Darts
New Zealand Darts Masters 2026: Predictions & Betting Tips
The 2026 New Zealand Darts Masters arrives in Auckland this weekend, and with some notable absentees it is shaping up to be a nail-biting contest. William Hill News preview this year’s Southern Hemisphere clash.
With both Luke’s and Michael van Gerwen already confirmed to be missing out, world number two Gian van Veen might be the one to beat in New Zealand as the darts head down under.
Event background and format
The New Zealand Darts Masters returns to the Spark Arena in Auckland on 14-15 August, forming the first leg of the World Series’ “Down Under” double-header before the tour heads to the Australian Darts Masters the following weekend.
Sixteen players compete, eight elite PDC stars drawn against eight Oceania representatives in round one, with the draw opening up from the quarterfinals onwards. As ever with the World Series, match lengths increase as the tournament progresses: first round and quarterfinals are best of 11 legs, semi-finals best of 13, and the final best of 15.
This year’s field is notably light on marquee names. Luke Littler, defending champion Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen are all skipping the trip, leaving Gian van Veen alongside Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, James Wade, Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock, Ross Smith and Damon Heta.
Prize money
The total prize fund stands at £100,000, with the winner banking £30,000 and the runner-up £16,000. Semi-finalists collect £10,000, quarterfinalists £5,000, and first-round losers £1,750 for the trip.
Main contenders
Gerwyn Price – 5/2
Price has plenty of pedigree in this event, having lifted the trophy back in 2022. His doubling can be streaky, but when his front-nine scoring is on song he’s capable of blitzing shorter matches, a real threat in the early rounds.
Gian van Veen – 3/1
With the star names absent, Van Veen arrives as the one of the standout seeds and has form to match. A Bahrain final and New York semi-final already this season underline his consistency at World Series level. His scoring power should travel well over the shorter formats, and this looks a genuine opportunity for a maiden World Series title.
Stephen Bunting – 8/1
Bunting’s all-round game and calmness under pressure make him a solid each-way option, particularly if the draw breaks kindly in the last eight.
Damon Heta – 12/1
The Australian has been a fixture in the latter stages of this event, twice finishing runner-up. Comfortable conditions and local support in the Southern Hemisphere swing could make him a value outsider.
Our prediction
Gian van Veen To Win at 3/1 looks the best bet.
The Dutch world number two looks the strongest angle given the reduced field, and the 24-year-old has gone from strength to strength since he broke onto the scene in the 2025 World Darts Championships. He’s beaten better players that are coming here, and he should be able to go the distance with the form he’s on.
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
