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 stands out in the darts calendar because every leg must both 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 have qualified for the event.
The field is composed of the top sixteen players from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder, plus the highest‑ranked sixteen players on the ProTour Rankings who have not yet secured a spot. These thirty‑two darts professionals will vie for the coveted double‑start title and a significantly increased top prize of £150,000. Defending champion Luke Littler will headline the competition in Leicester.
Littler, who captured the 2024 World Grand Prix in a dramatic final, returns to the arena with the aim of retaining his crown. His presence adds a compelling storyline, as fans will be eager to see whether he can repeat his success on the same stage where he previously broke the record average. Also in the mix is 2023 champion Luke Humphries, who is looking to add a second World Grand Prix trophy to his résumé.
Humphries has been a consistent performer on the PDC circuit and will be a serious threat to any opponent. Dutch number one Gian van Veen will be back in Leicester as well, hoping to improve on his runner‑up finish last year when he fell short against Littler. The tournament will feature a host of other high‑profile names. Six‑time champion Michael van Gerwen and two‑time winner James Wade are both slated to compete, bringing a wealth of experience and a history of success in the double‑start format.
Wales will be represented by Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, the latter having lifted the title in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Northern Irish star Josh Rock, who has been climbing the rankings rapidly, will also take part, as will seasoned semi‑finalist Danny Noppert. Returning competitors Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman will look to make deep runs after previous appearances in Leicester.
The first round matches are scheduled as follows: Monday, September 28 – 6 p.m. (Round One) - Danny Noppert vs Niko Springer - Ross Smith vs Cameron Menzies - Nathan Aspinall vs Kevin Doets - Jonny Clayton vs Krzysztof Ratajski - Gerwyn Price vs Sebastian Bialecki - Michael van Gerwen vs Ryan Joyce - Luke Littler vs Luke Woodhouse - Wessel Nijman vs Rob Cross Tuesday, September 29 – 6 p.m.
(Round One) - Chris Dobey vs Jermaine Wattimena - Ryan Searle vs William O'Connor - Josh Rock vs Niels Zonneveld - James Wade vs Joe Cullen - Gary Anderson vs Damon Heta - Gian van Veen vs Dirk van Duijvenbode - Luke Humphries vs Dave Chisnall - Stephen Bunting vs Andrew Gilding Wednesday, September 30 – 7 p.m. (Round Two – order of play to be confirmed) - Littler/Woodhouse vs Aspinall/Doets - Noppert/Springer vs Van Gerwen/Joyce - Price/Bialecki vs Smith/Menzies - Clayton/Ratajski vs Nijman/Cross Thursday, October 1 – 7 p.m. (Round Two – order of play to be confirmed) - Humphries/Chisnall vs Dobey/Wattimena - Rock/Zonneveld vs Anderson/Heta - Van Veen/Van Duijvenbode vs Searle/O'Connor - Wade/Cullen vs Bunting/Gilding Friday, October 2 – 7 p.m.
(Quarter‑Finals) The eight winners from the second round will clash in the quarter‑finals, with match‑ups determined by the tournament bracket. Saturday, October 3 – 8 p.m.
(Semi‑Finals) The four quarter‑final victors will compete for a place in the final. Sunday, October 4 – 8 p.m. (Final) The championship match will decide who lifts the World Grand Prix trophy and walks away with the £150,000 top prize. Fans can watch every session live on Sky Sports, which will provide comprehensive coverage, including commentary, analysis, and player interviews.
For the best viewing experience, the broadcaster recommends using the Chrome browser to access a more accessible video player. The double‑start format of the World Grand Prix adds a unique twist that separates it from other major darts events. Players must hit a double or the bullseye to open each leg, meaning a missed start can dramatically alter the flow of a match. This requirement often leads to surprising upsets and showcases a player's precision under pressure.
With a field packed with former champions, rising stars, and seasoned veterans, the 2024 World Grand Prix promises high‑octane darts action. Whether you are a longtime follower of the sport or a newcomer, the tournament offers a blend of drama, skill, and the ever‑present possibility of a new champion emerging. Mark your calendars for September 28 through October 4, and tune in to see who will claim the double‑start glory in Leicester.