The World Series of Darts is heading Down Under, but three of the sport’s biggest names will not be on the plane.
Just days after helping England and the Netherlands battle it out at the World Cup of Darts, Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen have all opted against travelling to Australia and New Zealand for the upcoming World Series events. Their absence has created one of the biggest talking points in darts and opened the door for a surprise debut that could change a career.
Ross Smith is the man who has been handed the golden opportunity.
For darts fans, the news comes as a major shock. Littler and Humphries are currently the two biggest stars in the sport, while Van Gerwen remains one of the most recognisable names on the global circuit. Together, they have dominated headlines throughout 2026, making their decision to skip the trip to Auckland and Wollongong all the more surprising. The World Series events in New Zealand and Australia are among the PDC’s showcase tournaments outside Europe, attracting huge crowds and giving international fans a chance to see the sport’s elite up close.
The timing of the decision is particularly interesting. Littler and Humphries have just completed a hugely successful World Cup campaign with England. The pair silenced critics by claiming the title in Frankfurt, defeating Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen in the final. Their performances throughout the tournament demonstrated why they are currently considered the strongest partnership in darts.
England’s triumph was not straightforward. Littler and Humphries had to fight back from a 4-0 deficit against Wales in the quarter-finals before eventually lifting the trophy. The demanding schedule, combined with a packed calendar still to come, may have influenced the decision to sit out the long trip to the Southern Hemisphere.
Littler, in particular, has barely stopped winning. The teenage sensation already boasts an extraordinary list of achievements in 2026, including another World Championship title and several major trophies. Following the World Cup success, he even spoke confidently about completing a clean sweep of major titles this season. With so many important events still ahead, managing travel and workload has become increasingly important.
Humphries faces a similar challenge. The former world champion remains one of the most consistent players on tour and has been involved in countless high-pressure matches this year. The World Cup victory added another significant achievement to his growing collection, but it also highlighted the physical and mental demands placed on elite players.
Then there is Van Gerwen. Although the Dutch legend is no longer the dominant force he once was, he remains a huge draw wherever he plays. His decision not to travel means fans in Australia and New Zealand will miss one of the sport’s greatest-ever competitors. Van Gerwen recently reached another World Cup final for the Netherlands alongside Gian van Veen, proving he is still capable of competing at the highest level.
While the absence of those three stars will disappoint many supporters, it has created a massive opportunity for Ross Smith.
Smith has long been regarded as one of the most talented players on the professional circuit. Known for his heavy scoring and explosive style, he has consistently shown that he can compete with the very best. However, opportunities on the World Series stage have been limited compared to some of the sport’s biggest names.
That is about to change.
Being handed a World Series debut is a significant moment in any player’s career. The tournaments are broadcast around the world and feature some of the biggest audiences in darts outside the World Championship and Premier League. A strong performance can instantly raise a player’s profile and potentially open the door to future invitations.
For Smith, the chance could not come at a better time. The Englishman has spent years proving himself on the ProTour and major stages, often producing performances that suggest he belongs among the sport’s elite. Now he finally has the opportunity to showcase his talent in front of a global audience.
The move also highlights the incredible depth currently available in professional darts. While Littler, Humphries and Van Gerwen may dominate headlines, there is a growing list of players ready to step into the spotlight. Smith is one of several competitors eager to take advantage whenever opportunities arise.
The World Series itself continues to grow in importance. Events such as the New Zealand Masters and Australian Masters have become major attractions on the darts calendar, helping expand the sport’s popularity beyond its traditional European heartlands. The tournaments have regularly featured some of the biggest names in darts and have produced memorable moments over the years.
This year, however, the story may be less about the stars who are missing and more about the player who has been given his chance.
Ross Smith arrives with nothing to lose and everything to gain. If he can make an impact on his debut, he could emerge from the trip with a significantly higher profile and greater recognition among fans worldwide.
The absence of Littler, Humphries and Van Gerwen guarantees that the spotlight will shine elsewhere. For Ross Smith, that spotlight could be career-changing.
Sometimes one player’s absence creates another player’s breakthrough moment. Over the next few weeks, darts fans will discover whether Ross Smith can seize the opportunity that has unexpectedly landed at his door.
And if he does, the biggest story from Australia and New Zealand may not be who stayed home—but who stepped up.