The World Series of Darts Finals kicks off today in Amsterdam, promising high drama and pivotal moments for the sport’s biggest stars. While its ‘major’ status is often debated among fans, it is officially recognized on the PDC’s list of majors. All eyes are on phenomenon Luke Littler, who has declared his ambition to win every major this year, with this tournament being his next target. Crucially, this event could shape the entire trajectory of his season: a victory could lead to a packed schedule, including qualification for the Players Championship Finals, while a loss might see him withdraw from key events, potentially even skipping the European Championship. Day one features a thrilling lineup of unranked matches, where players like Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, Kevin Doets, Ross Smith, and defending champion Michael van Gerwen battle not just for significant prize money, but for crucial momentum and bragging rights.
Luke Littler’s Season-Defining Challenge
Luke Littler, the sport’s sensational young star, enters the World Series of Darts Finals with immense pressure and clear intentions. His stated goal of winning every major event this year places a significant spotlight on his performance in Amsterdam. This tournament isn’t just another stop; it’s a crossroads for his 2026 campaign.
Littler has been vocal about his selective schedule, and his performance here will dictate his next moves:
- If he wins: Littler intends to push for qualification into the prestigious **Players Championship Finals in Minehead**, suggesting a more extensive playing schedule.
- If he does not win: He may opt out of future Players Championship events. Furthermore, there’s a strong possibility he could **miss the European Championship**, given his apparent reluctance to compete in Germany, a sentiment highlighted by his absence from the European Tour events held there this year.
This makes the World Series of Darts Finals a truly pivotal moment for ‘The Nuke’.
Day One: The Battle Begins
Thursday’s opening round promises a series of captivating encounters. While these matches are unranked – meaning players compete for prize money but no ranking points – the desire to win and build momentum remains incredibly high. Here are the matchups, which will be broadcast live on **ITV4 and PDCTV** for subscribers worldwide:
- Viktor Tingstrom v Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Rob Cross v Ryan Searle
- Karel Sedlacek v Ben Robb
- Kevin Doets v Ross Smith
- Stephen Bunting v Josh Rock
- Luke Humphries v Jermaine Wattimena
- Michael van Gerwen v Daryl Gurney
- Gian van Veen v Chris Dobey
Karel Sedlacek v Ben Robb: Qualifier’s Opportunity
This match presents an interesting dynamic. **Karel Sedlacek**, having successfully navigated the qualifiers, will likely view this as a favorable first-round draw. Given his higher ranking and experience, he enters as the **clear favorite**. Conversely, **Ben Robb** will be content to have avoided a seeded opponent or a much higher-ranked player, giving him a genuine chance to progress.
Kevin Doets v Ross Smith: A Formidable Clash
This pairing brings together two players in contrasting but strong form. **Ross Smith**, with a higher ranking and a recent appearance in a European Tour final, will be a tough challenge. However, **Kevin Doets** has been one of the standout performers this year, securing his first titles and sitting comfortably within the **top 10 year-to-date for 2026**. Their recent history includes a classic encounter at this year’s World Matchplay, where both players averaged over 100. Despite a slightly lower average, **Ross Smith emerged victorious with a 10-6 win**, setting the stage for another thrilling battle.
Stephen Bunting v Josh Rock: Proving a Point
Both **Stephen Bunting** and **Josh Rock** arrive in Amsterdam with something to prove. Bunting has endured an inconsistent year following his Premier League participation, leading to a slip in the rankings. He is provisionally heading towards 14th by year-end, which would likely not secure him a spot in the next Premier League. He desperately needs a **major win or a strong run** in the remaining events to re-enter the conversation.
Josh Rock, despite winning a European Tour event this year, hasn’t quite made the leap many expected. His Premier League campaign was disappointing, finishing eighth, and while he reached a UK Open semi-final and two other ranking quarter-finals, some anticipated him pushing into the top four and challenging players like Luke Littler. The draw, however, offers a clear path, as he can avoid Littler until the final. The question remains: can Rock now make the crucial step up and reach a major individual final?
Michael van Gerwen v Daryl Gurney: Champion’s Comeback?
Defending champion **Michael van Gerwen** faces **Daryl Gurney** in a match that highlights MVG’s inconsistent year. Despite his champion status, Van Gerwen is surprisingly only the **sixth favorite at roughly 20/1**. He has slipped to **number seven in the current Order of Merit** and risks falling further if his form doesn’t improve in ranking events and majors. Daryl Gurney, who enters as a replacement for a World Series qualifier, is making a rare appearance, having featured only once in this event over the last five years after previously making five successive appearances. This match offers both players a chance to either reaffirm their status or kickstart a much-needed resurgence.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
