Set Play Boosts Buntz in Magic Darts Masters Win

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Top seed Stowe Buntz captured his sixth career CDC Tour title on Saturday, defeating Gary Mawson 5-3 in the final of the 2025 Magic Darts Masters—which saw the debut of set play on the Championship Darts Circuit main tour.

Buntz, who dropped just four sets from the quarterfinals onward, delivered a composed and clinical display in the final, holding off a spirited challenge from the veteran sixth seed hungry for a return to the winners circle. The title came at the right time for the Virginia man, as he righted a ship that seemed to be adrift since his last win in Chicago in 2024 – adding critical points to his Order of Merit total and putting daylight between him and the competition as he strives for a return to the big stage in New York City.

‘The Neon Nightmare’ opened with a straight-sets win over Larry Butler in the quarterfinals before taking out Adam Sevada 4-1 in the semis. Sevada and Danny Young both made back-to-back semifinal appearances after deep runs in Friday’s Winmau Darts Championship.

Gary Mawson earned his spot in the final with a convincing 4-1 semifinal win over Young, following a solid 3-1 victory over Kiley Edmunds in the quarters. Three-time World Champion John Part continued his resurgence, reaching another quarterfinal with a win over David Cameron earlier in the day.

Cameron may have exited early, but he posted the tournament’s highest average at 91.00—narrowly edging Buntz’s 90.98. Cameron, Kiley Edmunds, and Brandon Goddard shared top honors in the 180 count with eight apiece. Also notable this weekend for both the CDC and Stowe was the debut of Tour’s youngest Tour Card Holder, 16 year old Stowe Buntz, Jr.

The 2025 CDC season continues June 7–8 as the Tour shifts to Cambridge, Ontario for Events 3 and 4, along with the final qualifier for the US Darts Masters and North American Championship at Madison Square Garden.

Gates Claims 12th CDC Title with Winmau Championship Victory

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Leonard Gates continued his dominant run on the Championship Darts Circuit, capturing his 12th career CDC Main Tour title with a 7-4 win over David Cameron in the final of the 2025 Winmau Darts Championship on Friday night in Niagara Falls, New York.

The win marks Gates’ third straight CDC event victory, adding to his 2024 Continental Cup and 2025 Cross Border Darts Challenge triumphs. The second seed was in fine form all day, averaging 89.15 to lead the field and dropping just four legs across his quarterfinal and semifinal matches before closing out a composed performance in the final.

Gates defeated Larry Butler 6-0 in the quarters and posted a 7-2 victory over Adam Sevada in the semis, a match that featured one of the most electric legs in CDC history. Sevada wired double 12 for a perfect nine-darter, only for Gates to immediately fire back with a 161 checkout for a 12-darter of his own, swinging the momentum in his favor.

Cameron, the number four seed, battled past Danny Young 7-6 in a semifinal thriller after dispatching Scott Estle 6-1 in the quarters. The Canadian was seeking his second career CDC title but couldn’t match Gates’ scoring power in the final.

Sevada, who knocked out Alex Spellman 6-5 in the quarterfinals, led the event in 180s with 12. Gates and Spellman followed with eight each. Young made a strong return to CDC play after a year away, while Estle impressed in his first Tour appearance since 2020, reaching the last eight.

The 2025 CDC season continues Saturday with the Magic Darts Masters, followed by the first of two open qualifiers for the US Darts Masters and North American Championship, both set for The Theater at Madison Square Garden in June.

Sweeting Sweeps to Third CDLC Title in Panama City

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Rashad Sweeting powered to his third career CDLC Main Tour title on Sunday, producing a dominant 6-0 victory over Jamaica’s Jonathon Heron in the final of Event 2 in Panama City.

The Bahamian star, who captured headlines with his historic World Darts Championship debut last December, was in impressive form throughout the day. Sweeting edged past Jesus Salate 6-5 in the quarterfinals and took out top seed Sudesh Fitzgerald 6-2 in the semifinals before racing to a whitewash win in the final.

Sweeting’s 76.48 tournament average was second only to Salate’s 81.09, but it was his finishing that made the difference on the final day of the Panama City weekend. He also topped the 180 chart, landing six maximums across his matches.

Heron made history of his own by becoming the first Jamaican player to reach a CDLC Main Tour final, narrowly edging out Brazil’s Artur Valle 6-5 in the semifinals after seeing off Costa Rican, Jonathan Quiros, in the last eight.

Fitzgerald, who had reached the final of Event 1, continued his consistent run with a semifinal appearance, falling just short of another title shot. Meanwhile, Trinidad’s James Walkin finished second behind Sweeting in the 180 race, firing in four on the day.

The CDLC Tour resumes action July 25-27 in Freeport, Bahamas, as players look to continue their push toward World Championship qualification.

Salate Stays Hot in Maiden CDLC Win

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Jesus Salate remained in blistering form as he stormed through the field in Panama City to claim his first CDLC Main Tour title, edging Sudesh Fitzgerald 6-5 to win Event 1 on the 2025 Championship Darts Latin America and Caribbean (CDLC) circuit on Saturday.

