US Darts Masters draw revealed as Humphries, Littler and PDC stars learn first-round opponents

Luke Humphries begins the defence of his bet365 US Darts Masters crown with a tricky opening tie against former North American champion Leonard Gates, while fellow star Luke Littler has been handed a first-round clash with Canada’s David Cameron.

The action kicks off on Thursday, with eight PDC stars going up against eight North American challengers, all battling for a spot in Friday’s Finals Day.

World number two Humphries will be one of the headline names on show in the United States, taking on the unpredictable Gates in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the opening night.

Littler, the reigning two-time world champion, also steps onto the American stage as he looks to land his first US Darts Masters title, starting his campaign against experienced Canadian thrower Cameron.

Elsewhere, Dutch number one Gian van Veen makes his tournament debut against fellow newcomer Fred Krueger, while 2024 runner-up Gerwyn Price faces another debutant in Canada’s Brayden Hall.

Jonny Clayton is drawn against 2008 UK Open finalist Gary Mawson, and returning former major winner James Wade takes on CDC rankings leader Adam Sevada.

There is also a tough opener for Stephen Bunting, who meets two-time CDC Continental Cup champion Alex Spellman, while debutant Josh Rock starts his campaign against Canada’s number one Jim Long.

After Thursday’s opening round, the US Darts Masters concludes on Friday night, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all played in one packed session at Madison Square Garden.

Friday also features the bet365 North American Championship, where eight US and Canadian players compete not just for the title, but also qualification spots for both the World Darts Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts.

Top seed Jim Long faces an all-Canadian meeting with Brayden Hall, while Adam Sevada has a tough assignment against Alex Spellman, a two-time World Championship qualifier.

Gates opens his bid for North American glory against debutant Fred Krueger, and David Cameron meets Gary Mawson in another experienced showdown.

Round One fixtures:

Gian van Veen vs Fred Krueger
Gerwyn Price vs Brayden Hall
James Wade vs Adam Sevada
Josh Rock vs Jim Long
Luke Littler vs David Cameron
Luke Humphries vs Leonard Gates
Jonny Clayton vs Gary Mawson
Stephen Bunting vs Alex Spellman