On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Luke Humphries made an impressive start to the Premier League Darts by winning the opening night in Belfast in dominant fashion. In the final, he defeated Chris Dobey with a convincing 6-1 victory.  

Humphries, the current world number one, began his evening with a win over Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals. He then eliminated Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals before completing his triumph against Dobey in the final.  

This performance highlights Humphries' determination and form at the start of the season. With this victory, he sets a strong tone for the rest of the competition and strengthens his position as one of the favorites for this year's Premier League title.  

The 2025 Premier League Darts kicked off with an exciting evening of high-level darts, where the sport's top players showcased their best performances. With many nights still to come, it promises to be a thrilling season for both players and fans.

Jeffrey Sparidaans reached the pinnacle of his career at the TOTO Dutch Open Darts 2025 by winning the men's singles tournament. The player from Tilburg convincingly defeated American David Fatum in the final with a 3-0 victory in sets.  

The tournament, held at De Bonte Wever in Assen, saw a record number of more than 8, 000 matches this year, highlighting the scale and popularity of the event.  

Sparidaans, who had previously lost his PDC Tour Card, returned to the WDF and immediately proved his class by claiming this prestigious title. With this victory, he became the fourth consecutive Dutch player to win the Dutch Open, following Jelle Klaasen (2022), Berry van Peer (2023), and Jarno Bottenberg (2024).  

After the tournament, Sparidaans spoke about his future plans, stating that his goal is to regain his tour card.  

With this achievement, Sparidaans has not only cemented his name in the darts world but also significantly improved his position in the WDF rankings. His victory in Assen propelled him straight to 28th place, an impressive leap for someone returning to the WDF after a stint in the PDC.  

The TOTO Dutch Open Darts remains a unique event where both amateurs and professionals come together to compete and enjoy the sport. Sparidaans' victory highlights the emerging talents within Dutch darts and promises an exciting future for the sport.

Podium Results

Men’s Singles Quarterfinals
David Fatum (87.64) (USA) 5-3 Luitsen Elzinga (79.53) (NL)
Martijn Kleermaker (NL) 5-0 Berry Pater (NL)
Jeffrey Sparidaans (NL) 5-2 Mario Robbe (NL)
Danny van Trijp (82.64) (NL) 5-1 Thomas Junghans (80.24) (SUI)

Men’s Singles Semifinals
David Fatum (USA) 2-0 in sets Martijn Kleermaker (NL)
Jeffrey Sparidaans (NL) 2-0 in sets Danny van Trijp (NL)

Women’s Pairs Final
Beau Greaves/Jo Rolls (ENG) 4-2 Aileen de Graaf/Anca Zijlstra (NL)

Rob Cross secured his fifth World Series of Darts title with a commanding performance at the TOTO Dutch Darts Masters on Saturday, defeating Stephen Bunting 8-5 in the Den Bosch final.  

Bouncing back in style from his first-round exit in Bahrain the previous week, Cross delivered a series of outstanding displays at De Maaspoort to claim the Toon Greebe Trophy.  

After overcoming Richard Veenstra on Friday, Cross continued his strong form with a quarter-final victory over another Dutchman, Jermaine Wattimena, hitting six doubles from eight attempts.  

The 2018 World Champion then averaged over 100 and landed 50% of his doubles in a dominant semi-final win against Gerwyn Price.  

In the final, Cross denied Bunting back-to-back World Series titles by securing an 8-5 victory over the Bahrain Darts Masters winner. He averaged nearly 102 and finished 8/15 doubles.  

Cross started strongly, racing into a 2-0 lead and extending his advantage with 13-dart legs to go 3-1 and 5-2 up. However, Bunting responded impressively, leveling the match with legs of 14, 12, and 12 darts, including checkouts of 62, 94, and 130.  

Undeterred, Cross regained control with a crucial double 18 checkout before sealing the title with two double-eight finishes, marking his first World Series victory in Europe.  

"It's amazing to come here and win – it’s special for me, " said Cross, last year’s US Darts Masters champion. "I think it’s about time I won in the Netherlands, and I’m very grateful. The crowd was brilliant, and my determination and focus got me through.  

"Stephen is a great player and a credit to the sport. He put in the work today but probably ran out of steam. To win this one means so much. It’s been a great weekend, and I love the World Series."  

Bunting impressed en route to his second consecutive World Series final, defeating two former World Champions. He edged past Raymond van Barneveld with a 13-darter in the quarter-finals before sealing victory over Luke Littler in the semi-finals with an 11-darter.  