Fresh off leading Argentina to World Cup qualification on Friday alongside Victor Guillin, Salate extended his winning streak with another impressive run. The eighth seed powered through Bruno Amaro 6-0 in the quarterfinals and outlasted fourth seed Rashad Sweeting 6-4 in the semis before battling through a tense final against Fitzgerald.

The title match saw both players miss nine match darts in a nervy deciding leg, but it was Salate who finally found the winning double to lift the trophy. Fitzgerald averaged 72.47 in the final compared to Salate’s 71.84, but it was Salate’s superior scoring that told the story of the day, leading the field with six 180s and an 80.08 overall average, bolstered by an 88.79 first nine.

Fitzgerald’s path to the final included dominant wins over Robin Allbury and Victor Guillin, the latter of whom battled through a tough draw featuring seeded opponents in three consecutive matches.

Salate went 36-9 in legs on the day to Fitzgerald’s 35-10, highlighting just how little separated the two in what was a thrilling start to the 2025 CDLC season.

Weekend 1 on the 2025 CDLC Tour comes to a close on Sunday with Event #2 from Panama City.

Argentina’s Salate and Guillin Make History with World Cup Qualification

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Jesus Salate and Victor Guillin made history on Friday, clinching Argentina’s first-ever berth in the Professional Darts Corporation BetVictor World Cup of Darts with a dominant run at the Championship Darts Latin America and Caribbean (CDLC) World Cup Qualifier.

The duo averaged 81.16 across four knockout matches on the day, sealing their spot in Frankfurt with a commanding 7-2 victory over Costa Rica’s Jason Calderon and Jonathan Quiros in the final. Salate and Guillin were in control from the outset, producing a polished performance to cap a dominant day that began with a perfect group stage.

The Argentines’ road to glory included a semifinal triumph over defending champions Norman Madhoo and Sudesh Fitzgerald, ending Team Guyana’s hopes of back-to-back World Cup appearances with a 6-2 win. In the quarterfinals, Salate and Guillin held off a spirited challenge from Bahamian pair Rashad Sweeting and Lorenzo Deveaux, edging through a last-leg decider to keep their title hopes alive.

Over the course of the event, Salate and Guillin compiled a 30-10 leg record, hitting six 180s between them — four coming from Guillin — and showcasing their consistency in both the round-robin and knockout phases. Calderon and Quiros, who impressed throughout the day and reached the final by defeating fellow countrymen Jafet Vanegas and Guillermo Soto 6-1, averaged 74.80 in the final but were unable to match Argentina’s relentless pace.

Following Team Guyana’s breakthrough in 2024, Argentina becomes the second consecutive CDLC nation to debut at the World Cup, with Salate and Guillin set to make their mark in Frankfurt from June 12-15.

The CDLC weekend continues with Events 1 and 2 on the 2025 CDLC Tour, set for Saturday and Sunday.

S2E2: NA Players in the PDC and Cross Border in Hollywood!

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Welcome to Episode 2 of “Shootin’ the Bull,” the official podcast of the Championship Darts Circuit! Join host Anthony Eugenio and co-hosts Sean Green and Pete Citera as they dive into the latest happenings in the world of darts from a North American perspective.

In this episode, we discuss the recent performances of North American players at the Winmau World Masters, including insights from Pete who attended the event. We also highlight the exciting opportunities ahead for players, including the upcoming UK Open and the U.S. Darts Masters qualifiers.

Additionally, we take a look at the recent success of Luke Humphries at the rebranded World Masters and Ross Montgomery at the Senior World Championship. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the pressures faced by young players like Luke Littler and a preview of the upcoming Modus Super Series.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts or questions! Follow us on social media at @ChampDarts and catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.

Timestamps:

  • 00:02:00 – Introduction

  • 00:02:26 – Welcome and Social Media

  • 00:04:35 – Recap of Winmau World Masters

  • 00:07:03 – North American Players’ Performance

  • 00:12:08 – Upcoming UK Open Preview

  • 00:29:31 – Opportunities for North American Players

  • 00:33:10 – Your Darts Journey with Luke Humphries

  • 00:41:03 – Darts Around the World Segment

  • 00:59:13 – What to know about the Cross Border in Hollywood

  • 01:10:31 – What’s in Pete’s glass?

Season 2 Premiere: Mark Taggart, Gordon Dixon & an interview with John Part

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Welcome to Season 2 of “Shootin’ the Bull,” the official podcast of the Championship Darts Circuit! Join host Anthony Eugenio and his expert contributors, Mark Taggart and Gordon Dixon, as they dive into the exciting world of darts from a North American perspective.

In this episode, we kick off the season by discussing the recent PDC World Darts Championship, where the newly crowned champion, Luke Littler, made history. We analyze the implications of his victory, the current state of Michael van Gerwen’s legacy, and what it means for the future of the sport.

We also take a closer look at the rebranded Winmore World Masters, featuring a fast-paced set play format that keeps players on their toes. CDC CEO Peter Cetera, shares his insights from the event, and we discuss the thrilling matches and standout performances.

We debut a fun, fast paced new segment called Darts Around the World where a 2 minute timer puts the pressure on to bring your best takes before time runs out! 

