James Patrick/PDC

Watch: Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting can't believe their eyes after meeting New Zealand magician

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 10:21 AM ET

Auckland hosts the New Zealand Darts Masters today and tomorrow, the seventh and final tournament of the World Series of Darts 2025. Luke Humphries starts the tournament as the defending champion, after his 8-2 win over Damon Heta in last year's final.

Bunting as top seed

It is not Humphries, however, but Stephen Bunting who starts the tournament as the top seed. 'The Bullet' won the Bahrain Darts Masters and the Nordic Darts Masters earlier this year and also reached the final at the Dutch Darts Masters and the Poland Darts Masters.

Bunting will take on New Zealander Ben Robb at the Spark Arena in the opening round, with a win following a duel in the quarter-finals against the winner of the match between Englishman Chris Dobey and Australian Simon Whitlock.

Prior to the tournament, Bunting and Luke Littler (who will face New Zealander Mark Cleaver in his opening match) met with a local magician. He explained some tricks to both dart players, which elicited the response from a disbelieving Bunting: "Can you make sure I win this tournament, too?"

Curious about the excerpt in question? Then take a look below!

“Can you magic me to win this weekend?”

Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting couldn’t believe their eyes after spending time with local magician, Jonathan Usher! https://t.co/ddJczCAHas pic.twitter.com/mtZ5PpvTrE
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) August 14, 2025