Rob Cross and Stephen Bunting Eliminated; Luke Humphries and Luke Littler Advance in US Darts Masters

Darts Shocks at Madison Square Garden: Cross and Bunting Fall in US Darts masters

August 22, 2025

New York City witnessed a night of surprising results at the US Darts Masters, held at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Reigning champion Rob Cross and the tournament’s top seed, Stephen Bunting, both suffered unexpected defeats in the opening round on Thursday evening.

American Challengers Shine

England’s Rob Cross experienced a stunning 6-0 loss against American competitor Danny Lauby. This marked a significant upset, as Lauby had previously struggled in the event, having lost in the first round on three prior occasions. The World Series of Darts event saw an enthusiastic home crowd spurring on the local players.

Stephen Bunting, despite showcasing a remarkable 170 checkout, was unable to secure a victory, falling 6-4 to American qualifier Jason Brandon. Brandon’s win propels him into the next stage, where he will face Australian talent Damon Heta.

Top Contenders Advance

World number one Luke Humphries of England demonstrated resilience, overcoming a 4-3 deficit against American Stowe Buntz. Humphries ultimately won the match, claiming the final three legs and earning a spot against Danny Lauby in the subsequent round.

World champion Luke Littler delivered a dominant performance, dispatching american Jules van Dongen with a decisive 6-1 victory.Littler sealed his advancement with a stunning 120 checkout, achieved through three consecutive double 20s.

key Match Results

Player	result	opponent
Rob Cross	Lost 0-6	Danny Lauby
Stephen Bunting	Lost 4-6	Jason Brandon
Luke Humphries	Won 6-4	Stowe Buntz
Luke Littler	Won 6-1	Jules van Dongen

Did You Know? The US Darts masters is part of the World Series of Darts, a series of international events designed to expand the sport’s global reach.
Pro Tip: High checkouts,like those achieved by Bunting and littler,are crucial for success in professional darts,requiring precision and mental fortitude.

The Growing Popularity of Darts

Darts has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly in North America. This rise can be attributed to increased media coverage, the charismatic personalities of top players, and the accessibility of the sport. According to a report by Statista,participation in darts has increased by approximately 15% globally over the past five years.Statista

The sport’s strategic depth and thrilling moments of high-pressure competition have captivated audiences, attracting both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. The US Darts Masters, held in a prominent venue like Madison Square Garden, further underscores the growing significance of the American market for professional darts.

Frequently Asked Questions About the US Darts Masters

• What is the US Darts Masters? The US Darts Masters is a professional darts tournament that forms part of the World Series of Darts, bringing top players to North America.
• Who is the reigning champion of the US Darts Masters? Rob Cross was the reigning champion, but he was defeated in the opening round of this year’s tournament.
• Where is the US Darts Masters held? This year’s event is being held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
• What is a 170 checkout in darts? A 170 checkout is the highest possible checkout in a single visit, requiring a treble 20, treble 20, and double bullseye.
• How does the World Series of Darts contribute to the sport’s growth? The World Series of Darts expands the sport’s global reach by hosting events in various international locations.

What did you think about the opening night upsets? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What factors contributed to the unexpected elimination of Rob Cross and stephen bunting from the US Darts Masters?

US Darts Masters: Round-Up of Key Results – August 21st, 2025

The US Darts Masters in New York City witnessed dramatic exits for established stars Rob Cross and Stephen Bunting on August 21st, 2025, while rising talents Luke humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler continued thier impressive runs. The PDC World Darts Championship contender field narrowed substantially as the tournament progresses.This article details the key matchups and outcomes from the latest round of competition.

Early Round Upsets: Cross and Bunting Fall

Both Rob cross, a former World Champion, and Stephen Bunting, a consistent performer on the PDC circuit, suffered unexpected defeats.

Rob Cross vs. Dimitri Van den Bergh: Cross lost a closely contested match against Dimitri Van den Bergh, 6-4. Despite averaging a respectable score, Cross struggled with his checkout conversion, allowing Van den Bergh to capitalize on opportunities. This result marks an early setback for “Voltage” in his pursuit of a major televised title.

stephen Bunting vs.ryan Searle: stephen Bunting was eliminated by Ryan Searle in a thrilling 6-5 encounter. Bunting, known for his consistent scoring, couldn’t maintain the pressure against Searle’s aggressive finishing. The match went down to the wire, highlighting the competitive nature of the US Darts Masters.

These results demonstrate the increasing depth of talent in professional darts, where even seasoned players face stiff competition from emerging stars. Fans were left surprised by the early exits of these two popular players.

Luke Humphries Continues Dominant form

Luke Humphries,currently ranked among the top players in the world,showcased his exceptional skill and consistency,securing his place in the next round.

Luke Humphries vs. Gabriel Clemens: Humphries defeated Gabriel Clemens with a commanding 6-3 victory. His clinical finishing and high scoring average proved too much for the German player. Humphries is now considered a strong contender for the US Darts Masters title.

Humphries’ Key Stats: averaged 102.3, Checkout Percentage: 45%, 180s Hit: 6. These statistics underline Humphries’ all-round excellence and his ability to perform under pressure.

Humphries’ performance reinforces his status as a leading force in the world of darts, and fans are eagerly anticipating his future matches.

Luke Littler: The Teenage Sensation Keeps Winning

Luke Littler, the 17-year-old phenom, continues to captivate audiences with his remarkable talent and composure.

Luke Littler vs. Krzysztof Ratajski: Littler triumphed over Krzysztof Ratajski, winning 6-4 in a match filled with exciting moments. Littler’s fearless approach and accurate throwing have quickly made him a fan favorite.

Littler’s Impact: Littler’s success is attracting a new generation of fans to the sport,boosting viewership and engagement. His performances are a testament to the growing accessibility and appeal of professional darts.

* Littler’s Averages: Averaged 98.7, Checkout Percentage: 40%, 180s Hit: 5. While not his highest averages, Littler demonstrated maturity beyond his years in securing the win.

Littler’s journey in the US Darts Masters is being closely followed by fans and pundits alike, with many predicting a shining future for the young star.

Upcoming Fixtures and Tournament Outlook

The US Darts Masters is heating up as the remaining players battle for a place in the latter stages of the tournament. Key upcoming fixtures include:

1. Dimitri Van den Bergh vs. [Next Opponent]
2. Ryan Searle vs. [Next Opponent]
3. Luke Humphries vs. [Next Opponent]
4. Luke Littler vs. [Next Opponent]

The tournament promises