New Zealand Darts Masters 2026: FAQ
14 – 15 August 2026 · Spark Arena, Auckland, Neuseeland
FAQ
When and where did the New Zealand Darts Masters 2026 take place?
The SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters 2026 was held on 14 and 15 August 2026 at the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. The first round was on the schedule on Friday, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final following on Saturday.
Who won the NZ Darts Masters 2026?
Jonny Clayton won the New Zealand Darts Masters 2026 with an 8-4 win in an all-Welsh final against Gerwyn Price. It was Clayton's second World Series of Darts title after the New South Wales Darts Masters 2022.
Did defending champion Luke Littler play at the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters 2026?
No. Luke Littler, who had beaten Luke Humphries 8-4 in the 2025 final, did not enter the tournament and so did not defend his title. Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen did not travel to New Zealand either.
How much prize money was on offer at the Darts Masters in Auckland 2026?
A total of £100,000 was paid out at the New Zealand Darts Masters 2026. The winner received £30,000, the runner-up £16,000, the semi-finalists £10,000 each, the quarter-finalists £5,000 each and the players knocked out in the first round £1,750 each.
What format was played at the NZ Darts Masters?
It was played as a knockout with 16 players. The first round and quarter-finals were best of 11 legs, the semi-finals best of 13 legs and the final best of 15 legs.
How do you qualify for the New Zealand Darts Masters?
The PDC allocates eight places to nominated players, who are seeded according to the World Series ranking; in 2026 this field was announced on 17 June and was headed by Gian van Veen. The other eight places went to representatives of Oceania: Tour Card holder Adam Leek, ANZ Premier League champion Simon Whitlock, five DPNZ qualifiers and one ADA qualifier.
Where was the tournament shown on TV and stream?
In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, DAZN showed the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters 2026, in the UK ITV4, in New Zealand Sky Sport and in Australia Fox Sports. Outside Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Poland it was also available via the PDC streaming service PDCTV.
What surprises were there at the New Zealand Darts Masters 2026?
Australian Raymond Smith beat third seed Stephen Bunting 6-2 with an average of 99.81 and then reached the semi-final. His compatriot Adam Leek won 6-5 against Ross Smith after the Englishman had missed six match darts.