Luke Littler arrives in Leicester's Mattioli Arena with the weight of expectation on his shoulders, hoping to defend the World Grand Prix title he captured last year. The 19‑year‑old prodigy will be looking for a warmer reception after the hostile reaction he endured in Amsterdam during the World Series of Darts Finals, where the crowd booed and whistled as he exited the tournament. The double‑in, double‑out format of the Grand Prix adds an extra layer of difficulty, and several top‑ranked players are poised to test the world number one’s mettle. Littler entered the season with a historic ambition: to claim every major title on the calendar.
He had already secured six major victories when he reached the quarter‑finals of the World Series of Darts Finals, only to be overwhelmed 10‑4 by Jonny Clayton. That loss halted his clean‑sweep bid and left him eager to prove that his early dominance was no fluke.
In the lead‑up to the Grand Prix, former world champion Stephen Bunting offered a glowing endorsement, saying Littler has "changed" the sport since his breakthrough a few years ago. Bunting noted that the crowd’s hostility in Amsterdam was unusual, adding that he would prefer verbal abuse over the distracting whistling that can break a player’s concentration. He suggested that stricter penalties for disruptive spectators might be necessary to protect the integrity of the game. The opening round pits Littler against Luke Woodhouse.
A victory would set up a second‑round clash with either Nathan Aspinall or Kevin Doets, both of whom have shown the capacity to upset higher‑ranked opponents on the big stage. Littler’s composure under pressure will be crucial, especially after the emotional roller‑coaster of his recent matches. Meanwhile, Luke Humphries is also in the mix. Two years ago he fell short in the Grand Prix final, and he now aims to at least match that performance to protect his second‑place ranking from the rising Dutch talent Gian van Veen.
Humphries starts his campaign against Dave Chisnall, with a potential second‑round encounter against Chris Dobey or Jermaine Wattimena. After a disappointing defeat to Mike De Decker in the 2024 final, Humphries returned to competition in late August, winning Players Championship 28 before losing to Littler in the Czech Open final. He has spoken about returning to his practice board as often as possible, vowing to work tirelessly for the rest of the year to keep his No.2 spot and to challenge anyone who threatens it.
"Whether I stay at No.2 or climb higher, I’ll fight for it," he said. James Wade also has a significant payday on the line. The seasoned Englishman recently broke a decade‑long drought by winning the Flanders Darts Trophy, defeating Ross Smith in the final. Wade’s recent form has impressed pundits; Polly James, on the Love The Darts podcast, praised his scoring power and finishing ability, suggesting that when Wade is in a good mood he is a genuine title contender.
Former rival Paul Nicholson added that Wade could finally claim the World Championship if he continues his upward trajectory. Ross Smith, fresh from a triumphant World Series of Darts Finals victory and a European Championship title in 2022, is another dark horse. He told the Love The Darts podcast that he feels ready for the Premier League and is eager to build on his recent successes.
Nicholson, known as "The Asset," encouraged Smith to stay energized, sharp, and confident as he prepares to meet Cameron Menzies in the opening round. "When he won in Amsterdam it wasn’t an accident; he’s among the best in the world right now," Nicholson affirmed. Gerwyn Price, the Welsh powerhouse, is also seeking to end a four‑year wait for another major trophy at the same venue where he previously lifted a Grand Prix crown.
Price’s recent form has been mixed, but his experience in high‑pressure situations makes him a perennial threat. On the other side of the spectrum, six‑time Grand Prix champion Michael van Gerwen appears to be struggling.
After an early exit at the World Series of Darts Finals, van Gerwen’s confidence has been tested. Ahead of his upcoming match against Ryan Joyce, Nicholson questioned whether van Gerwen can rediscover the form that once made him the sport’s dominant force.
"As his ranking slips, the question is whether he can mount a comeback. The definition of a comeback is what you do on stage in those crucial moments, and those moments are becoming rarer for him," Nicholson observed.
Other players to watch include Dutch talent Wessel Nijman, who has already captured four Players Championship titles and two Euro Tour victories this season, and fellow Dutchman Kevin Doets, a name many competitors hope to avoid drawing. Doets could potentially meet Nathan Aspinall in the first round, creating a high‑stakes encounter early in the tournament. 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 will broadcast all events live, and fans can stream the action via NOW without a contract. As the field assembles, the question remains: can Luke Littler silence the doubters and retain his title, or will one of the seasoned challengers—Humphries, Price, Wade, or Smith—rise to claim the prize?
The answer will unfold over the next week in Leicester, where every double‑in, double‑out leg could tip the balance in this fiercely contested showdown.