'They want to see their wife and their family. Things I don't understand!' - Barry Hearn jokes rise in prize money is making it harder to crack America

On June 27 and 28, the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York will host the US Darts Masters. This tournament is part of the World Series of Darts and is currently the only PDC event held in North America. However, if chairman Barry Hearn has his way, more tournaments will be added starting next year.

The US Darts Masters was first held in 2017, initially taking place in Las Vegas, where it remained until 2019. After the tournament was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it moved in 2022 to the legendary Madison Square Garden — renowned for hosting concerts by global superstars and home to the New York Knicks basketball team.

The tournament was also held at this venue in 2023 and 2024, and it will return again next month. "The event has grown brilliantly well and we're going to sell out again this year," Hearn explains to the Weekly Dartscast. "America is a difficult, tough market to break into properly because it's like dealing with 50 different countries. It's expensive, but it could be something special."

"I feel a bit guilty now, because my intention in 2025 was to make a big push into the States. But as time has gone on, I've hit so many barriers in terms of there aren't enough days in the year," he explains. "The players are also earning good money. One of the downsides of that is they get a bit choosy about where they play. They want to see their wife and their family you know, all the things that I don't understand!"

"But we're nearly ready. We've got some significant partners and associates that are saying to us we've got to do something in the States. It's just the fact that I can only bring the best to America," Hearn concludes. "So yes, America is right on my agenda. I'm trying. But I've got to do it right. This year, we have to make do with just New York, but next year I'm hoping for four events in America and one in Canada."