Empire State Review Contributor 
Canadian darts phenom Matt Campbell made history Saturday night by becoming the first-ever repeat winner of the North American Darts Championship. The 35-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, defended his title with a composed and commanding 6–3 victory over compatriot Jim Long in the final, held at the iconic Theater at Madison Square Garden.
This year’s championship, organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), brought together eight of the top-ranked players from the United States and Canada. The competition, played in a single-day knockout format, served as one of the premier North American events on the global darts calendar. Its prestige was amplified by its pairing with the US Darts Masters, part of the World Series of Darts, which featured top international talent.
Campbell, nicknamed “Ginja Ninja,” was a dominant force throughout the tournament. In the quarterfinals, he posted a groundbreaking 103.98 average in a 6–1 demolition of Jason Brandon—the highest in tournament history. He followed that performance with a near-flawless semifinal display, averaging just under 97 and converting six of eleven doubles to dispatch American contender Stowe Buntz 6–2.
His final match against Jim Long, a seasoned Canadian rival, was a showcase of high-stakes precision and mental resilience. Campbell took control early and never relinquished his lead, demonstrating the poise that has earned him growing respect on the international darts circuit.
“Winning it last year was incredible, but defending it here in New York, at Madison Square Garden—it’s a feeling I can’t quite describe,” Campbell said in a post-match interview. “This crowd, this venue—it motivates you to play your absolute best.”
Campbell’s victory earned him $10,000 from the tournament’s $25,000 purse and, perhaps more importantly, qualification for two major global events: the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace and the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts. These opportunities further cement his status as one of North America’s leading dart professionals and a serious competitor on the world stage.
The tournament itself was a significant moment for darts in the United States. Holding the event at Madison Square Garden—the most iconic arena in North America—symbolizes the sport’s growing foothold outside its traditional strongholds in the UK and Europe. The weekend drew thousands of fans and offered broadcast coverage to a global audience.
While darts has long thrived in pubs and local leagues across North America, events like the North American Darts Championship offer players a rare shot at international recognition and career advancement. For Canadian and American players, success on this stage often serves as a launchpad toward full-time professional careers on the PDC circuit.
Jim Long, despite falling short in the final, praised the high level of competition and Campbell’s performance. “Matt was brilliant tonight,” Long said. “He’s earned every bit of this win, and he’s a great representative for Canadian darts on the world stage.”
As North American darts continues to evolve, the 2025 championship marked a new chapter—not just in Campbell’s personal career, but in the sport’s expanding legacy across the continent. With players like Campbell leading the charge, darts is gaining both prestige and visibility, and it’s increasingly clear that the future of the sport may have a distinct North American accent.
