Luke Littler Leads Exciting Lineup at Auckland Darts Masters

Teenage darts prodigy Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is set to headline the Auckland Darts Masters, which returns to Auckland this weekend at Spark Arena. The 17-year-old arrives following a triumphant performance in Sydney, where he claimed victory over Mike De Decker with an impressive score of 8-4 in the final.

Despite his recent success, Littler faced a tough challenge in the first round of the Sydney event, nearly being eliminated by top-ranked Kiwi Haupai Puha. “Haupai is one of the biggest names out there; he’s competed in the world championships for a while now,” Littler remarked, highlighting his respect for New Zealand’s emerging darts talent.

Local Talent and Global Stars Unite

Puha, who made history as the first New Zealander to earn a PDC Tour Card, enters the Auckland competition after winning a DPNZ Pro Tour title in Hamilton. He is joined by fellow Kiwi players, including Ben Robb, Jonny Tata, Mark Cleaver, and John Hurring, all of whom bring significant experience to the event.

Littler, who has quickly become a prominent figure in the sport despite being underage for voting, shared his thoughts on managing the pressures of professional darts. “For myself, it’s come naturally. The media attention is part of the deal. Every competition, it’s the same, with interviews and all of that stuff. I cope with it really well,” he stated confidently.

Defending champion Luke Humphries, who won last year’s event in Hamilton, echoed Littler’s sentiments about the friendly atmosphere in New Zealand. “It really is nice to come back… the people are always really friendly, which is what I love most about this country,” said the 30-year-old from Reading, who also became world champion in 2024. He noted that audiences in countries that host fewer major darts events tend to appreciate them more, which enhances the overall experience.

Star Performers and Fan Favorites

Another strong contender is Stephen Bunting, who is currently enjoying career-best form. “I’ve been working hard behind the scenes, and I’m really confident,” Bunting said. “It’s great to be part of the World Series, going to all these great cities and playing against the best week in, week out.” Known for his lively entrance to the song “Titanium” by Sia, Bunting emphasized the importance of the player walk-outs in engaging the audience. “It feels like I’m orchestrating the whole crowd, and I feel a lot of love when I’m up on the stage,” he added.

Among the other notable competitors is Gerwyn Price, a previous champion at the Auckland Darts Masters. Price is looking to improve upon his recent performance in Wollongong, where he was defeated by seventh-ranked Englishman Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals. Dobey is making his first appearance in New Zealand at this year’s event after reaching his first World Series semi-final.

The Auckland Darts Masters will take place on August 15-16, 2023, featuring a mix of international stars and local talent, promising an exciting showcase of darts for fans and participants alike.

As the players prepare for the competition, the spotlight remains on Littler, who continues to redefine expectations for young athletes in the sport. With a blend of rising stars and seasoned veterans, the Auckland Darts Masters is set to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.