The 2026 World Grand Prix promises an electrifying spectacle, where precision on the doubles is paramount from the very first dart. This unique double-start format often throws up surprises, challenging even the sport’s biggest names. Our expert analysis reveals that while favorites like Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Gerwyn Price are expected to contend, rising stars and in-form players such as Luke Woodhouse, Gian van Veen, and Ross Smith are poised to cause significant upsets. Expect tight contests, crucial missed doubles, and moments of brilliance as players battle for supremacy in one of darts’ most demanding tournaments.
Key Matchups: Favorites Under Pressure
Luke Littler vs. Luke Woodhouse
While it’s tempting to instantly back Luke Littler, he faces a significant challenge. Luke Woodhouse is currently in the best form of his life, and in this unforgiving short format where players must hit a double to start each leg, he is more than capable of causing a major upset. Littler will need to be sharp from the very first dart.
Nathan Aspinall vs. Kevin Doets
This tie truly could go either way. Both players are massive scorers, and Kevin Doets is enjoying some of the best form of his career. Nathan Aspinall, however, has recently shown vulnerability on his doubles, especially at crucial moments. Despite this, Aspinall’s proven pedigree and scoring power still give him a slight edge, but he must improve his double-hitting to avoid an early exit.
Niko Springer vs. Danny Noppert
Another potentially tight contest. Niko Springer often excels as an underdog, delivering strong performances when least expected, much like against Luke Littler at the recent World Matchplay. Nevertheless, Danny Noppert’s sheer consistency and pinpoint accuracy on his doubles make him the slight favorite in this encounter.
Michael van Gerwen vs. Ryan Joyce
This match hinges entirely on Michael van Gerwen’s performance. If he can consistently hit his entry doubles and unleash his formidable scoring power, he will be tough to beat. However, the double-start format is almost tailor-made for Ryan Joyce, who is incredibly proficient at hitting his starting double, often the double 16. If MVG struggles with his doubles, Joyce is perfectly positioned to capitalize.
Gerwyn Price vs. Sebastian Bialecki
A former champion takes on a debutant. While the format might suit Sebastian Bialecki, who has shown he can hit doubles under pressure and maintain his composure, the advantage lies with Gerwyn Price. Price boasts a fantastic record at this event, including a title and two other final appearances, and consistently performs at a higher level in major tournaments.
Ross Smith vs. Cameron Menzies
This match carries an extra layer of history, especially for Cameron Menzies, who had to withdraw from his World Matchplay clash with Ross Smith due to medical reasons. Ross Smith is currently in fantastic form, dominating the Euro Tour with two titles and two additional final appearances. Based on his consistent performance, Ross Smith is the strong favorite here.
Jonny Clayton vs. Krzysztof Ratajski
This promises to be another gripping encounter between two of the game’s finest finishers. Jonny Clayton is a former winner of this event and famously produced one of the best finishing displays ever against Gerwyn Price in a final. His scoring game, when he’s on form, is generally a level above Ratajski’s. However, if Clayton struggles, Ratajski is more than capable of punishing any missed opportunities.
Rising Stars and Unpredictable Contests
Rob Cross vs. Richard Nijman
This is arguably the toughest match to call. The pair faced off last year in a close first-round game, which Cross narrowly won 2-1, with every set going to a deciding leg. Since then, however, Richard Nijman has elevated his game significantly, winning six Pro Tour titles and two Euro Tour titles this year alone, including beating Cross in one of those finals. This incredible run makes Nijman the slight favorite, but only just.
Luke Humphries vs. Dave Chisnall
While Dave Chisnall’s form has improved in recent months, he remains highly inconsistent, capable of averaging anywhere from nearly 100 to the low 80s. He simply lacks the consistent firepower to trouble Luke Humphries, who has immense pedigree in this event, having reached the last three finals. Humphries’ consistency and big-stage experience make him a strong contender.
Chris Dobey’s Opening Match
This will be another tough tie to call, featuring two heavy scorers who can sometimes falter on their doubles. It sounds obvious, but this match will be decided by who can hit their entry doubles most effectively and consistently. For this reason, Chris Dobey’s experience on the big stage gives him a slight advantage in what promises to be a tight affair.
Josh Rock vs. Niels Zonneveld
This match hinges entirely on Josh Rock’s performance. If he can consistently hit his entry doubles and score well, he has the quality to win. However, Rock’s current form is quite inconsistent, and Niels Zonneveld will be there to take full advantage of any lapses or missed opportunities.
Gary Anderson vs. Damon Heta
These two players are currently in a similar situation, where their performance depends entirely on which version of them shows up on the day. In our view, however, if Gary Anderson is on his game, he can maintain a high level throughout a match, whereas Damon Heta tends to fluctuate in form mid-game. This potential for sustained high performance could be the deciding factor for Anderson.
Gian van Veen vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode
This all-Dutch affair could be another close one, featuring two powerful scorers. Dirk van Duijvenbode has strong pedigree in this event, reaching the final in 2020. However, Gian van Veen made headlines last year by breaking Alan Warriner’s record for the highest average in the event (standing since 2001), despite his loss to Luke Littler. This, combined with his timely finishing, makes van Veen the slight favorite, though any result here would not be a surprise.
Ryan Searle vs. William O’Connor
This could be another close affair, as the pair already met on TV this year in the opening round of the World Matchplay, with Ryan Searle emerging victorious. If Searle can find his range on his starting doubles (tops) and maintain his scoring, he will likely win this game. However, William O’Connor is in great form and will push him all the way, ensuring a competitive battle.
James Wade vs. Joe Cullen
Despite Joe Cullen actually beating James Wade in the first round last year, a repeat seems unlikely. Wade is in superb form, recently breaking his drought on the World Series and winning his first Euro Tour title in a decade. Cullen, in comparison, barely scraped into this tournament and has been in relatively poor form for the last couple of years. While Cullen can sometimes produce a surprise performance, Wade’s current momentum makes him the clear favorite.
Stephen Bunting vs. Andrew Gilding
Similar to Josh Rock, Stephen Bunting is another standout player from last year who has struggled with consistency this year, especially with his doubles. Bunting has a habit of losing games despite averaging over a hundred, primarily due to missing crucial doubles at the wrong times – a fatal flaw in this specific tournament. This makes us hesitant to pick him outright, especially with Andrew Gilding ready to punish any misses. Yet, if Bunting can get his doubles right, he has the quality to win.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
