Global Dreams
Before the main event concludes, Friday afternoon will host the bet365 North American Championship. This parallel tournament features eight of North America’s best darts players competing for a prestigious title and, crucially, qualification spots for this year’s World Darts Championship and Grand Slam of Darts.
The draw for this exciting championship includes:
- Top seed Jim Long kicks off against compatriot Brayden Hall.
- 2022 champion Leonard Gates goes head-to-head with debutant Fred Krueger.
- Adam Sevada and Alex Spellman collide in another intriguing matchup.
- Veterans David Cameron and Gary Mawson compete for a semi-final berth.
Tournament Schedule & How to Watch
Key Dates & Format
The US Darts Masters unfolds over two intense evenings, with the North American Championship taking place on Friday afternoon.
- Thursday, June 25 (7:00 PM EST): Round One of the bet365 US Darts Masters.
- Friday, June 26 (1:00 PM EST): Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Final of the bet365 North American Championship.
- Friday, June 26 (7:30 PM EST): Quarter-Finals (best of 11 legs), Semi-Finals (best of 13 legs), and the Grand Final (best of 15 legs) of the bet365 US Darts Masters.
Full Draw Brackets: bet365 US Darts Masters
Round One Matches (Thursday, June 25):
- (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
Full Draw Brackets: bet365 North American Championship
Quarter-Final Matches (Friday, June 26 – Afternoon):
- (1) Jim Long v Brayden Hall
- (4) Leonard Gates v Fred Krueger
- (2) Adam Sevada v Alex Spellman
- (3) David Cameron v Gary Mawson
The semi-finals will follow directly, pairing the winners of Long/Hall vs. Gates/Krueger and Sevada/Spellman vs. Cameron/Mawson.
Where to Catch the Action
Fans worldwide can follow all the darts drama:
- United States: Live broadcast exclusively through FanDuel.
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland: Exclusively available on DAZN.
- Netherlands & Other Territories: Live coverage via Viaplay.
- Global: Stream live through PDCTV in all countries.
- United Kingdom: Delayed coverage will be broadcast on ITV3.
- Friday, June 26 (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM BST): Round One.
- Saturday, June 27 (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM BST): Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals & Final.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.