The upcoming World Grand Prix will be staged at Leicester’s iconic Mattioli Arena, with the opening night slated for September 28 and all matches broadcast live 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, a rule that adds a strategic twist and tests the precision of even the most seasoned players. A field of thirty-two competitors has been assembled, comprising the top sixteen athletes from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder and the next sixteen highest‑ranked players on the ProTour Rankings who have not yet secured qualification. These thirty-two darts professionals will vie for the coveted double‑start title and a dramatically increased top prize of £150,000, reflecting the event’s growing prestige.
Defending champion Luke Littler will headline the competition, returning to Leicester to protect the trophy he captured last year. Littler’s victory in the previous edition was a landmark moment, and his presence this year adds an extra layer of excitement for fans and fellow competitors alike. He will be joined by 2023 champion Luke Humphries, who is eager to add a second World Grand Prix crown to his résumé.
The Dutch representative Gian van Veen, who set a record‑breaking average in his previous appearance but fell short against Littler, will also be back in the arena, hoping to turn his near‑miss into a triumph. The tournament’s line‑up boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Six‑time Grand Prix winner Michael van Gerwen and two‑time champion James Wade are among the headline names, while Welsh powerhouses Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton—who secured the title in 2020 and 2021 respectively—will also be in contention. Northern Irish number one Josh Rock, who has been making waves on the circuit, and two‑time semi‑finalist Danny Noppert round out the list of top contenders.
Returning to Leicester are Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman, both of whom are looking to improve on their previous performances. The first round will be played over two evenings. On Monday, September 28, from 6 p.m., the opening matches feature Danny Noppert versus Niko Springer, Ross Smith against Cameron Menzies, Nathan Aspinall meeting Kevin Doets, Jonny Clayton taking on Krzysztof Ratajski, Gerwyn Price versus Sebastian Bialecki, Michael van Gerwen against Ryan Joyce, Luke Littler facing Luke Woodhouse, and Wessel Nijman versus Rob Cross. The following day, Tuesday, September 29, also from 6 p.m., the schedule continues with Chris Dobey versus Jermaine Wattimena, Ryan Searle against William O'Connor, Josh Rock meeting Niels Zonneveld, James Wade versus Joe Cullen, Gary Anderson versus Damon Heta, Gian van Veen versus Dirk van Duijvenbode, Luke Humphries against Dave Chisnall, and Stephen Bunting versus Andrew Gilding.
Round two will commence on Wednesday, September 30, from 7 p.m., with the exact order of play to be confirmed. Expected match‑ups include the winner of Littler/Woodhouse versus the victor of Aspinall/Doets, Noppert/Springer against Van Gerwen/Joyce, Price/Bialecki facing Smith/Menzies, and Clayton/Ratajski meeting Nijman/Cross.
Thursday, October 1, will see the second‑round fixtures continue, again from 7 p.m., with pairings such as Humphries/Chisnall versus Dobey/Wattimena, Rock/Zonneveld against Anderson/Heta, Van Veen/Van Duijvenbode taking on Searle/O'Connor, and Wade/Cullen facing Bunting/Gilding. The quarter‑finals are scheduled for Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m., followed by the semi‑finals on Saturday, October 3, at 8 p.m. The climax of the tournament—the final—will be staged on Sunday, October 4, also at 8 p.m., providing a full week of high‑stakes darts action. Fans who wish to follow every throw can watch the live broadcast on Sky Sports throughout the week-long event.
For the best viewing experience, the organizers recommend using the Chrome browser, which offers a more accessible video player and smoother streaming performance. Beyond the on‑stage drama, the World Grand Prix serves as a showcase for the sport’s growing global appeal. The double‑start format, which requires players to hit a double or the bullseye to begin each leg, adds a layer of difficulty that often results in dramatic comebacks and unexpected upsets. This unique rule set differentiates the Grand Prix from other PDC events and has contributed to its reputation as a true test of skill and nerve.
The increased prize fund, now £150,000 for the winner, reflects the tournament’s rising commercial importance and the sport’s expanding audience. Players are not only competing for the prestige of the title but also for a significant financial reward that can influence their rankings and future sponsorship opportunities.
As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Luke Littler can repeat his success and retain the crown, or if a challenger like Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, or the emerging Dutch talent Gian van Veen will seize the moment. The blend of established champions and hungry newcomers promises a week of unforgettable darts, with each match offering the potential for high‑scoring brilliance, strategic masterstrokes, and the occasional heart‑stopping miss. Whether you are a longtime follower of professional darts or a newcomer drawn by the excitement of the double‑start challenge, the World Grand Prix in Leicester promises an exhilarating showcase of precision, composure, and competitive spirit.
Mark your calendars, tune in to Sky Sports, and prepare for a spectacular display of world‑class darts from September 28 through October 4.