Nordic Darts Masters: Evolution and 2026 Details

Since its inauguration in 2021, the Nordic Darts Masters has established itself as one of the most compelling fixtures on the World Series of Darts calendar. Over the course of its five-year existence, the tournament has produced the exact same number of different champions, a testament to both its competitiveness and the calibre of players it continues to attract.

Arriving in Copenhagen this year as defending champion is Stephen Bunting, who claimed the title twelve months ago with a series of accomplished performances.

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The Forum Copenhagen has served as the tournament’s permanent home throughout its history and was the venue which witnessed Michael van Gerwen secure the inaugural title half a decade ago, overcoming Fallon Sherrock in a landmark final.

A year later, Belgium’s Dimitri Van den Bergh added his name to the roll of honour with victory over Gary Anderson. In 2023, Peter Wright triumphed against Gerwyn Price, while the subsequent two editions saw Rob Cross reach consecutive finals, only to be denied first by Price and then by Bunting.

Of this year’s invited PDC contingent, three former Nordic Darts Masters champions return to action – Van Gerwen, Price and Bunting. The eight-player line-up is largely comprised of the sport’s current elite, closely resembling this season’s Premier League field. The only notable alteration sees Josh Rock replaced by the vastly experienced James Wade, whose pedigree and longevity make him an eminently worthy inclusion.

The Nordic representatives will be eager to challenge the sport’s established stars. Although technically hailing from Baltic nations, both Darius Labanauskas and Madars Razma have been included in the field. Lithuania’s Labanauskas faces former champion Gerwyn Price, while Latvian number one Razma has been handed a formidable assignment against Wade.

Sweden provides the largest national contingent, with five representatives involved. Among them is Jeffrey de Graaf, Dutch-born but now competing under the Swedish flag, who faces world number one Luke Humphries. Oskar Lukasiak, still searching for his first Players Championship victory of 2026, has been drawn against Van Gerwen.

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Viktor Tingstrom takes on reigning champion Bunting, while Andreas Harrysson – affectionately known as “Dirty Harry” – faces Welsh star Jonny Clayton. Completing the Swedish challenge is Daniel Larsson, who has been paired with reigning European Champion Gian van Veen.

Rounding out the host region’s representatives is Norway’s Cor Dekker, who has perhaps received the most daunting assignment of all, having been drawn against reigning World Champion Luke Littler.

The tournament commences on Friday, June 5, with the opening round encounters. The remaining stages – comprising the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final – will then be contested on Saturday, when the 2026 Nordic Darts Masters champion will be crowned.