The World Grand Prix will be staged at Leicester's Mattioli Arena, kicking off on September 28 with live coverage on Sky Sports. This tournament is distinctive because every leg must start and finish on a double or the bullseye, adding an extra layer of strategy and pressure for the competitors. A total of 32 players will contest the event. The field is composed of the top 16 performers on the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder, joined by the highest‑ranked 16 players on the ProTour Rankings who have not already qualified.
These athletes will battle for the coveted double‑start title and a newly increased top prize of £150,000. Defending champion Luke Littler will headline the competition. The young English prodigy, who captured the trophy last year, will look to repeat his success on the Leicester stage, where the prize fund has been boosted and the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Also in the mix is 2023 champion Luke Humphries, who will be eager to add a second World Grand Prix crown to his résumé. The Dutch number one, Gian van Veen, returns to the arena that witnessed his record‑breaking average last season, a performance that fell short only because he was edged out by Littler. Fans are advised to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience when streaming the matches.
Six‑time Grand Prix winner Michael van Gerwen and two‑time champion James Wade will also feature prominently, alongside the Welsh pair Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, who lifted the title in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Northern Irish standout Josh Rock and two‑time semi‑finalist Danny Noppert complete the roster of seasoned campaigners, while Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman make their return trips to Leicester. The first‑round draw is as follows: Luke Littler vs Luke Woodhouse, Nathan Aspinall vs Kevin Doets, Danny Noppert vs Niko Springer, Michael van Gerwen vs Ryan Joyce, Gerwyn Price vs Sebastian Bialecki, Ross Smith vs Cameron Menzies, Jonny Clayton vs Krzysztof Ratajski, Wessel Nijman vs Rob Cross, Luke Humphries vs Dave Chisnall, Chris Dobey vs Jermaine Wattimena, Josh Rock vs Niels Zonneveld, Gary Anderson vs Damon Heta, Gian van Veen vs Dirk van Duijvenbode, Ryan Searle vs William O'Connor, James Wade vs Joe Cullen, and Stephen Bunting vs Andrew Gilding. Schedule details: Monday, 28 September – From 6 pm (Round One) – Matches include Noppert v Springer, Smith v Menzies, Aspinall v Doets, Clayton v Ratajski, Price v Bialecki, Van Gerwen v Joyce, Littler v Woodhouse, and Nijman v Cross.
Tuesday, 29 September – From 6 pm (Round One) – Featuring Dobey v Wattimena, Searle v O'Connor, Rock v Zonneveld, Wade v Cullen, Anderson v Heta, Van Veen v Van Duijvenbode, Humphries v Chisnall, and Bunting v Gilding. Wednesday, 30 September – From 7 pm (Round Two) – Order of play to be confirmed.
Expected pairings: Littler/Woodhouse vs Aspinall/Doets, Noppert/Springer vs Van Gerwen/Joyce, Price/Bialecki vs Smith/Menzies, Clayton/Ratajski vs Nijman/Cross. Thursday, 1 October – From 7 pm (Round Two) – Order of play to be confirmed.
Anticipated matches: Humphries/Chisnall vs Dobey/Wattimena, Rock/Zonneveld vs Anderson/Heta, Van Veen/Van Duijvenbode vs Searle/O'Connor, Wade/Cullen vs Bunting/Gilding. Friday, 2 October – From 7 pm – Quarter‑finals. Saturday, 3 October – From 8 pm – Semi‑finals. Sunday, 4 October – From 8 pm – The final showdown.
The World Grand Prix offers a unique challenge because of its double‑start format, which means players must hit a double to open each leg before they can begin scoring. This rule often leads to dramatic swings in momentum, as a missed double can hand the advantage to the opponent. Over the years, the tournament has produced some of the most memorable comebacks and upsets in darts, and this edition is set to continue that tradition.
With a £150,000 first‑place prize, the stakes are higher than ever. The increased financial incentive, combined with the prestige of winning a double‑start event, ensures that the field will be fiercely competitive. Established stars will be looking to reaffirm their dominance, while emerging talents such as Littler aim to cement their place among the sport’s elite.
Spectators can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast each round from the opening night on September 28 through to the climactic final on October 4. The coverage will include expert analysis, player interviews, and in‑depth statistics, providing fans with a comprehensive viewing experience.
In summary, the World Grand Prix in Leicester promises a week of high‑octane darts, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers, all vying for a historic double‑start title and a substantial cash reward. Whether you are a longtime follower of the PDC circuit or a newcomer to the sport, the tournament offers compelling storylines, intense competition, and the chance to witness darts at its most thrilling.