Stephen Bunting captured his second World Series title of 2025 at the Nordic Darts Masters in Copenhagen. He defeated Rob Cross 8-4 in a thrilling final, avenging an earlier loss to Cross in the Dutch Darts Masters. Bunting’s victory cements his status as a top contender this season, having already won the Bahrain Darts Masters earlier in the year.
Bunting’s path to the title was not easy. In the semi-finals, he held off a late surge from Nathan Aspinall to win 7-5. Bunting then produced a strong run in the final, winning five consecutive legs from 2-3 down to take control of the match. He sealed the victory with a precise double eight, ensuring Rob Cross finished as runner-up for the second consecutive year at this event.
Luke Littler’s Early Exit Surprises Fans
Luke Littler entered the Nordic Darts Masters as one of the tournament favourites. The young star had recently claimed the Premier League title and was expected to make a deep run in Copenhagen. In the first round, Luke Littler overcame a slow start to defeat Viktor Tingstrom 6-3, showing composure and skill under pressure.
However, the quarter-finals brought an unexpected twist. Nathan Aspinall, who had only managed one win in his previous fifteen encounters with Littler, produced a strong performance to defeat him 6-3. This result marked a rare early exit for Luke Littler, who had been in excellent form leading up to the event.
Aspinall’s victory over Littler was significant. He raced to a 6-1 lead before finally closing out the match, securing only his second win against the reigning world champion. Littler’s defeat opened the door for other contenders and shifted the dynamics of the tournament.
Tournament Format and Prize Money
The 2025 Nordic Darts Masters featured sixteen players, including eight elite PDC representatives and eight regional qualifiers. The tournament was held at Forum Copenhagen from June 6 to June 7. Matches followed a leg-play format, with the number of legs required to win increasing in each round. The winner received £30,000 from a total prize pool of £100,000.
The first round and quarter-finals were best of eleven legs. The semi-finals extended to best of thirteen, and the final was best of fifteen legs. This structure tested both consistency and stamina, rewarding players who could maintain focus throughout the event.
Key Performances and Notable Matches
Gerwyn Price, the defending champion, began his title defence with a 6-3 win over Cor Dekker. In the quarter-finals, Price delivered a tournament-record average of 108 to defeat Luke Humphries 6-3. However, Price’s run ended in the semi-finals, where Rob Cross prevailed 7-4.
Rob Cross, after whitewashing Chris Dobey 6-0 in the quarter-finals, looked strong throughout the event. His performance against Price in the semi-finals was clinical, but he could not overcome Bunting in the final. Cross’s consistency has made him a fixture in the latter stages of major tournaments this season
Nathan Aspinall’s run to the semi-finals was another highlight. After defeating Luke Littler, he pushed Bunting to the limit before falling 7-5. Aspinall’s resurgence adds another competitive edge to the World Series circuit.
Broadcasts and Global Reach
The 2025 Nordic Darts Masters enjoyed broad international coverage. Fans in the United Kingdom could watch on ITV4 and PDCTV. The event was also broadcast by DAZN in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as Viaplay, Fox Sports, and other networks across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. This wide reach reflects the growing global appeal of professional darts.
What’s Next for Luke Littler
Despite his quarter-final exit, Luke Littler remains one of the sport’s brightest young stars. His recent Premier League triumph and consistent performances throughout the season have established him as a leading player. The early loss in Copenhagen will serve as motivation as he prepares for upcoming World Series events in New York, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Luke Littler’s journey continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. His rapid rise and fearless approach have brought new energy to the darts world. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how he responds to this setback and what new milestones he will achieve.
The Evolving Landscape of Professional Darts
The 2025 Nordic Darts Masters showcased the depth and unpredictability of today’s darts scene. Stephen Bunting’s victory, Rob Cross’s consistency, and the surprise exit of Luke Littler are reminders that the competition remains fierce. With more World Series events on the horizon, the stage is set for further drama and excitement as the world’s best players battle for supremacy.
Luke Littler’s presence at the top of the sport continues to inspire a new generation of fans and players. His resilience and talent ensure that he will remain a central figure in the ongoing story of professional darts.