The World Grand Prix is upon us, bringing its unique “double-in, double-out” format that often sparks thrilling upsets. This year, all eyes are on a highly anticipated first-round clash: darts legend Michael van Gerwen takes on the formidable Ryan Joyce. While MvG boasts a dominant history at this event, his recent performances here have been uncharacteristically poor. Conversely, Joyce thrives in this specific format, known for his exceptional doubling skills. This match promises to be a gripping encounter where the format could well level the playing field, potentially setting the stage for a major upset.
The World Grand Prix: A Test of Precision
October marks the return of the World Grand Prix, a major event unlike any other in PDC darts. Its distinctive “double-in, double-out” format demands that players not only finish a leg with a double but also start each leg by hitting a double. This unique rule set often leads to unexpected results and thrilling contests, as it heavily favors players who are exceptionally strong at hitting doubles to kick-start their scoring.
Michael van Gerwen: A Champion’s Recent Woes
Historically, the World Grand Prix has been one of Michael van Gerwen’s most successful majors. Between 2012 and 2022, “Mighty Mike” lifted the trophy an incredible six times in just eleven years, cementing his status as a dominant force in this format.
However, the last three years tell a very different story:
- In 2023, after a shaky win against Josh Rock in the opening round, MvG suffered a deciding-set loss to Chris Dobey in the second round, marking the beginning of his recent struggles on this stage.
- The 2024 event saw a shocking first-round exit at the hands of Daryl Gurney, where van Gerwen failed to win a single leg.
- His difficulties continued in 2025 with another 2-0 defeat in the first round, this time against Dirk van Duijvenbode.
This concerning run of results, coupled with a recent fall in the world rankings to #9, makes this year’s Grand Prix crucial for van Gerwen. He will undoubtedly be looking to use this tournament as a vital springboard to reignite his season as the major events of the year-end approach.
Ryan Joyce: The Double-Darts Specialist
On the other side of the oche is Ryan Joyce, a player who genuinely relishes the double-in format. It’s no surprise, given his exceptional ability to hit doubles, particularly Double 16, which many consider him the best at on the tour.
Joyce’s comfort with this format was evident in 2024 when he reached one of his two major Semi-Finals. His impressive run included victories over top players like Josh Rock, Nathan Aspinall, and Rob Cross, before he was eventually stopped by the then-World #1 Luke Humphries. This strong performance marked his return to the Grand Prix stage after failing to qualify since his debut in 2020, where he famously defeated Peter Wright before losing to Dave Chisnall.
Last year’s early exit against Josh Rock, the very player he beat in 2024, would have been a significant disappointment for Joyce. He will be eager to return to his winning ways and prove his prowess in this unique format.
Head-to-Head: A Closer Look at the Rivalry
The overall head-to-head record between Michael van Gerwen and Ryan Joyce doesn’t make for comfortable reading for Joyce, who has only managed to win three of their thirteen competitive meetings. However, it’s worth noting that all three of Joyce’s victories against van Gerwen have come in more recent times, between 2023 and 2025, including a notable win at the Grand Slam.
Despite these recent upsets, van Gerwen has won their last three encounters, two on the European Tour and one in a floor event. Their most recent meeting in 2026 was in the Quarter-Finals in Antwerp in March, where van Gerwen secured a 6-4 victory.
The Double-In Advantage: Who Benefits?
The “double-in, double-out” format of the World Grand Prix is a great equalizer. It places immense pressure on players from the very first dart, often creating scenarios where higher-ranked players can struggle against those who excel at starting legs quickly. Given Ryan Joyce’s renowned consistency on the doubles, particularly Double 16, this format could certainly level the playing field, potentially even giving the lower-ranked Joyce a significant advantage against a struggling van Gerwen.
This combination of MvG’s recent Grand Prix struggles, Joyce’s doubling strength, and their intriguing head-to-head history promises an opening-night encounter that is not to be missed. Expect high drama and intense darting action!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
