The World Grand Prix is set to unfold 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 a strategic twist that tests players' precision under pressure. A total of thirty-two competitors will vie for the title.
The field is composed of the top sixteen athletes from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder, complemented by the sixteen highest‑ranked players on the ProTour list who have not yet secured a spot. These qualifiers will battle for the coveted double‑start glory and a significantly increased top prize of £150,000, a boost that underscores the event's prestige. Defending champion Luke Littler will headline the competition, returning to Leicester to protect his crown.
Littler’s 2023 triumph has made him a focal point for fans and pundits alike, and his presence adds an extra layer of excitement to a tournament already rich with talent. He will be joined by 2023 champion Luke Humphries, who is eager to add a second World Grand Prix title to his résumé. Dutch standout Gian van Veen will also be back, hoping to improve on his previous performance in the arena where he once set a record average, only to be edged out by Littler.
Veteran six‑time champion Michael van Gerwen and two‑time winner James Wade are also on the roster, bringing experience and a history of deep runs in the event. The Welsh duo of Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton—who lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2021 respectively—will add further depth to the competition. Northern Irish number one Josh Rock and seasoned semi‑finalist Danny Noppert round out the list of notable entrants, while Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman return to Leicester after previous appearances.
The opening round features a series of intriguing match‑ups. On Monday, September 28, from 6 pm, the first round will see Danny Noppert take on Niko Springer, Ross Smith versus Cameron Menzies, Nathan Aspinall against Kevin Doets, Jonny Clayton facing Krzysztof Ratajski, Gerwyn Price meeting Sebastian Bialecki, Michael van Gerwen playing Ryan Joyce, Luke Littler battling Luke Woodhouse, and Wessel Nijman against Rob Cross. Tuesday, September 29, also from 6 pm, continues the first‑round action with Chris Dobey versus Jermaine Wattimena, Ryan Searle against William O'Connor, Josh Rock versus Niels Zonneveld, James Wade taking on Joe Cullen, Gary Anderson meeting Damon Heta, Gian van Veen versus Dirk van Duijvenbode, Luke Humphries facing Dave Chisnall, and Stephen Bunting against Andrew Gilding. The tournament then moves into the second round on Wednesday, September 30, starting at 7 pm.
While the exact order of play is still to be confirmed, anticipated pairings include the winner of Littler/Woodhouse versus the victor of Aspinall/Doets, Noppert/Springer against Van Gerwen/Joyce, Price/Bialecki versus Smith/Menzies, and Clayton/Ratajski against Nijman/Cross. Thursday, October 1, again from 7 pm, will feature the second‑round clash of Humphries/Chisnall versus Dobey/Wattimena, Rock/Zonneveld against Anderson/Heta, Van Veen/Van Duijvenbode versus Searle/O'Connor, and Wade/Cullen versus Bunting/Gilding. The quarter‑finals are scheduled for Friday, October 2, at 7 pm, followed by the semi‑finals on Saturday, October 3, at 8 pm. The championship match will close the event on Sunday, October 4, also at 8 pm, determining who will claim the £150,000 prize and the prestigious World Grand Prix title.
Fans can watch every stage of the tournament live on Sky Sports, with the broadcast running from September 28 through October 4. For the best viewing experience, the provider recommends using the Chrome browser, which offers a more accessible video player and smoother streaming performance.
The World Grand Prix’s unique double‑start format adds a layer of tactical depth that differentiates it from other major darts competitions. Players must carefully plan their opening darts to land on a double or the bullseye, then maintain that precision throughout the leg to finish. This requirement often leads to surprising upsets and showcases the mental resilience of the sport’s elite.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Luke Littler can replicate his 2023 success and retain the title, or if a seasoned contender like Michael van Gerwen or a rising star such as Gian van Veen will seize the moment. The blend of seasoned veterans, emerging talents, and the high‑stakes double‑start challenge promises a thrilling week of darts for spectators worldwide.