The World Grand Prix darts tournament is set to unfold at Leicester's iconic Mattioli Arena, kicking off on September 28 with live coverage on Sky Sports. This competition 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 layer of strategic depth and pressure for the participants. A total of 32 competitors will vie for the title, comprising the top sixteen players from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder and the next sixteen highest‑ranked players on the ProTour Rankings who have not yet secured a spot. These athletes will battle for a newly increased top prize of £150,000, alongside the prestige of claiming the double‑start championship.
Defending champion Luke Littler will headline the event, returning to the Mattioli Arena with the aim of defending his crown after his impressive triumph last year. Littler's performance will be closely watched, especially as he faces a field that includes former champions and rising stars eager to dethrone him. Also in the mix is 2023 winner Luke Humphries, who will be looking to add a second World Grand Prix title to his résumé. The Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen, who set a record‑breaking average in his previous encounter with Littler, will be back in Leicester to try again, hoping to turn last year’s disappointment into victory.
Six‑time champion Michael van Gerwen and two‑time winner James Wade are among the seasoned veterans who will add experience and firepower to the draw. Wales will be represented by Gerwyn Price, a former world champion, and Jonny Clayton, who lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2021 respectively, promising a strong showing from the Welsh contingent. Northern Ireland’s top‑ranked player Josh Rock and two‑time semi‑finalist Danny Noppert will also be present, while Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman make returns to the Leicester stage after previous appearances.
The first‑round match‑ups are as follows: - Luke Littler vs Luke Woodhouse (seed 16) - Nathan Aspinall vs Kevin Doets (seed 8) - Danny Noppert vs Niko Springer (seed 9) - Michael van Gerwen vs Ryan Joyce (seed 4) - Gerwyn Price vs Sebastian Bialecki (seed 13) - Ross Smith vs Cameron Menzies (seed 5) - Jonny Clayton vs Krzysztof Ratajski (seed 12) - Wessel Nijman vs Rob Cross (seed 2) - Luke Humphries vs Dave Chisnall (seed 15) - Chris Dobey vs Jermaine Wattimena (seed 7) - Josh Rock vs Niels Zonneveld (seed 10) - Gary Anderson vs Damon Heta (seed 3) - Gian van Veen vs Dirk van Duijvenbode (seed 14) - Ryan Searle vs William O'Connor (seed 6) - James Wade vs Joe Cullen (seed 11) - Stephen Bunting vs Andrew Gilding (unseeded) The schedule is packed across a week of intense competition: **Monday, 28 September – 6 pm onward (Round One)** The opening day will feature eight matches, including the headline clash between Littler and Woodhouse, as well as early‑round battles such as Noppert vs Springer and van Gerwen vs Joyce. **Tuesday, 29 September – 6 pm onward (Round One)** The second day continues with the remaining eight first‑round fixtures, showcasing match‑ups like Humphries vs Chisnall, Wade vs Cullen, and Anderson vs Heta. **Wednesday, 30 September – 7 pm onward (Round Two)** The second round will see the survivors paired in new combinations. While the exact order of play is yet to be confirmed, fans can expect high‑stakes encounters such as Littler/Woodhouse versus Aspinall/Doets and Noppert/Springer against Van Gerwen/Joyce.
**Thursday, 1 October – 7 pm onward (Round Two)** The tournament will continue with the remaining second‑round matches. Notable pairings include Humphries/Chisnall against Dobey/Wattimena and Rock/Zonneveld against Anderson/Heta. **Friday, 2 October – 7 pm onward (Quarter‑Finals)** The eight remaining players will compete for a place in the semi‑finals.
This stage typically produces dramatic turn‑arounds as the double‑start format rewards precision under pressure. **Saturday, 3 October – 8 pm onward (Semi‑Finals)** Four competitors will battle for the coveted final spots. Historically, semi‑final matches at the World Grand Prix are some of the most thrilling, with the double‑start rule often leading to unexpected swings.
**Sunday, 4 October – 8 pm onward (Final)** The climax of the tournament will see the two survivors face off for the £150,000 top prize and the title of World Grand Prix champion. Whether Littler can repeat his feat or a challenger like van Gerwen, Humphries, or van Veen will seize the moment remains to be seen. Fans are encouraged to watch the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every round from the opening night on September 28 through to the grand finale on October 4. For the best viewing experience, the broadcaster recommends using the Chrome browser to access a more accessible video player.
The World Grand Prix’s unique double‑start requirement sets it apart from other PDC events, demanding that players not only finish each leg on a double but also commence it in the same manner. This nuance often leads to higher averages and more dramatic finishes, as players must calculate their routes to the double with precision from the very first dart.
Beyond the competition itself, the tournament provides a platform for emerging talent to test themselves against established stars. Players like Gian van Veen, who broke the average record in his previous match against Littler, illustrate how the event can spotlight rising performers and generate new storylines for the sport.
Overall, the 2024 World Grand Prix promises a week of high‑quality darts, strategic brilliance, and the kind of suspense that only a double‑start format can produce. Whether you are a long‑time follower of the PDC circuit or a newcomer looking for thrilling sport, the tournament offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars, tune in to Sky Sports, and prepare for a showcase of skill, nerve, and the relentless pursuit of darts glory.