The upcoming 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 start and finish on a double or the bullseye, adding an extra layer of difficulty for the competitors. A total of 32 players will contest the title. The field is composed of the leading 16 athletes from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder, plus the next 16 highest‑ranked players on the ProTour list who have not yet secured qualification.
All participants will be vying for the prestigious double‑start format and a significantly increased top prize of £150,000. Defending champion Luke Littler will headline the event in Leicester, looking to repeat his triumph from the previous year. Littler’s presence adds a compelling storyline, as he will attempt to defend the title against a roster that includes several former winners and rising stars. Among the notable challengers is 2023 champion Luke Humphries, who will be seeking his second World Grand Prix crown.
Dutch number one Gian van Veen also returns to the arena where he set a record‑breaking average last season, only to be edged out by Littler in that historic match. Fans are advised to use the Chrome browser for optimal video player performance, ensuring a smooth viewing experience throughout the week‑long competition. Six‑time champion Michael van Gerwen and two‑time winner James Wade are also slated to appear, bringing a wealth of experience and firepower to the field. The Welsh duo of Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton—who captured the title in 2020 and 2021 respectively—will be looking to add another trophy to their collections.
Northern Irish standout Josh Rock, as well as two‑time semi‑finalist Danny Noppert, will round out the lineup, while Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman make a return to Leicester after previous appearances. The first‑round draw is as follows: 1.
Luke Littler vs Luke Woodhouse 2. Nathan Aspinall vs Kevin Doets 3. Danny Noppert vs Niko Springer 4.
Michael van Gerwen vs Ryan Joyce 5. Gerwyn Price vs Sebastian Bialecki 6.
Ross Smith vs Cameron Menzies 7. Jonny Clayton vs Krzysztof Ratajski 8.
Wessel Nijman vs Rob Cross 9. Luke Humphries vs Dave Chisnall 10. Chris Dobey vs Jermaine Wattimena 11. Josh Rock vs Niels Zonneveld 12.
Gary Anderson vs Damon Heta 13. Gian van Veen vs Dirk van Duijvenbode 14. Ryan Searle vs William O'Connor 15.
James Wade vs Joe Cullen 16. Stephen Bunting vs Andrew Gilding The schedule is packed with action each day.
On Monday, September 28, the tournament opens at 6 p.m. with eight first‑round matches, featuring match‑ups such as Noppert versus Springer and Littler against Woodhouse. Tuesday, September 29, also begins at 6 p.m.
and presents the remaining eight first‑round contests, including Humphries versus Chisnall and van Gerwen versus Joyce. Wednesday, September 30, will see the second round commence at 7 p.m., though the exact order of play is still to be confirmed.
Anticipated pairings include the winner of Littler/Woodhouse facing the victor of Aspinall/Doets, and a possible showdown between Noppert/Springer and Van Gerwen/Joyce, among others. Thursday, October 1, continues the second‑round action from 7 p.m., with further match‑ups to be announced.
The quarter‑finals are slated for Friday, October 2, starting at 7 p.m., followed by the semi‑finals on Saturday, October 3, at 8 p.m. The grand finale will close the tournament on Sunday, October 4, also at 8 p.m. Throughout the week, spectators can follow the drama live on Sky Sports, witnessing the high‑stakes double‑start format that tests precision, composure, and strategic acumen. The expanded prize fund and the presence of both seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers promise a thrilling spectacle for darts enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether you are a casual fan or a dedicated follower of the sport, the World Grand Prix offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The double‑start requirement forces players to think differently about each leg, often leading to surprising turnarounds and nail‑biting finishes. As the competitors gather in Leicester, the atmosphere is expected to be electric, with each player eyeing not only the lucrative top prize but also the honor of joining an elite list of double‑start champions.
Mark your calendars, set up your Chrome browser, and get ready for a week of world‑class darts action from September 28 through October 4.