Dartsis predominantly a sport played in Europe, but over the years, the game has grown immensely across the world.
The World Series of Darts being played in different regions and the World Cup of Darts are encouraging signs that show talent that we don't always get to see on the Main Tour.
The World Series of Darts visits some regions where darts hasn't fully grown to the popularity levels in places like the UK, but it shows the progress being made.
Australia and New Zealand are two countries that the World Series of Darts has visited in recent years, including the two events taking place in August this year.
They don't come to mind as places where darts are super popular, yet they have produced some ridiculous talent over the years.
Best darts players from Australia and New Zealand
These countries might not have the depth we see from other nations, but there are some heavy hitters you might be familiar with.
MORE: PDC representatives announced for Australian Darts Masters & New Zealand Darts Masters
Australia
Let's start with Australia.
Simon Whitlock
Whitlock is widely regarded as the greatest darts player from Australia and this region.
His most notable career feats are winning the 2012 European Championship and taking home the title at the 2022 World Cup of Darts with partner Damon Heta.
He was also a World Championship finalist in 2010, beating names like James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld before losing 3-7 to the legendary Phil Taylor in the final.
Whitlock has made numerous other major finals and semifinals, as well as recording five Players Championship event wins and one European Tour event title in his career.
MORE: What PDC darts events/tournaments are happening in August?
Damon Heta
Damon Heta has only been on tour since around 2018, but has already made his mark.
As mentioned before, he won the World Cup of Darts in 2022 with partner Simon Whitlock.
His best individual run was a semifinal run at the 2024 UK Open.
He's the current world number 8, establishing himself as one of the most consistent performers in the PDC.
He's won nine Players Championship events and one European Tour event.
MORE: Watch: Damon Heta escapes with 8-7 victory over Stephen Bunting in Players Championship 20 final
Kyle Anderson
Anderson was one of Australia's bright prospects, but unfortunately dealt with health issues and passed away at age 33.
Anderson's best career TV runs include a quarterfinal and semifinal run at the European Championship.
He also had a semifinal run at the 2018 World Cup of Darts.
At the 2017 Auckland Darts Masters, Anderson took home the event title, beating names like Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock and James Wade en route to the title.
Paul Nicholson
Nicholson was an active player on the PDC circuit in the 2010s.
He has since joined the commentary booth in recent years. He most notably won the Players Championship Finals in 2010.
His best run at the World Championship was in 2009 when he made the quarterfinal round, defeating Adrian Lewis and Dennis Priestley along the way, before losing to James Wade.
Tony David
David is an Australian darts player who competed in the BDO from 1996-2018.
He's won major tournaments like the BDO World Championship in 2002, beating Mervyn King in the final.
He also won the World Darts Trophy in 2002, outscoring opponents 22-6 in sets during his run. He defeated the legendary Raymond van Barneveld 5-4 in the semifinal.
David had numerous other runs to major semifinals and quarterfinals in his BDO career.
Russell Stewart
Stewart has had an almost four-decade professional career, dating back to the 1980s.
He competed in the BDO from 1983-2002, and the PDC from 2005-2021.
His best career performances include two semifinal runs at the MFI World Matchplay and two quarterfinal runs at the Winmau World Masters.
New Zealand
Australia has had some big guns, but New Zealand is still looking to produce players of that level.
MORE: PDC Darts 2026 World Championship dates & sessions revealed
Haupai Puha
Puha has been featured more recently on the PDC Tour.
He has represented his country four times on the World Cup of Darts stage, advancing out of the round robin stage twice.
This year, he had one of his best TV performances, making it to the fourth round of the UK Open.
Puha has won several tournaments on local circuits in New Zealand, but still hopes to add PDC Pro Tour accolades to his name in the coming years.
Ben Rob
He's a 13-time event winner on the New Zealand Premier League of Darts circuit.
Robb has qualified and participated in four PDC WCs, but has failed to make it out of the first round so far.
He'll be back in action next weekend at the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters.
Other notable players from New Zealand:
- Mark Cleaver
- Warren Pary
- Cody Harris
- Rob Szabo
- Craig Caldwell
- Phillip Hazel
- Warren French
- Preston Ridd
MORE DARTS ARTICLES:
- Biggest changes on the PDC Main order of merit after 2025 World Matchplay of Darts
- Watch: Luke Littler hits nine-darter in one of the greatest legs of all time against Josh Rock
- 7 darts players who could be in Premier League Darts one day