When the PDC first came to New Zealand in 2015, the World Series of Darts was not yet the fully formed annual showcase tour that it has become. But one thing was certainly known. In addition to professional star names, local talent, shocks and players for local crowds to get behind were a vital ingredient. Simon Whitlock was able to fill all of those roles simultaneously!
Originally, this leg of the PDC shopwindow tour was entitled the Auckland Darts Masters. The inaugural event was won by Adrian Lewis. However, the Aussie Wizard managed to see off the recent Lakeside Champion and PDC crossover Stephen Bunting a set up a crowd pleasing encounter with Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor. Although Simon went down in the quarter final his contribution was already significant.
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In 2026 Simon Whitlock will be making a record extending ninth appearance at the New Zealand Masters, ahead of seventh appearances for Damon Heta and home nation star Ben Robb.
In the years in between Whitlock has been both PDC star name and local representative and always brought that touch of world class ability mixed with unrivalled experience on the games biggest stages.
As European Champion and multiple World Championship finalist Simon has led the way for Australian and Oceanic in a way not previous sustained at the highest level. His regular appearances in the Premier League and leading Australia to a World Cup of Darts triumph have surely made him the must influential Australasian player.
This Friday’s opening round of the 2026 edition of the New Zealand darts Masters will see the PDC superstars go head-to-head with their Oceanic counterparts for a place at Finals Day, with Australian icon up against Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock.
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These days the local representatives are much stronger overall. They have gathered much greater experince at the highest level than back in 2015. With Damon Heta and Adam Leek on the Pro Tour and Benn Robb, Haupai Puha and Raymond Smith having competed more often on the game’s biggest stages than previous generations, the potential for shocks and dramtic clashes is as high as it has ever been.
A large slice of the credit for the upsurge in ‘darts down-under’ must surely go to Simon Whitlock.
Images: PDC
