NEW YORK, NY — June 28, 2025 — World number one Luke Humphries secured his inaugural US Darts Masters title on Saturday night, defeating Nathan Aspinall 8–6 in a thrilling final at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The victory capped a dramatic tournament marked by upsets, personal resilience, and a standout performance from the Englishman.
Humphries’ Triumphant Run
Humphries’ path to the title was anything but smooth. In his opening match, he overcame a challenging encounter against American qualifier Stowe Buntz, rallying from a 4–3 deficit to win 6–4. The match was further complicated by an unexpected injury; during his walk-on, a fan inadvertently pulled his thumb, causing swelling and discomfort throughout the tournament. Despite the injury, Humphries displayed remarkable determination, advancing through the rounds with victories over Danny Lauby and Gerwyn Price to reach the final.
In the championship match, Humphries faced fellow Englishman Nathan Aspinall. The contest was tightly contested, but Humphries managed to edge out Aspinall, securing the title and a £20,000 prize. This win marked Humphries’ first US Darts Masters title and his second World Series victory of the year.
Notable Performances and Surprises
The tournament featured several surprising outcomes. Defending champion Rob Cross suffered a shocking first-round exit, losing 6–0 to American Danny Lauby. Similarly, Stephen Bunting was defeated by North American qualifier Jason Brandon, highlighting the growing competitiveness of North American players in the sport.
Teenage sensation Luke Littler, seeking redemption after a disappointing World Cup performance, showcased his talent with a 6–1 victory over Jules van Dongen in the first round. However, his journey was cut short in the quarter-finals by Aspinall, who secured a 6–4 win. Aspinall continued his impressive run by defeating Damon Heta in the semi-finals before falling to Humphries in the final.
Tournament Highlights
- Venue: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Champion: Luke Humphries (England)
- Runner-up: Nathan Aspinall (England)
- Prize Money: Winner – £20,000; Runner-up – £10,000
- Notable Upsets: Rob Cross and Stephen Bunting eliminated in the first round
- Emerging Talent: Strong performances by North American players Danny Lauby and Jason Brandon
Looking Ahead
Humphries’ victory at the US Darts Masters adds to his impressive 2025 season, which includes a Premier League title and a World Masters championship. As the World Series continues, the darts community will be watching to see if he can maintain his dominant form.
