Luke Littler enters the World Grand Prix with the ambition of defending the title he captured last year, but the road ahead is anything but straightforward. The 19‑year‑old prodigy will face a field that includes seasoned campaigners such as Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, James Wade and rising star Ross Smith, each of whom possesses the skill and experience to upset the world number one in the tournament’s distinctive double‑in, double‑out format. The atmosphere in Leicester’s Mattioli Arena could prove decisive for Littler. Earlier this month, the two‑time world champion endured a hostile reception at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, where he was booed and whistled by a disgruntled crowd after an early exit.
Those memories are fresh, and Littler will be hoping that the home crowd offers a more supportive backdrop as he seeks to complete a historic clean sweep of the season’s major events. He entered the Grand Prix on the back of an unprecedented run, having already secured the first six major titles of the year. That momentum was halted, however, by a decisive 10‑4 loss to Jonny Clayton in the quarter‑finals, a defeat that underscored the thin margin between dominance and disappointment. Former world champion Stephen Bunting has publicly backed Littler, claiming that the young Englishman has "changed" the sport since his breakout onto the professional scene.
Bunting noted, "It’s tough, isn’t it? Luke is the best player in the world right now, but for some reason the crowd turned against him.
They didn’t want him to achieve the clean sweep." He went on to describe how crowd noise—particularly whistling—can be more unsettling than outright abuse, saying, "I’d rather have someone shouting insults at me than hear that whistling. It’s a horrible distraction when you’re trying to focus." Littler’s opening match pits him against Luke Woodhouse.
A victory would set up a potential second‑round clash with either Nathan Aspinall or Kevin Doets, both of whom are capable of producing high‑scoring bursts and have shown resilience under pressure. Luke Humphries, often dubbed "Cool Hand Luke," is also a major storyline.
Two years ago he fell short in the Grand Prix final, and this year he is determined to at least match that performance to safeguard his position as world number two, a spot that could be jeopardised by Dutch talent Gian van Veen if Humphries falters. Humphries begins his campaign against Dave Chisnall, with a possible second‑round encounter against Chris Dobey or Jermaine Wattimena.
After a disappointing loss to Mike De Decker in the 2024 final, Humphries returned to competitive play in late August, securing a win at Players Championship 28 before succumbing to Littler in the Czech Open final. He has spoken about his renewed focus, saying, "I’m going back to the practice board as much as possible and dedicating the rest of the year to being my best. I want to stay at No.
2, and I’ll fight for it against Luke and everyone else." James Wade enters the tournament with significant prize money at stake and a recent surge in form. Earlier this month he captured the Flanders Darts Trophy, ending a decade‑long drought for a European Tour title by defeating Ross Smith in the final. Wade’s consistency and composure have earned him praise from commentators such as Polly James, who remarked on the Love The Darts podcast, "You can’t really bet against Wade when he’s in form.
His scoring, his doubles—everything clicks, and when he’s in a good mood, he could easily win this." Former professional Paul Nicholson added, "What’s next for him? The World Championship?
He’s never won it, but maybe now is the time." Ross Smith, fresh from a triumphant World Series of Darts Finals win in Amsterdam, is another contender to watch. Smith has already claimed two major titles—the 2022 European Championship and the recent World Series—and has expressed readiness to compete in the Premier League. He received encouragement from Nicholson, who urged him to "stay energised, stay sharp, and keep believing" as he prepares for a first‑round battle with Cameron Menzies. Nicholson highlighted Smith’s recent success, stating, "When he won in Amsterdam it wasn’t an accident; he’s one of the best players in the world right now." Gerwyn Price, the Welsh powerhouse, is seeking to end a four‑year wait for another major trophy at the same venue where he previously lifted the Grand Prix.
His powerful throwing arm and intimidating presence make him a perennial threat, especially if he can harness the confidence gained from his recent World Series victory. Six‑time Grand Prix champion Michael van Gerwen, once the dominant force in darts, has struggled to find his best form this season, suffering an early exit at the World Series of Darts Finals. Ahead of his upcoming match against Ryan Joyce, Nicholson questioned whether van Gerwen can rediscover his former brilliance, noting, "As he slides down the rankings, we should say, ‘you’re not finished.’ He has people in his corner, but ultimately it’s up to him.
A comeback is defined by what you do on stage, and those moments are becoming rarer for him." Other dark horses include Dutch talent Wessel Nijman, who is enjoying a breakout season with four Players Championship titles and two Euro Tour victories, and fellow Dutchman Kevin Doets, a player many would prefer to avoid in the draw. Both have demonstrated the capacity to upset higher‑ranked opponents, and their presence adds depth to an already stacked field.
The World Grand Prix runs from September 28 to October 4, followed by the Grand Slam of Darts in November and the World Darts Championship in December‑January. Sky Sports continues to be the primary broadcaster for these events, with live coverage available via the NOW streaming platform, offering fans a contract‑free way to follow the drama as it unfolds. In summary, Littler’s quest to retain his Grand Prix crown will be tested by a blend of experienced veterans and hungry newcomers. The unique double‑in, double‑out format demands precision from the very first dart, and the atmosphere in Leicester could either bolster or hinder the young champion.
Meanwhile, Humphries, Price, Wade, and Smith each have compelling narratives that could see them lift the trophy. As the darts calendar heats up, fans can expect high‑stakes matches, unexpected twists, and the ever‑present question: who will emerge victorious in one of the sport’s most challenging tournaments?