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'Closest we're going to get to a Premier League venue' - New Zealand ready for World Series tournament

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 9:52 AM ET

After a stop in Wollongong for the Australian Darts Masters, the World Series of Darts is this weekend's guest in Auckland, where the New Zealand Darts Masters is scheduled at the Spark Arena. Luke Humphries starts the tournament as the defending champion after winning 8-2 over Damon Heta in last year's final.

The New Zealand Darts Masters is the seventh and final tournament of the World Series of Darts 2025. From September 12 to 14, the World Series of Darts Finals will be held in Amsterdam. Many top players from the PDC, such as Humphries, Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price will compete against players from New Zealand and Australia.

Whereas in past years the tournament invariably took place in Hamilton, it has now moved to the Spark Arena in Auckland. "I like it as it saves me driving to Auckland which was a pain in the backside," said Ben Francis, Kiwi Darts podcast host.

"The atmosphere of a Premier League Darts night."

"The arena that it is in is the Spark Arena which for those who don't know is New Zealand's biggest indoor arena. So let's say a well known artist has a concert in New Zealand that's where they will play. I think in terms of the capacity with the stage we could fit around 12,000 in there. This is the closest we're going to get to a Premier League venue."

"This is going to be a whole new feel for the guys and even the local guys who may not have played in front of 200 people let alone a crowd this big. I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like. The move there shows that darts is going in the right direction here in terms of growth and popularity as well."

As mentioned above, Humphries is one of the big names in action in Auckland. Normally anyway, Humphries announced earlier this week via Instagram that he has the flu and needs to take antibiotics. So it remains to be seen if the winner of the Premier League Darts 2025 will get fit in time. By the way, the draw for this tournament will take place later this week.

️ "The Spark Arena is New Zealand's biggest indoor arena. This could be the best one yet!"

Kiwi Darts Podcast host @BenFrancis136 on the PDC's World Series stop in New Zealand returning to Auckland this week

Listen to the full interview on the Weekly Dartscast podcast! pic.twitter.com/1QjZoHjAcg
— Weekly Dartscast (@WeeklyDartscast) August 11, 2025