"To reach two finals back-to-back is amazing, and it was a great final, " said Bunting. "Rob played really well and had me under pressure from the start.  

"If you’d told me at the start of the tournament that I’d be in the final, I’d have taken it. Credit to Rob. I’ll regroup and get ready for Milton Keynes next week.  

"I’m playing the best darts of my life, and with the support I have, both from fans and on social media, everything is in a great place. I can’t wait to continue my form in the World Masters."  

Littler had ended Michael van Gerwen’s title defense with a 6-3 quarter-final win, despite two 12-dart legs from the Dutchman.  

However, the newly crowned World Champion fell short of reaching another Den Bosch final as Bunting took out 130 in their semi-final decider, leaving Littler stranded after nine darts.

2025 TOTO Dutch Darts Masters
Saturday January 25
Quarter-Finals
Stephen Bunting 6-5 Raymond van Barneveld
Luke Littler 6-3 Michael van Gerwen
Gerwyn Price 6-5 Kevin Doets
Rob Cross 6-3 Jermaine Wattimena

Semi-Finals
Stephen Bunting 7-6 Luke Littler
Rob Cross 7-3 Gerwyn Price

Final
Rob Cross 8-5 Stephen Bunting

Luke Littler delivered a stunning performance to defeat Michael van Gerwen 7-3 and capture the 2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship title at London’s Alexandra Palace on Friday 3-1-2025.

The teenage sensation fulfilled his darting destiny in a generational showdown, averaging 102 and hitting 56% of his doubles to etch his name into the history books.

Having been narrowly beaten by Luke Humphries in a record-breaking final exactly a year ago, Littler vowed to bounce back—and he delivered in style with a masterful display. 

The 17-year-old capitalized on early errors from Van Gerwen to race into a 4-0 lead. Despite a spirited comeback attempt by the Dutch superstar, he could not mount a serious challenge to Littler's dominance.

Littler now surpasses Van Gerwen as the youngest-ever World Darts Champion. Van Gerwen had previously set the record at 24 when he first claimed the Sid Waddell Trophy. 

“Since hitting the winning double, I still can’t believe it, ” said Littler, the 13th player to win the World Darts Championship. “I keep telling myself it’s real and that the trophy is mine, but it hasn’t sunk in yet.

“After the Ryan Meikle game, I felt at home on that stage. Tonight, I didn’t feel nervous at all—except for the last leg when my hands started shaking. I just told myself, ‘You’ve been steady all game, don’t start now!’”

Entering Friday’s final, Littler and Van Gerwen were evenly matched in their head-to-head record. After his breakthrough win, Littler paid tribute to his opponent. 

“Michael has done so much for this sport, ” Littler said. “He was hungry for his fourth World Championship, but to win my first and become the youngest champion ever is an incredible feeling. It’s been a long few weeks, and I can’t wait to go home, celebrate with my family, and sleep in my own bed!”

Van Gerwen, a three-time World Champion, was unable to reclaim the sport’s biggest prize, six years after his last triumph at Alexandra Palace. Despite falling short, he praised Littler for his exceptional achievement. 

“Every 17 years, a star is born, and Luke is one of them, ” Van Gerwen said graciously. “Of course, it hurts, but that’s how it should be. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not a true sportsman. 

“I had a great tournament and enjoyed every moment. But at the start of the game, I let myself down too much. Against a player like Luke, that spells trouble. I’ll take this on the chin and move forward.”

Littler opened the match with a steady performance to take the first set before averaging 115 in the second to double his lead. Van Gerwen’s struggles on doubles persisted in the third set, allowing Littler to extend his advantage. A dominant fourth set put the teenager firmly in control.

Van Gerwen rallied in the fifth set with impressive finishes of 80 and 132 to narrow the gap, raising hopes of a comeback. However, Littler responded emphatically in the sixth set with three high-quality legs to restore his four-set lead. 

Despite Van Gerwen finding his rhythm to claim the seventh set, Littler surged ahead with a 112 average in the eighth, moving within one set of victory. Although Van Gerwen claimed set nine to delay the inevitable, the unflappable 17-year-old sealed the title with a clean sweep in the tenth set.

2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Friday January 3 - Final
Luke Littler 7-3 Michael van Gerwen (3-1, 3-0, 3-1, 1-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-0)

The darts world braces itself for another thrilling World Championship, starting on December 15th 2024

 Reigning champion Luke Humphries will defend his title, facing a tough challenge from the likes of Price, Van Gerwen, and Van Barneveld.

