The 2025 Winmau World Masters Darts Championship kicked off with thrilling matches at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, bringing together some of the greatest talent in the world of darts. Among the standout performances, reigning champion Stephen Bunting and World Champion Luke Littler showcased their skills as they advanced through the first round.
On Thursday, January 30, Gerwyn Price faced off against Florian Hempel, dominating the match with a score of 3-0. Price, from Markham, set the tone early with an impressive 127 checkout on the bullseye, never relenting throughout the match. His convincing performance ensures he moves forward, where he will meet Australia’s top player, Damon Heta, on February 1.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere was electric with Luke Littler, who recently turned 18, also making waves as he defeated Belgium's Andy Baetens 3-0. This was Littler's World Masters debut, and he maintained his status as one of the favorites for the tournament with his effortless win over Baetens, only relinquishing one leg throughout the match.
“Bunting survived a scare against the determined Scottish qualifier William Borland, overcoming him after five gripping sets,” reported Record Sport. The defending champion had to dig deep to secure his place, once again proving why he holds the title.
The tournament, which has undergone major changes this year, marks the first time the prize money will contribute to the Order of Merit. With £500,000 up for grabs, players are motivated to perform at their peak. Notably, Van Gerwen's iconic green shirt was replaced with black and gold to commemorate his five-year partnership with darts manufacturer Winmau. He expressed excitement about the change, stating, "Not in green? No, not this tournament. For the five-year anniversary, I will play in this shirt: black with gold. Perfect.”
The World Masters is not just about personalities but also about fierce competition. Notable matches scheduled for February 1 feature Nathan Aspinall against Andrew Gilding and James Wade against Mike De Decker, among others. Aspinall, who has returned to form after previously struggling, aims to capitalize on his recent successes.
On February 1, the second round will kick off with more high-octane action set for both afternoon and evening sessions. Fans are eagerly awaiting potential clashes such as Michael van Gerwen versus either Gary Anderson or Dimitri Van den Bergh, provided both players advance. Littler's potential matchup against Wade also promises to be thrilling.
Others making it through to the next stages include Chris Dobey and Nathan Aspinall, each bringing their unique styles to the oche. Aspinall has shown resilience, bouncing back from prior disappointments, making him one to watch as the tournament progresses.
The event is broadcast live on channels including ITV4 and ITVX, allowing fans worldwide to share in the excitement of this revitalized tournament. The action kicks off from 7 PM GMT, and interest is not just limited to darts enthusiasts; there are major betting dynamics influencing viewer participation this year.
With top seeds like Luke Humphries and Rob Cross on the opposite sides of the draw, the competition is heating up. One theme of this year's championship is the emergence of new talents like Littler, who continues to challenge established players.
Reflecting on the matches, Humphries noted after his win against Joe Cullen, “I’m really happy with the way I bounced back after missing those three match darts.” He faces Josh Rock next and is determined not to let missed opportunities derail his momentum.
The anticipation among fans and players alike is palpable as the tournament progresses through its various rounds. It’s not just about who will take home the £100,000 prize for the champion but also about who will make their mark on the sport moving forward. With so much at stake, viewers can expect nothing less than thrilling darts action as the competition continues throughout the weekend.