The 2026 Grand Slam of Darts is fast approaching, and while some top players like Jonny Clayton and Lisa Ashton have secured their spots, several major names are surprisingly still on the outside looking in. This article highlights the struggles of Danny Noppert, Gary Anderson, and Stephen Bunting, all of whom have faced a challenging year and are yet to qualify for one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments. Their absence would be a significant talking point, underscoring the fierce competition and the unforgiving nature of the sport.
As the countdown to the Grand Slam continues, the tension builds for many top darts professionals. While some, like Jonny Clayton and Lisa Ashton, have already punched their tickets to the major tournament, a handful of coveted spots remain. This includes the high-stakes ‘last-chance’ Tour Card qualifier, which takes place just before the tournament draw. But who are the big names you’d expect to see, yet are still battling for a place?
Danny Noppert: The Dutch Freeze’s Rollercoaster Year
Danny Noppert, known as ‘The Freeze’, entered the 2026 World Championship as the sixth seed, with many predicting a deep run. However, his journey ended abruptly in the second round, losing in an epic encounter to Justin Hood. Since then, Noppert has endured what can only be described as an average year by his high standards.
- World Championship 2026: Exited in the second round, a surprising early departure for the sixth seed.
- UK Open & World Masters: Reached the quarter-finals in both, showing glimpses of his potential.
- Other Major Tournaments: Failed to progress past the second round in all other major events this year.
This inconsistent form has seen Noppert’s world ranking drop significantly, from sixth to eighth, and he is now projected to be the 12th seed for the next World Championship. His current form means a Grand Slam qualification is far from guaranteed.
Gary Anderson: The Flying Scotsman’s Mixed Fortunes
After reaching his eighth World Championship semi-final, Gary Anderson, ‘The Flying Scotsman’, has found it challenging to maintain that elite level of performance throughout the year.
- World Championship 2026: Reached the semi-finals, a strong showing.
- UK Open & World Matchplay: Delivered good displays, reminding fans of his class.
- World Masters & World Grand Prix: Suffered disappointing early exits, highlighting his fluctuating form.
Anderson’s name alone carries immense weight in the darts world, and he is typically a fixture at the Grand Slam. The tournament brings together winners and finalists from major events across different darts organisations, making it a true showcase of talent. A Grand Slam without the two-time World Champion would undoubtedly feel strange and mark a rare absence for one of the sport’s legends.
Stephen Bunting: The Bullet’s Struggle for Consistency
Stephen Bunting, known as ‘The Bullet’, faced a surprising elimination at the 2026 World Championship, losing 4-3 to James Hurrell. This early exit seemed to set the tone for a year where he has struggled to find consistent form.
- Premier League: Achieved two nightly wins, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
- Premier League Playoffs: Despite nightly wins, inconsistent performances in other weeks meant he missed out on the crucial playoff spots.
- Major Tournaments: Failed to progress past the third round in most major events this year, with the exception of the UK Open, where he entered at a later stage (fourth round) due to his ranking.
Bunting’s inability to consistently go deep in major tournaments puts his Grand Slam qualification in jeopardy. For a player of his calibre, this year has been a test of resilience, and securing a Grand Slam spot would be a much-needed boost.
The battle for the remaining Grand Slam spots is heating up, and it will be fascinating to see if these prominent players can secure their place through the final qualifiers or by winning a significant event before the deadline. Their journey highlights the intense competition and the constant pressure faced by even the biggest names in professional darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
