The New Zealand Darts Masters 2025 is gearing up for its inaugural round on Friday, August 15th, promising a thrilling start to the seventh event on the prestigious World Series of Darts calendar. Auckland will play host to this highly anticipated tournament, marking its fifth occasion in the city. Following a two-year hiatus, the New Zealand Darts Masters returned to the schedule in 2022, much to the delight of darts enthusiasts.
Last year saw Luke Humphries, the current top-ranked player in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Order of Merit, seize the title, defeating Australian Damon Heta with an impressive 8-2 victory in the final. This year, eight of the PDC’s elite, including Luke Littler, Gerwyn Price, and Humphries himself, are vying to claim the coveted title.
Here’s a breakdown of the first-round matches:
Mike de Decker vs. Gordon Mathers
The opening match pits Mike De Decker against Gordon Mathers. De Decker is riding high after a stellar performance in Australia, where he reached the final of the Australian Darts Masters. Despite losing to Luke Littler, the Belgian player is determined to carry his momentum into the New Zealand tournament. His opponent, Gordon Mathers, will be making his second appearance at the New Zealand Darts Masters. Mathers’ debut in 2022 saw him narrowly defeated by James Wade 6-5 in the first round. He’ll need to bring his A-game to overcome the in-form De Decker.
Mike De Decker – Player Details:
- Total Earnings: £616,509
- Order of Merit: 21
- 9-Dart Finishes: 1
- Tour Card Years: 9
- Highest Average: 113.74
- Highest TV Average: 104.49
Josh Rock vs. John Hurring
Next up is Josh “Rocky” Rock, facing New Zealand’s own John Hurring. Rock’s Australian campaign ended in the quarter-finals with a loss to Stephen Bunting. However, his dominant first-round victory over Simon Whitlock, boasting an average of over 108, demonstrates his potential. Hurring, making his debut at the New Zealand Darts Masters after qualifying through the DPNZ, faces a tough challenge against Rock. While Rock is the favourite on paper, upsets are always possible in darts.
Josh Rock – Player Details:
- Total Earnings: £752,150
- Order of Merit: 12
- 9-Dart Finishes: 6
- Tour Card Years: 3
- Highest Average: 121.88
- Highest TV Average: 112.27
Gerwyn Price vs. Jonny Tata
Gerwyn Price will take on Jonny Tata. Price secured a first-round victory against Joe Comito in Australia, averaging just over 100. However, he was then defeated by Chris Dobey. Tata started strong against Humphries, taking an early lead before eventually losing. While Price is the favourite, Tata is a capable player who could cause an upset if “The Iceman” isn’t at his best.
Gerwyn Price – Player Details:
- Total Earnings: £4,672,737
- Order of Merit: 5
- 9-Dart Finishes: 8
- Tour Card Years: 11
- Highest Average: 117.88
- Highest TV Average: 117.88
Damon Heta vs. Dean Reyland
Damon Heta faces Dean Reyland. Heta impressed in his first-round match in Australia, defeating James Bailey with an average of nearly 110. Reyland, active on the PDC New Zealand Tour, is relatively unknown. Heta is the clear favourite due to the lack of information on Reyland, but the element of surprise could play to the New Zealander’s advantage.
Damon Heta – Player Details:
- Total Earnings: £1,232,503
- Order of Merit: 10
- 9-Dart Finishes: 2
- Tour Card Years: 5
- Highest Average: 117.48
- Highest TV Average: 106.09
Stephen Bunting vs. Ben Robb
Stephen Bunting, currently leading the World Series of Darts Order of Merit, will face Ben Robb. Bunting has been consistent on the World Series circuit and is looking to secure his top spot ahead of the finals in Amsterdam. Robb, a well-known New Zealand player who has participated in all previous editions, has only progressed past the first round once. Bunting’s current form makes him the favourite.
Stephen Bunting – Player Details:
- Total Earnings: £1,999,968
- Order of Merit: 4
- 9-Dart Finishes: 3
- Tour Card Years: 11
- Highest Average: 117.12
- Highest TV Average: 111.33
Luke Humphries vs. Haupai Puha
World number one Luke Humphries will play Haupai Puha. Humphries won his first-round match in Australia but was then defeated by Mike De Decker. It was later revealed that Humphries was unwell, casting doubt on his form for the New Zealand event. Puha narrowly lost to Luke Littler in the first round in Australia. With Humphries’ health in question, Puha has a chance to cause an upset.
Luke Humphries – Player Details:
- Total Earnings: £3,326,609
- Order of Merit: 1
- 9-Dart Finishes: 6
- Tour Card Years: 7
- Highest Average: 119.15
- Highest TV Average: 118.43
Luke Littler vs. Mark Cleaver
Luke Littler will face Mark Cleaver. Littler had a successful run in Australia, defeating Damon Heta and Stephen Bunting before winning against Mike De Decker in the final. Cleaver, who represented New Zealand at the World Cup of Darts, will be a tough opponent. While Cleaver has shown promise, Littler is the favourite to win.
Luke Littler – Player Details:
- Total Earnings: £2,141,850
- Order of Merit: 2
- 9-Dart Finishes: 8
- Tour Card Years: 1
- Highest Average: 122.96
- Highest TV Average: 115.96
Chris Dobey vs. Simon Whitlock
Chris Dobey will play Australian darts legend Simon Whitlock. Dobey reached the semi-finals in Australia, defeating Price before losing to De Decker. Whitlock lost in the first round to Josh Rock. Despite the loss, Whitlock showed glimpses of brilliance. If Dobey struggles, Whitlock could pose a threat.
Chris Dobey – Player Details:
- Total Earnings: £1,481,250
- Order of Merit: 9
- 9-Dart Finishes: 3
- Tour Card Years: 10
- Highest Average: 113.54
- Highest TV Average: 108.91
The New Zealand Darts Masters 2025 promises a weekend of high-stakes competition and thrilling matches. Fans can anticipate fierce rivalries and spectacular displays of skill as these top players battle for the title in Auckland.