World Grand Prix timetable set as Littler aims to retain his crown

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 be started and finished on a double or the bullseye, adding an extra layer of difficulty that tests even the most seasoned professionals.

A total of 32 competitors will vie for the title. The field is composed of the top 16 players from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder and the highest‑ranked 16 players on the ProTour Rankings who have not already qualified. These athletes will battle for the coveted double‑start glory and a newly increased top prize of £150,000. Defending champion Luke Littler will headline the event in Leicester.

Littler, who captured the trophy last year, will look to repeat his success on the very stage where he set a record average in a previous edition, only to be edged out by his own brilliance. Joining him are a host of former champions and fan favourites.

2023 winner Luke Humphries is back in pursuit of a second World Grand Prix crown, while Dutch number one Gian van Veen returns to the arena where he famously posted a record‑breaking average in a match that ended in defeat to Littler. The tournament also boasts a strong lineup of multiple‑time winners. Six‑time champion Michael van Gerwen and two‑time champion James Wade will both be in contention, as will the Welsh pair Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, the latter having lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Northern Irish star Josh Rock, who currently sits at the top of the rankings for his country, will be looking to make a deep run, while veteran Danny Noppert, a two‑time semi‑finalist, adds further depth to the competition.

Returning to Leicester are Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman, both of whom have previously enjoyed success on the PDC circuit. The draw for the first round has already been announced, pairing the likes of Littler against Luke Woodhouse, Nathan Aspinall with Kevin Doets, and Michael van Gerwen taking on Ryan Joyce. Other notable match‑ups include Gerwyn Price versus Sebastian Bialecki, Jonny Clayton against Krzysztof Ratajski, and the showdown between Gian van Veen and Dirk van Duijvenbode.

The schedule is packed with action across five days, beginning with the opening round on Monday, September 28, at 6 p.m., and culminating in the final on Sunday, October 4, at 8 p.m. **Detailed itinerary** *Monday, 28 September – Round One (6 p.m.)* - 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, 29 September – Round One (6 p.m.)* - 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, 30 September – Round Two (7 p.m.)* - Match‑ups to be confirmed, but likely include Littler/Woodhouse vs Aspinall/Doets, Noppert/Springer vs Van Gerwen/Joyce, Price/Bialecki vs Smith/Menzies, and Clayton/Ratajski vs Nijman/Cross.

*Thursday, 1 October – Round Two (7 p.m.)* - Again, order of play to be confirmed. Expected pairings: Humphries/Chisnall vs Dobey/Wattimena, Rock/Zonneveld vs Anderson/Heta, Van Veen/Van Duijvenbode vs Searle/O'Connor, and Wade/Cullen vs Bunting/Gilding. *Friday, 2 October – Quarter‑Finals (7 p.m.)* - The eight remaining players will compete for a place in the semi‑finals. The exact match‑ups will depend on the outcomes of the previous rounds.

*Saturday, 3 October – Semi‑Finals (8 p.m.)* - Four players will battle for a spot in the final. The semi‑finals traditionally feature the tournament’s biggest names, and fans can expect high‑pressure darts with the double‑start rule in full effect. *Sunday, 4 October – Final (8 p.m.)* - The championship match will decide who lifts the World Grand Prix trophy and takes home the £150,000 winner’s share. Past winners have described the final as a test of nerves, precision and stamina, given the requirement to start each leg on a double.

For viewers, the tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports throughout its week‑long run. The network recommends using the Chrome browser for the best video player experience, ensuring smooth streaming and access to all interactive features such as live stats and player interviews.

The World Grand Prix’s unique double‑start format has made it a fan favourite, often producing dramatic comebacks and unexpected upsets. As the field gathers in Leicester, the excitement builds around whether Luke Littler can defend his title, if Luke Humphries can add a second crown, or if a dark horse will emerge to claim the £150,000 prize.

With world‑class talent, a historic venue, and a schedule packed with high‑stakes matches, the tournament promises to deliver memorable moments for darts enthusiasts worldwide.