PDC World Masters 2025: Damon Heta Addresses Premier League Exclusion

Australia’s number one, Damon Heta, kicked off his 2025 PDC World Masters campaign with a confident 3-1 victory over former European champion Ross Smith.

Heta was among the notable names omitted from this year’s Premier League lineup, a decision that sparked controversy among fans and pundits alike. 

Despite being ranked higher in the PDC’s official Order of Merit, Heta, along with Dave Chisnall and Jonny Clayton, was overlooked in favour of Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall.

The debate surrounding the Premier League selection has been a hot topic among darts fans, with many believing that Price and Aspinall’s inclusion was unwarranted. 

The exclusion of reigning World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker added further controversy, as he became the first-ever winner of a Sky Sports major to miss out on the competition. 

De Decker even publicly criticised the PDC’s decision, calling it “scandalous” in an interview with Belgian media outlet Het Nieuwsblad.

Given Heta’s name was frequently mentioned as a deserving candidate, we asked for his thoughts on the omission and whether he shared the frustrations voiced by De Decker and others. However, the Australian was far more reserved in his response.

Premier League Exclusion 

“The Heat” admitted that he never expected to be selected, especially after his third-round exit at the PDC World Championship against Luke Woodhouse—a match where he hit a stunning nine-darter but ultimately fell short.

“I thought after I lost that game [at the World Championships], I thought there's no even point even worrying about it. I never thought I was in,” Heta said post-match. 

“It wasn't until, say, the day before, there was a lot of talk on social media. There was a little glimmer of hope saying I might be in.”

Despite currently sitting at world number eight, Heta remains pragmatic about his Premier League exclusion, insisting that he still needs to prove himself further.

“At the end of the day, I feel like I have to earn my spot.”

A System Unlikely to Change

However, he did acknowledge that the Premier League selection process is unlikely to change, with the PDC consistently favouring certain players.

“I feel like it’s the top four or five, and then the rest is whoever they [the PDC] pick. That’s how it’s always been.”

“It would've been nice. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be in it.”

Setting His Sights on the Top Four

With a long season of darts ahead, we asked Heta if missing out on the Premier League had given him extra motivation to push himself further in 2025. While he admitted the competition was never a primary goal, he has set a clear target for himself this season.

“We’ve got a lot of darts to play, a long season ahead. For the next few years, I just need to keep looking forward.”

“Premier League has not been a goal I have written down or anything, it’s just one of those things that will happen when it happens.”

When it comes to his world ranking ambitions, Heta has no hesitation in stating his objective.

“Top four,” he said with confidence.

Heta is also aware that success at the World Masters could propel him toward that target. With £100,000 in prize money up for grabs, a tournament victory could see him rise as high as fourth in the world rankings.

“I think top seven as a realistic goal because it is tight. But to get top four, it's not without the realms.”

“I'll win this thing, next minute I am something close to that.”

With a strong start in the World Masters and a clear drive to break into the sport’s elite, Heta’s 2025 season is already shaping up to be a compelling journey.