US Darts Masters - Preview
HUMPHRIES TARGETING BACK-TO-BACK TITLES IN NEW YORK
The 2026 bet365 US Darts Masters gets underway in New York on Thursday, as the sport's biggest names battle it out for World Series silverware.The eighth staging of the US Darts Masters will take place in the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden on June 25-26, with reigning champion Luke Humphries set to headline in the Big Apple.
The world number two celebrated his second World Series of Darts title with victory in last year's showpiece - a triumph he's bidding to repeat on his return to American soil.
"In my opinion it's the most prestigious World Series event to win," declared Humphries, who takes on former North American champion Leonard Gates in round one.
"It's nice to come back as the reigning champion, and I definitely want to go out and defend it.
"It's such an incredible venue - one of the best in the world, not just in America - so it was a special feeling to say I've won in Madison Square Garden.
"New York also holds special memories for me and my partner because I got engaged here, so it's a title I really wanted to tick off and I'm glad I did last year.
"I'm really looking forward to this week and I'm hoping I can carry on from where I left off over the last few weeks."
World number one Luke Littler will also be among the star attractions on Day One, with the reigning two-time World Champion pitted against Canadian veteran David Cameron in his opener.
2024 runner-up Gerwyn Price also faces Canadian opposition in the form of Brayden Hall, while Welsh number one Jonny Clayton meets 2008 UK Open runner-up Gary Mawson for a place at Finals Day.
Elsewhere, Dutch number one Gian van Veen marks his US Darts Masters debut with a clash against big stage 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 at MSG ahead of this year's event. "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 - also making his first appearance in New York - opens his title challenge against Canada's number one Jim Long, and the Northern Irishman is relishing the opportunity ahead.
"I'm really looking forward to this," admitted Rock, featuring in his first World Series event of 2026. "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!"
The evening's remaining ties will see the returning James Wade play CDC ProTour leader Adam Sevada in his opener, while Stephen Bunting locks horns with two-time CDC Continental Cup champion Alex Spellman.
Following Thursday's opening night, the US Darts Masters will conclude on Friday evening, as the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final are held in front of a sell-out crowd of 5,000 fans - a record for darts in the US.
Earlier in the day, the bet365 North American Championship will also take place, as the eight North American stars compete for the prestigious title and qualification for this year's World Darts Championship and Grand Slam of Darts.
Top seed Long kicks off the tournament against his compatriot Hall, before 2022 champion Gates goes head-to-head with debutant Krueger for a semi-final berth. Sevada and Spellman then collide in another intriguing affair, before Cameron and Mawson compete in a clash of the North American veterans.
The 2026 bet365 US Darts Masters will be broadcast live through FanDuel in the US, with coverage on DAZN also available exclusively in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Other live global coverage will be broadcast through Viaplay in various territories including the Netherlands, as well as via PDCTV in all countries, with delayed coverage available on ITV3 in the UK.
Delayed ITV coverage in the UK will be as follows:
1700-2100 BST Friday June 26 on ITV3 - showing Round One
1700-2100 BST Saturday June 27 on ITV3 - showing Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals & Final