The 2026 Australian Darts Masters takes place in Wollongong this weekend, with Gerwyn Price heading into the final World Series event of the year as the favourite.
The tournament will be held at the WIN Entertainment Centre on August 21-22, bringing together eight PDC stars and eight representatives from Australia and New Zealand.
Price is the top seed and the only former Australian Darts Masters champion in this year's field, having won the inaugural tournament in 2024.
The Welshman begins his campaign against Australian veteran Simon Whitlock, one of the most recognisable names in the sport Down Under.
Price also arrives in strong form. He reached the final of last weekend's New Zealand Darts Masters, where he was beaten by fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton, and is the current outright favourite to win in Wollongong.
Who are the favourites?
Price is the man to beat, but the absence of Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen leaves the draw far more open than many World Series events.
World No.2 Gian van Veen is among the main challengers and starts against Raymond Smith, while Clayton will look to complete a quick Australasian double after his victory in Auckland.
James Wade, Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock and Damon Heta complete a strong group of PDC representatives. Heta, Australia's highest-profile active PDC player, faces Joe Comito in the opening round.
The tournament will also introduce the Kyle Anderson Trophy, named in honour of the late Australian player.
Australian Darts Masters first-round matches
Friday, August 21
Ross Smith vs Brody Klinge
Stephen Bunting vs Mal Cuming
Josh Rock vs Adam Leek
James Wade vs Tim Pusey
Gian van Veen vs Raymond Smith
Jonny Clayton vs Ben Robb
Gerwyn Price vs Simon Whitlock
Damon Heta vs Joe Comito
All first-round matches are played over the best of 11 legs.
Australian Darts Masters key dates
Friday, August 21: First round
Saturday, August 22: Quarter-finals, semi-finals and final
The quarter-finals are best of 11 legs, before the format increases to best of 13 for the semi-finals and best of 15 for the final.
With Price chasing a second Australian title, Clayton arriving as the form player and Van Veen looking to turn another deep tournament run into silverware, Wollongong should provide an open finish to the 2026 World Series campaign.