 Rising stars like Littler and Van Veen are poised to make their mark, while legends like Anderson and Van Barneveld aim for one last glory.

The tournament will pause for a festive break before returning on December 27th for the final stages.

• Opening Night: Humphries vs. Tricole/Comito
• Early Rounds: Price, Wade, Wright, Van Barneveld, Anderson
• Rising Stars: Littler, Van Veen

2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Schedule of Play
Sunday December 15 (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Thibault Tricole v Joe Comito (R1)
Jermaine Wattimena v Stefan Bellmont (R1)
Kim Huybrechts v Keane Barry (R1)
Luke Humphries v Tricole/Comito (R2)

Monday December 16
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Wesley Plaisier v Ryusei Azemoto (R1)
Luke Woodhouse v Lourence Ilagan (R1)
Alan Soutar v Kai Gotthardt (R1)
James Wade v Wattimena/Bellmont (R2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Niels Zonneveld v Robert Owen (R1)
Connor Scutt v Ben Robb (R1)
Cameron Menzies v Leonard Gates (R1)
Gerwyn Price v Huybrechts/Barry (R2)

Tuesday December 17
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
James Hurrell v Jim Long (R1)
Kevin Doets v Noa-Lynn van Leuven (R1)
Ryan Joyce v Darius Labanauskas (R1)
Mike De Decker v Woodhouse/Ilagan (R2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Jeffrey de Graaf v Rashad Sweeting (R1)
Ricardo Pietreczko v Xiaochen Zong (R1)
Ryan Meikle v Fallon Sherrock (R1)
Peter Wright v Plaisier/Azemoto (R2)

Wednesday December 18 (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Jim Williams v Paolo Nebrida (R1)
Madars Razma v Christian Kist (R1)
Ricky Evans v Gordon Mathers (R1)
Nathan Aspinall v Menzies/Gates (R2)

Thursday December 19
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Chris Landman v Lok Yin Lee (R1)
Callan Rydz v Romeo Grbavac (R1)
Martin Lukeman v Nitin Kumar (R1)
Gabriel Clemens v Zonneveld/Owen (R2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Nick Kenny v Stowe Buntz (R1)
Mensur Suljovic v Matt Campbell (R1)
Scott Williams v Niko Springer (R1)
Michael Smith v Doets/Van Leuven (R2)

Friday December 20
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Stephen Burton v Alexander Merkx (R1)
Wessel Nijman v Cameron Carolissen (R1)
Ian White v Sandro Eric Sosing (R1)
Stephen Bunting v Soutar/Gotthardt (R2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Mickey Mansell v Tomoya Goto (R1)
Florian Hempel v Jeffrey De Zwaan (R1)
William O’Connor v Dylan Slevin (R1)
Michael van Gerwen v Hurrell/Long (R2)

Saturday December 21
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
2x First Round, 2x Second Round
Karel Sedlacek v Rhys Griffin (R1)
Richard Veenstra v Alexis Toylo (R1)
Brendan Dolan v Landman/Lee (R2)
Chris Dobey v Burton/Merkx (R2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
4x Second Round
Danny Noppert v Joyce/Labanauskas (R2)
Raymond van Barneveld v Kenny/Buntz (R2)
Luke Littler v Meikle/Sherrock (R2)
Damon Heta v Scutt/Robb (R2) 

Sunday December 22
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
4x Second Round
Ryan Searle v Suljovic/Campbell (R2)
Dirk van Duijvenbode v Razma/Kist (R2)
Joe Cullen v Nijman/Carolissen (R2)
Ritchie Edhouse v White/Sosing (R2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
4x Second Round
Martin Schindler v Rydz/Grbavac (R2)
Ross Smith v J Williams/Nebrida (R2)
Gary Anderson v De Graaf/Sweeting (R2)
Dimitri Van den Bergh v O’Connor/Slevin (R2)

Monday December 23
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
4x Second Round
Krzysztof Ratajski v Veenstra/Toylo (R2)
Andrew Gilding v Lukeman/Kumar (R2)
Josh Rock v Sedlacek/Griffin (R2)
Jonny Clayton v Mansell/Goto (R2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
4x Second Round
Gian van Veen v Pietreczko/Zong (R2)
Daryl Gurney v Hempel/De Zwaan (R2)
Dave Chisnall v Evans/Mathers (R2)
Rob Cross v S Williams/Springer (R2)

Friday December 27
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x Third Round

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x Third Round

Saturday December 28
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x Third Round

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x Third Round

Sunday December 29
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x Third Round

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
1x Third Round, 2x Fourth Round

Monday December 30
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x Fourth Round

Evening Session (1930 GMT)
3x Fourth Round

Wednesday January 1
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
2x Quarter-Finals

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
2x Quarter-Finals

Thursday January 2 (1930 GMT)
Semi-Finals

Friday January 3 (2000 GMT)
Final

Source: PDC

Luke Littler, the 17-year-old sensation, has stormed to victory at the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts, securing his first televised ranking title.