Additionally, we celebrate Jim Long’s achievement of securing his PDC tour card and David Cameron’s return to Lakeside, highlighting the growing presence of North American players in the international darts scene.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more darts content, and join the conversation by leaving your comments and questions in the chat! 

https://youtube.com/champdarts

And sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date in between shows:

https://champdarts.info/intheknow

[00:05:20] Littler’s championship universe.

[00:08:24] Littler’s championship impact on MVG.

[00:12:52] The changing landscape of darts.

[00:15:23] Brutal format of dart competitions.

[00:20:42] Exciting tournament player performances.

[00:26:10] Lidler’s slow starts challenge.

[00:30:41] Excitement of darts watch parties.

[00:34:45] Pressure in competitive darts.

[00:37:03] Darth Maple nickname origin.

[00:43:13] U.S. Darts Masters announcement.

[00:47:09] DARTS AROUND THE WORLD TWO MINUTE TOPICS

[01:04:09] Darts Royal Rumble concept.

[01:09:54] Celebrity appearances in darts.

[01:12:39] Darts event audience surprise concept.

[01:19:03] Paul Lim’s birthday achievement.

[01:22:27] Championship dart circuit podcast.

Dartsmas Special: Guest Jason Brandon

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Welcome to the latest episode of Shooting the Bull, the official podcast of the Championship Dart Circuit (CDC)! Join host Anthony Eugenia and special guests Jeff McMahon and Jason Brandon as they dive into the exciting world of darts from a North American perspective.

In this episode, we celebrate the holiday season and reflect on nearly a year of podcasting. We discuss the ongoing PDC World Championships at Alexandra Palace, highlighting key matches and upsets, including defending champion Luke Humphries, James Wade, and Michael Smith’s surprising exit.

We also shine a spotlight on North American players, including Leonard Gates, Jim Long, Stowe Buntz, and Matt Campbell, who all showcased their skills on the world stage. Hear insights from Jason Brandon on his experiences competing against these players and the challenges they face in high-pressure situations.

Additionally, we talk CDLC Rashad Sweeting from the Bahamas, who made his debut at the World Championships. Rashad shares his thoughts on representing Latin America and the excitement of competing on such a grand stage as well as that 180 he hit!

Don’t miss the analysis, personal stories, and the vibrant chat room interaction as we celebrate the sport of darts and look forward to an exciting 2025!

Timestamps:

[00:00:45] Holiday season in darts.

[00:07:00] Michael Smith’s surprising defeat and other notable moments from the World Darts Championships

[00:14:28] Gates discusses media attention.

[00:18:07] Jim Long’s World Championship match

[00:25:03] Pressure of expectations on players.

[00:32:31] Matt Campbell’s World Championship journey.

[00:49:18] Rashad Sweeting’s 180 decision.

[00:59:12] Jason Brandon talks Lakeside experience

[01:12:06] Paul Lim’s remarkable darts career

[01:24:49] PDC US Darts Masters 

Follow us on social media:

  • Facebook: @ChampDarts

  • Instagram: @ChampDarts

  • TikTok: @ChampDarts

If you enjoyed the episode, please like, share, and subscribe! Don’t forget to leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Happy Dartsmas!

From Wolverhampton to Lakeside: A North American Perspective on These Iconic Events

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Welcome to the latest episode of Shooting the Bull, the official podcast of the Championship Dart Circuit (CDC)! Join host Anthony Eugenia and contributors Peter Cetera and Mark Taggart as they dive into the exciting world of darts from a North American perspective.

In this episode, we discuss the recent Grand Slam of Darts, highlighting the surprising outcomes of the round-robin phase, including the shocking exits of top seeds and the impressive performances of underdogs like Martin Lukeman and Wessel Nijman. Peter shares his firsthand experience from the event in Wolverhampton, while Mark provides insights into the thrilling matches and standout players.

We also take a moment to celebrate Leonard Gates, our CDC Continental Cup champion, and discuss the opportunities that come with competing on the PDC stage.

Plus, we preview the upcoming WDF World Championship at the iconic Lakeside, featuring North American players like Jacob Taylor, Jeff Springer, Kevin Luke, and Paula Murphy.

Whether you’re a die-hard darts fan or new to the sport, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and a touch of humor. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave your comments or questions to be part of the conversation!

Support the podcast by leaving a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform!

Subscribe to the official CDC Newsletter: https://champdarts.info/intheknow

 

[00:06:03] Grand Slam discussion and highlights.

[00:09:22] Peter’s behind the scenes experience in Wolverhampton

[00:12:13] Tournament excitement without top seeds.

[00:17:31] Interview with Leonard Gates

[00:20:15] Opportunities for players overseas.

[00:23:37] Player’s Championship significance.

[00:36:58] Behind the scenes at the major PDC events

[00:38:34] Unique atmosphere of Blackpool.

[00:45:44] Women’s darts tournament significance.

[01:05:16] Youth JDC World Championship.

#ShootingTheBull #Darts #GrandSlam #WDFWorldChampionship #NorthAmericanDarts #DartsCommunity