Michael van Gerwen will kick off his defence of the World Series of Darts Finals crown by taking on Philippines’ Lourence Ilagan in the opening round, while teenage sensation Luke Littler meets former UK Open champion Danny Noppert in a parallel match at the AF & S Live arena in Amsterdam. The event, the premier tournament on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) calendar, gathers 32 of the sport’s biggest names from every continent and will run from 17 to 20 September.
The full draw and timetable have just been released, giving fans a clear picture of the battles that will shape this month’s marquee competition. Van Gerwen, the reigning champion who lifted his sixth World Series Finals trophy exactly one year ago, enters the tournament as the top seed. His first‑round opponent, Lourence Ilagan, is a two‑time PDC Asian Champion and a respected competitor who has earned his place by winning the Asian Tour events that feed into the World Series. The Dutch star’s opening match will therefore be a test of both skill and composure, as he looks to assert his dominance on home soil and begin a campaign that could see him add another major title to his already impressive résumé.
The opening round is split across two sessions on 17 and 18 September. In the first session, 2024 champion Luke Littler will launch his own quest for a major clean‑sweep by facing Danny Noppert, a seasoned Dutch player who previously captured the UK Open. Littler’s rapid rise through the ranks has made him a fan favourite, and his encounter with Noppert promises high‑octane darts, with both players eager to secure a spot in the second round. World number two Luke Humphries also opens his campaign against Dutch veteran Jermaine Wattimena, while former World Series champion Gerwyn Price seeks a third title by meeting Australian Darts Masters runner‑up Brody Klinge.
The Dutch number one, Gian van Veen, draws former Masters champion Chris Dobey in what should be an eye‑catching showdown, and the seasoned Englishman Stephen Bunting will clash with rising Irish star Josh Rock for a place in the next stage. 2021 World Series winner Jonny Clayton is paired with Philippines World Cup representative Alexis Toylo, giving the Englishman a chance to showcase his experience against a player who has proven his mettle on the international stage. Meanwhile, ten‑time TV title holder James Wade begins his title challenge against Australian number one Damon Heta, a match that pits Wade’s long‑standing pedigree against Heta’s recent surge in form.
The Dutch pair Wessel Nijman and Kevin Doets have been matched with seasoned competitors Simon Whitlock and Ross Smith respectively, while former World Championship semi‑finalist Rob Cross will take on fellow Englishman Ryan Searle. These fixtures add depth to a field that blends established champions with emerging talents, ensuring a diverse and unpredictable tournament.
The schedule outlines a busy Thursday night (17 September, 6 pm BST) featuring eight first‑round matches, including Van Gerwen versus Ilagan, Humphries versus Wattimena, and Van Veen versus Dobey. Friday’s second session (18 September, 6 pm BST) repeats the format with another eight matches, such as Price versus Klinge, Littler versus Noppert, and Clayton versus Toylo. After the first round, the remaining 16 competitors will move on to the second round, which is split into an afternoon session on Saturday (19 September, 6 pm BST) and an evening session later that same day. Saturday’s afternoon session will see the winners of the Van Gerwen/Ilagan and Doets/Smith matches meet, while Bunting/Rock will face the victor of Cross/Searle, and Humphries/Wattimena will take on the winner of the Tingstrom/Leung tie.
The evening session mirrors this structure, with Price/Klinge potentially meeting the winner of Leek/Long, Wade/Heta versus Nijman/Whitlock, and Littler/Noppert against the winner of Aspinall/Smith. The exact order of play will be confirmed closer to the event.
The tournament reaches its climax on Sunday, 20 September. The quarter‑finals commence at midday, followed by a packed evening session that will host the semi‑finals and the final.
The winner of the final will claim the coveted World Series of Darts Finals trophy and a substantial prize fund, cementing their status among the sport’s elite. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, and a dedicated video player is optimised for Chrome browsers for the best viewing experience. In addition to the live broadcasts, NOW offers streaming of darts and related content, while the Love the Darts podcast provides analysis and behind‑the‑scenes commentary.
The event not only showcases top‑level competition but also highlights the global growth of darts, with participants hailing from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, reflecting the sport’s expanding international appeal. Overall, the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals promises a blend of high‑stakes drama, emerging storylines, and the chance for established stars to reaffirm their dominance. Whether you are a long‑time follower of the PDC circuit or a newcomer drawn in by the sport’s recent surge in popularity, the tournament offers a compelling narrative that will unfold over four intense days of world‑class darts.