The upcoming World Grand Prix will be staged at Leicester's iconic Mattioli Arena, kicking off on September 28 with live coverage on Sky Sports. This tournament stands out on the darts calendar because it imposes a double‑start rule: every leg must be begun and finished on a double or the bullseye, adding a layer of strategic complexity that separates it from most other events. A total of thirty‑two competitors will line up for the double‑start challenge. The field is composed of the top sixteen players from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder, complemented by the best sixteen performers from the ProTour Rankings who have not yet secured qualification.
These twenty‑four elite players will be joined by eight additional qualifiers, creating a diverse mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars all vying for the coveted double‑start glory. Defending champion Luke Littler will headline the competition, returning to Leicester to protect the title he captured last year. Littler’s presence adds a compelling narrative, as he will be looking to repeat his success in front of a familiar crowd. The tournament now offers a significantly increased prize fund, with the winner set to pocket £150,000 – a substantial boost that reflects the event’s growing prestige.
Last year’s champion, Luke Humphries, will also be in the mix, seeking his second World Grand Prix crown. The Englishman’s consistent performances on the PDC circuit make him a formidable opponent, and his quest for a repeat victory adds another layer of intrigue. Meanwhile, Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen will be back at the Mattioli Arena, the venue where he once set a record average in a match that ended in defeat to Littler. Van Veen’s return is highly anticipated, as fans hope to see whether he can translate his record‑breaking form into a tournament win.
The lineup also features six‑time Grand Prix champion Michael van Gerwen, whose reputation as one of the sport’s greatest players ensures he will be a major talking point. Two‑time winner James Wade, a stalwart of the circuit, will be looking to add another title to his résumé. Wales will be well represented by Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, the latter having lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and both aiming to reclaim the top spot. Northern Ireland’s leading player, Josh Rock, will be present, alongside seasoned semi‑finalist Danny Noppert, who has previously demonstrated his ability to progress deep into the tournament.
Returning to Leicester are Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman, both of whom will be eager to improve on past performances and make a strong statement on home soil. The first round matches are scheduled 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 - Stephen Bunting vs Andrew Gilding The schedule is laid out across a week‑long series of sessions: **Monday, September 28 – 6 pm (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 pm (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 pm (Round Two – Order of Play TBC)** - 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 pm (Round Two – Order of Play TBC)** - 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 pm (Quarter‑Finals)** The eight winners from the previous round will clash in high‑stakes quarter‑final matches, each one a potential stepping stone to the coveted final. **Saturday, October 3 – 8 pm (Semi‑Finals)** Four players will emerge from the quarter‑finals to contest the semi‑finals, where the intensity will rise sharply as the prize money and prestige loom large.
**Sunday, October 4 – 8 pm (Final)** The tournament will culminate in a showdown for the £150,000 top prize and the World Grand Prix title. The final is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with the double‑start format ensuring that every dart counts. Fans are encouraged to watch the action live on Sky Sports throughout the week.
For the best viewing experience, the broadcaster recommends using the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible video player and smoother streaming performance. Overall, the 2024 World Grand Prix promises a blend of high‑octane darts, strategic double‑start challenges, and a rich storyline featuring defending champion Luke Littler, former champion Luke Humphries, and a host of other top‑ranked players. With a record‑breaking prize fund and a packed schedule, the event is set to deliver memorable moments for both seasoned followers of the sport and newcomers alike.