American darts star Adam Sevada has made history, securing his first-ever bet365 North American Darts Championship title with a commanding 6-1 victory over Canada’s Jim Long. His dominant performance at Madison Square Garden not only earned him the top prize of $10,000 but also confirmed his qualification for prestigious events like the 2026/27 World Darts Championship and November’s Grand Slam of Darts, signalling a significant moment for American darts.
Adam Sevada Crowned North American Champion in Dominant Fashion
In a thrilling climax at the Infosys Theater in Madison Square Garden, the United States proudly reclaimed its status in the darts world. American number one, Adam Sevada, aged 40, faced off against Canada’s top player, Jim Long, in what was expected to be a closely contested final. However, Sevada delivered an exceptional performance, clinching the bet365 North American Darts Championship trophy with a decisive 6-1 victory. This remarkable win secured him the coveted $10,000 top prize.
Sevada’s Unstoppable Journey to the Title
Sevada’s path to the championship was nothing short of spectacular. The California-born star showcased incredible form throughout the tournament, conceding a mere four legs across three matches. His dominance was clear in victories against strong opponents:
- Opening Match: Sevada began his campaign with a stunning 102.48 average against Alex Spellman, widely recognized as the second-highest average in the tournament’s history. He delivered a ruthless six-leg whitewash, winning 6-0.
- Semi-Final: He then faced 2008 UK Open runner-up, Gary Mawson. Despite a spirited fightback from the 63-year-old veteran, Sevada emerged a strong 6-3 winner.
- The Final: Against top seed Jim Long, Sevada started powerfully, securing a 14-dart hold and a clinical two-dart 92 checkout to quickly lead 2-0. Although Long managed to halve the deficit, Sevada quickly restored control with another three consecutive legs, storming to a 5-1 lead. He then overcame some late nerves to seal the title with a double two.
Emotional Victory and Bright Future for Sevada
Overwhelmed with emotion, Sevada, currently the top-ranked player on the CDC circuit, shared his feelings post-match: “I feel absolutely amazing. I’m really emotional. Today I felt really relaxed and I’m glad to be able to prove what I can actually do on the stage. My darts were going well from the very first match and I felt great all day.”
This victory holds immense significance for Sevada’s career. It confirms his automatic qualification for two major darts events:
- The prestigious 2026/27 World Darts Championship, where he will aim to build on his Alexandra Palace debut from last year.
- November’s highly anticipated Grand Slam of Darts.
Sevada expressed his gratitude for these opportunities: “It’s an amazing opportunity that the CDC and PDC have given us. To be able to do this is a dream come true.” While cautious about calling it a definitive turning point, he added, “Everybody knows what I can do when I’m on my game, so we’ll see what happens.”
Jim Long’s Strong Performance Despite Final Disappointment
Jim Long, who was also the runner-up in last year’s North American Darts Championship, showcased impressive form leading up to the final. He defeated Brayden Hall and Fred Krueger to reach the final, even surviving a match dart in his semi-final against Krueger. Long had also previously made headlines by knocking out Josh Rock on Day One of the US Darts Masters. However, he couldn’t quite capture his maiden North American Championship crown.
Long reflected on his performance with disappointment: “Today was a tough day for me. I didn’t feel comfortable at all. It’s funny how this event can bring so much more pressure than playing the top eight players in the world. I didn’t perform well enough and that’s it. I’m disappointed without a doubt.”
Other Notable Contenders
The tournament also saw other strong performances:
- Fred Krueger: Secured his spot in the semi-finals with an impressive 6-4 victory against Leonard Gates, who was the only former North American Champion in this year’s field.
- Gary Mawson: The veteran dart player edged past David Cameron in a tense quarter-final battle, surviving multiple match darts to advance.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
