The 2026 Championship Darts Circuit (CDC) season burst into action in New York State, where Adam Sevada delivered a stunning performance, winning both opening tournaments and securing a coveted spot at the US Darts Masters. His double triumph also saw him equal a significant record. Joining him at the prestigious Masters will be Leonard Gates, who also fought his way through a tough qualifier, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
The opening weekend of the 2026 Championship Darts Circuit (CDC) in New York State offered an incredible opportunity for talented darts players to earn a place at the upcoming US Darts Masters. Amidst fierce competition, two names truly shone brightly, dominating the headlines and securing their spots on the big stage.
Adam Sevada: The Reaper’s Dominant Double
The opening weekend was undeniably the Adam Sevada show. Known as ‘The Reaper’, the 40-year-old from Arizona not only rose to the challenge but claimed both of the tour’s opening tournaments, setting a formidable standard for the season. His remarkable achievement took place against the scenic backdrop near Niagara Falls, where he truly made a splash.
Sevada’s first victory was a thrilling affair in the opening event, where he edged out fellow American Stowe Buntz in a nail-biting final. This win was particularly significant, as it saw ‘The Reaper’ draw level with ‘The Neon Nightmare’s’ impressive record of nine CDC titles.
Event 1 Journey: A Battle of Nerves
- Sevada started strong, winning two of his first three matches without dropping a single leg.
- He comfortably advanced past compatriot Michael Nguyen to reach the semi-finals.
- In a tense semi-final, Sevada pinched the deciding leg to defeat Canada’s Jeff Smith, setting up his clash with Buntz.
The final against Buntz was a rollercoaster: Adam initially raced into an early 3-1 lead. However, Virginia’s Stowe Buntz responded with a powerful four-leg burst, taking the lead. But Sevada, demonstrating incredible resilience, rallied to reel off three consecutive legs of his own to snatch the crown.
Event 2: A More Comfortable Sweep
The very next day, Sevada proved his dominance was no fluke. He continued his winning streak, this time cruising to a far more comfortable victory over Brayden Hall to complete his impressive double. His path to the final included three separate 6-1 wins and surviving a nervy deciding leg against Ram Guevara Jr, once again finding himself at the business end of the tournament.
A strong win against Danny Young secured his second final appearance in two days, which he won convincingly against Canadian thrower Hall.
Leonard Gates: Punching His Ticket to the Masters
While Sevada was busy making history, another iconic American player, Leonard Gates, was also securing his place at this year’s US Darts Masters. The popular Texan delivered a stellar performance in the qualifier, earning his spot at the prestigious Madison Square Garden event.
Gates’ Qualification Path: Steady and Strong
- Gates’ journey saw him truly tested only in his opening match against Nathan Humphries, whom he eventually overcame.
- Across his next four matches, Gates dropped a combined total of only the same number of legs as in his first match, showcasing his growing momentum.
- He sealed his place at the US Darts Masters with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over fellow American Brad Farley in the qualifier final.
For other aspiring players still hoping to secure a coveted spot at the US Darts Masters, another prime opportunity awaits in June at the second CDC meeting of the season, scheduled to take place in Philadelphia. The darting action continues!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
