The Australian Darts Masters is set to take place on 21-22 August at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, with the prize money confirmed ahead of the final regular World Series of Darts event of the year. The winner will claim £30,000, while the runner-up takes home £16,000. Semi-finalists receive £10,000, quarter-finalists £5,000, and first-round losers £1,750, with a total prize fund of £100,000 on offer.
Gian van Veen leads the field, but it is Michael van Gerwen who tops the World Series Order of Merit, having won titles in Bahrain and Copenhagen this season. However, van Gerwen, along with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, will not compete in Australia or New Zealand. Van Gerwen's next appearance will be at the World Series Finals in Amsterdam, where he defends his title.
Jonny Clayton arrives in Wollongong on a high after winning the New Zealand Darts Masters, defeating Gerwyn Price in the final. Also in the field are Stephen Bunting, James Wade, Josh Rock, Damon Heta, and Ross Smith. The qualifier field includes Adam Leek, Simon Whitlock, Ben Robb, Raymond Smith, Brody Klinge, Tim Pusey, Joe Comito, and Mal Cuming.
Prize money for the World Series of Darts Finals has increased from £400,000 to £450,000 for the next season, but the main events remain unchanged. Unlike the Saudi Arabia event, which featured a nine-dart bonus and the Riyadh Season Bullseye, the Australian Masters does not have such bonuses. Order of Merit points are awarded towards the World Series Finals, with the winner earning 12 points, runner-up 8, semi-finalists 5, quarter-finalists 3, and first-round losers 1.