The 2025 bet365 U.S. Darts Masters are here.
Taking place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, this event will pit some of the best players in the world against each other.
While the United States is no stranger to big sporting events, there aren't many major darts competitions taking place in the country. That makes this weekend's event a special one for those competing.
"[The American crowd] is really good," Englishman Nathan Aspinall said. "Honestly, it's nice to play a darts tournament where you've not just got loads of people screaming at you and jumping around and not actually watching. We don't come out here that often. It's nice to be on a stage looking out and people are actually watching. I think the crowd is brilliant."
Along with the environment, these competitors will have to think about plenty of other things if they want to come out on top. Much like golf or tennis, the mental aspect of an individual sport like darts will play a key role in determining a champion this weekend.
"The individual sports are so in between the ears," Aspinall said. "We've all got talent, we're all as good as each other, but I think a lot of the times who wins a darts tournament is who's in between the ears."
With that, Action Network's Matt Mitchell asked a few rapid-fire questions to some of the top contenders this weekend. Let's dive into our 2025 bet365 U.S. Darts Masters Q&A with Gerwyn Price, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Danny Lauby and more.
What's the hardest part about winning in darts?
Luke Humphries: "What to do with the money you win."
Michael van Gerwen: "Know how to lose."
Nathan Aspinall: "The fatigue."
Gerwyn Price: "The hardest part is losing, but the winning part is the easy part I think."
Danny Lauby: "Not thinking about what you're doing while you're doing it."
Fill in the blank. The best part about playing at Madison Square Garden is _.
Luke Humphries: "Iconic. It's the most iconic venue that we play in by far. When I was younger, I used to watch WWE, and I remember WrestleMania coming from Madison Square Garden. I just knew from that moment how special it was. For me to say, 20 years, fast forward, to be here playing — it's an amazing spectacle and one that I thoroughly enjoy to come back to every year."
Michael van Gerwen: "[The best part about America is] competing at MSG. If I say to people 'MSG,' they go, 'What?' I say, 'Yeah, we play darts.'"
Nathan Aspinall: "The American crowd is really good. Honestly, it's nice to play a darts tournament where you've not just got loads of people screaming at you and jumping around and not actually watching. We don't come out here that often. It's nice to be on a stage looking out and people are actually watching. I think the crowd is brilliant."
Gerwyn Price: "I just love playing in front of the crowd. Playing in an iconic venue — it's always nice to come out and do that. But just playing in front of such a fantastic crowd as well."
Danny Lauby: "Being home. It's a privilege to be there. It's the best venue — it's huge. But the fact that I get to do that for a living and be there, but doing it at home is nostalgic to me. So, that's really what it is. But I'm still coming to hopefully embarrass some family names and crush some games here."
Imagine you're 18 years old. How does that version of yourself perform against Luke Littler this weekend?
Luke Humphries: "It probably wouldn't have been a great show for myself because I was nowhere near his level when I was 18. He's a special talent and a special kid. For me, I had a slow rise up the rankings and got myself to where I am now. I'm glad I did it that way, having a normal job for about 6-7 years, and then obviously getting to realize how hard life can be to now, how better it is for me and my family. I appreciate my slow journey, but I don't think I would have felt too good when I was 18 against Luke."
Michael van Gerwen: "If you both look at us on a peak, I'm mentally stronger than him, so I will probably win because in moments that matter the most, I'm a bit ahead of him. Of course, he's a fantastic talent and he's going to make it really difficult, but someone has to win."
Nathan Aspinall: "Not very well because they'd only been playing darts for six months. I only started playing darts at 17. He would have absolutely hammered me. I'd beat him at drinking, but he'd beat me in the dartboard."
Gerwyn Price: "I'd probably lose 8-0. I never really picked up a dart when I was 18 — just in the local pub when I was playing rugby or rugby training. So, I don't think I'd win a leg."
Danny Lauby: "Same way that I'm going to perform this weekend when I play him. You know what it is, it's a simple game. They're gonna play well, and you know what you gotta do, and that's what we gotta do. We just gotta just land the plane and just get it done. Do what you do."
Name one person from your home country that everyone should know.
Luke Humphries: "[English darts player] Phil Taylor."
Michael van Gerwen: "[Dutch footballer and manager] Johan Cruyff."
Nathan Aspinall: "[English footballer] David Beckham."
Gerwyn Price: "[Welsh singer] Tom Jones."
Danny Lauby: "[American basketball player] Michael Jordan."
What's your favorite drink after a day of competition?
Luke Humphries: Probably water because you're dehydrated and need to get water inside you and good sleep. But an alcoholic drink, I love a mojito or vodka and Coke Zero."
Michael van Gerwen: "A glass of red wine."
Nathan Aspinall: "Probably a JD and coke."
Gerwyn Price: "I'm pretty boring, so maybe a coffee cappuccino or something like that."
Danny Lauby: "I like a good bourbon. Maybe two."
Do you think you can win it all this weekend?
Luke Humphries: "I don't think — I know I can win it."
Michael van Gerwen: "Yes, of course."
Nathan Aspinall: "Of course. I will win it all."
Gerwyn Price: "100%."
Danny Lauby: "Yes."
Matt Mitchell was speaking to these players on behalf of bet365, the official sponsor of the PDC US Darts Masters. bet365 returns to The Theater at Madison Square Garden for a third year, with eight of the world's top stars battling it out against eight top talents from North America for TV silverware. Full Terms and Conditions apply. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER. Full tournament preview can be found at bet365 News.