Final
Luke Littler 16-3 Martin Lukeman

• Record-Breaking Year: Littler has already claimed the Premier League and World Series of Darts Finals titles in 2024.
• Dominant Performance: He outclassed Martin Lukeman 16-3 in the final, delivering a stunning display of skill and precision.
• Thrilling Semi-Final: Littler overcame two-time World Champion Gary Anderson in a dramatic semi-final clash.
• Rising Star: The young talent is quickly establishing himself as one of the sport's brightest prospects, rising to fifth on the PDC Order of Merit.

A Bright Future Ahead

With his exceptional performance at the Grand Slam, Littler has solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of darts. Fans eagerly anticipate his future endeavors, including the upcoming World Championship.

Semi-Finals
Martin Lukeman 16-12 Mickey Mansell
Luke Littler 16-15 Gary Anderson

Source: PDC

Luke Humphries has claimed the 26th Players Championship title of the year.

'Cool Hand Luke' proved too strong for Stephen Bunting in the final in Wigan, winning 8-7.
The 29-year-old Englishman seems to have hit his stride just in time to successfully defend his title at the World Grand Prix, which starts next Monday in Leicester. Notably, Humphries will face Bunting, his title defense opponent, right from the off in the first round.   

This was the reigning world champion’s first Players Championship title of the year. A delighted Humphries was interviewed after the match. “This was important for me, ” emphasised Humphries, for whom this was his first ranking final since his World Matchplay title in mid-July

2024 Players Championship 26
Thursday October 3
Robin Park Tennis Centre, Wigan
Last 16
Dave Chisnall 6-5 Ritchie Edhouse
Luke Humphries 6-2 Josh Rock
Christian Kist 6-4 Daryl Gurney
Luke Woodhouse 6-4 Wessel Nijman
Raymond van Barneveld 6-2 Luke Littler
Danny Noppert 6-5 Damon Heta
Robert Owen 6-1 Rowby-John Rodriguez
Stephen Bunting 6-4 Radek Szaganski

Quarter-Finals
Luke Humphries 6-5 Dave Chisnall
Luke Woodhouse 6-3 Christian Kist
Raymond van Barneveld 6-5 Danny Noppert
Stephen Bunting 6-4 Robert Owen

Semi-Finals
Luke Humphries 7-6 Luke Woodhouse
Stephen Bunting 7-6 Raymond van Barneveld

Final
Luke Humphries 8-7 Stephen Bunting

Source: PDC

Raymond van Barneveld has stormed into the quarterfinals of Players Championship 26 in Wigan.
In a stunning display, he dismantled Luke Littler with a convincing 6-2 victory.

The 57-year-old Dutchman produced a masterclass, averaging a remarkable 104.36 and converting 54% of his chances at a double. Van Barneveld quickly seized control of the match, winning the first three legs to put himself in a commanding position.

Sadly, Raymond lost to Stephen Bunting in the semis.

Source: PDC

Michael van Gerwen won the Players Championship 21 tournament by defeating Dave Chisnall with a score of 8-4. This victory marked van Gerwen's return to winning form after a period of losses.

2024 Players Championship 21
Robin Park Tennis Centre, Wigan
Wednesday September 18
Last 16
Dave Chisnall 6-1 Jonny Clayton
Stephen Bunting 6-5 Thibault Tricole
Damon Heta 6-3 Gerwyn Price
Ritchie Edhouse 6-3 Christian Kist
Maik Kuivenhoven 6-3 Luke Littler
Benjamin Reus 6-4 William O'Connor
Ian White v Gian van Veen
Michael van Gerwen 6-3 James Wade

Quarter-Finals
Dave Chisnall 6-2 Stephen Bunting
Ritchie Edhouse 6-5 Damon Heta
Maik Kuivenhoven 6-2 Benjamin Reus
Michael van Gerwen 6-3 Gian van Veen

Semi-Finals
Dave Chisnall 7-6 Ritchie Edhouse
Michael van Gerwen 7-2 Maik Kuivenhoven

Final
Michael van Gerwen 8-4 Dave Chisnall

Source: PDC