The 2026 World Grand Prix, staged in Leicester, delivered a dramatic programme of matches and surprising upsets, most notably the abrupt end to Luke Littler’s attempt to retain his double‑in, double‑out crown. The tournament, which was broadcast in its entirety on Sky Sports, is the only major PDC event that obliges competitors to start and finish each leg on a double or the bullseye, adding an extra layer of strategy and pressure. Prize money for the competition was substantial, with the champion set to collect £150,000 and the runner‑up earning £80,000 from a total prize fund of £750,000.

The stakes were high, and the field featured many of the sport’s biggest names, all eager to claim the prestigious title. The opening night produced a series of shocking results. Michael van Gerwen, a five‑time World Grand Prix winner, was eliminated in the very first round by Ryan Joyce, ending any hopes of a seventh title. Shortly thereafter, Luke Littler, who entered as the defending champion, suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of Luke Woodhouse, bowing out 1‑2 in a best‑of‑three‑sets encounter.

These early exits reshaped the tournament’s landscape and opened the door for a new champion to emerge. Below is a detailed breakdown of the matches, set formats, and the progression of the tournament through each stage. **Quarter‑finals (best of five sets)** - Nathan Aspinall vs Ryan Joyce - Gerwyn Price vs Jonny Clayton - Luke Humphries vs Niels Zonneveld - Gian van Veen vs James Wade **Semi‑finals (best of nine sets)** - Match‑ups to be confirmed after the quarter‑finals concluded.

**Final (best of eleven sets)** - The two semi‑final winners will contest the championship in a longest‑format match of the event. **Round One (best of three sets)** - Danny Noppert 2‑1 Niko Springer - Ross Smith 2‑1 Cameron Menzies - Nathan Aspinall 2‑1 Kevin Doets - Jonny Clayton 2‑1 Krzysztof Ratajski - Gerwyn Price 2‑0 Sebastian Bialecki - Michael van Gerwen 1‑2 Ryan Joyce - Luke Littler 1‑2 Luke Woodhouse - Wessel Nijman 2‑0 Rob Cross - Chris Dobey 0‑2 Jermaine Wattimena - Ryan Searle 2‑1 William O'Connor - Josh Rock 1‑2 Niels Zonneveld - James Wade 2‑1 Joe Cullen - Gary Anderson 2‑1 Damon Heta - Gian van Veen 2‑0 Dirk van Duijvenbode - Luke Humphries 2‑0 Dave Chisnall - Stephen Bunting 2‑1 Andrew Gilding **Round Two (best of five sets)** - Danny Noppert 0‑3 Ryan Joyce - Jonny Clayton 3‑1 Wessel Nijman - Gerwyn Price 3‑0 Ross Smith - Luke Woodhouse 0‑3 Nathan Aspinall - Niels Zonneveld 3‑1 Gary Anderson - James Wade 3‑1 Stephen Bunting - Luke Humphries 3‑0 Jermaine Wattimena - Gian van Veen 3‑2 Ryan Searle The World Grand Prix’s distinctive double‑in, double‑out rule set it apart from other tournaments on the PDC calendar.

Players must first hit a double or the bullseye to start scoring in each leg, and they must also finish on a double or bullseye. This requirement often leads to longer legs and can dramatically affect momentum, especially for players who excel at high‑scoring but are less comfortable with double finishes. Match length varies as the tournament progresses.

The opening round is contested over a best‑of‑three‑sets format, which keeps early matches brisk and leaves little room for recovery after a poor start. The second and third rounds expand to best‑of‑five sets, allowing competitors a greater opportunity to settle into their rhythm. The semi‑finals increase further to a best‑of‑nine‑sets showdown, testing stamina and consistency, while the final is a best‑of‑eleven‑sets marathon that truly separates the champion from the rest.

For viewers seeking the best possible streaming experience, Sky Sports recommends using the Chrome browser to access a more accessible video player. Sky Sports continues to be the primary broadcaster for darts, covering not only the World Grand Prix (28 September‑4 October) but also the Grand Slam of Darts (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January). Fans can also stream live darts and additional sports content through the NOW platform without needing a long‑term contract, ensuring flexible access to all major events. Overall, the 2026 World Grand Prix has already delivered memorable moments, unexpected upsets, and a clear illustration of why the double‑in, double‑out format remains a beloved challenge for both players and fans.

As the tournament moves into its later stages, the remaining competitors will battle not only each other but also the demanding structure of the event, promising a thrilling conclusion to a truly unique darts showcase.