The 2026 BoyleSports World Grand Prix has exploded with drama! Defending champion Luke Littler and six-time winner Michael van Gerwen were both shockingly eliminated on Day 1, setting the stage for an unpredictable tournament. Tonight, Day 2 promises more intense first-round action as the remaining contenders, including former champion Luke Humphries, battle to survive the unique double-start format and secure their spot in the next round.
Day 1: The Giants Fall
The opening night of the 2026 BoyleSports World Grand Prix delivered stunning upsets, with two of darts’ biggest names crashing out.
Defending champion Luke Littler’s title defense ended abruptly. He lost 2-1 to Luke Woodhouse, despite taking the first set. Woodhouse mounted an incredible comeback, leaving fans stunned.
The shocks continued as six-time World Grand Prix champion Michael van Gerwen also suffered an early exit. He too surrendered a one-set lead, falling 2-1 to Ryan Joyce in another major upset.
Other notable results from Day 1:
- Gerwyn Price, the 2020 champion, showed strong form, sweeping aside Sebastian Bialecki 2-0 with an impressive 101.61 average.
- Former winner Jonny Clayton had to fight hard, eventually overcoming Krzysztof Ratajski 2-1.
- Nathan Aspinall survived a nail-biting encounter, fending off three match darts to edge past Kevin Doets in a deciding leg.
- Danny Noppert and Ross Smith also secured their spots by winning three-set thrillers.
- Wessel Nijman rounded off the night with a dominant 2-0 victory over former world champion Rob Cross.
What Makes the World Grand Prix Unique?
This tournament stands apart from others due to its distinctive “double-start” format.
- Players must begin every leg by hitting a double or the bullseye. This adds an extra layer of pressure and skill, making for incredibly tense starts to each leg.
- Similarly, players must also finish every leg on a double or the bullseye. This traditional darts finish ensures a dramatic conclusion to every passage of play.
All matches in the first round are contested over the best of three sets.
Day 2: Who Will Survive the Gauntlet?
Tonight, the remaining eight first-round matches will take place, featuring more top players eager to avoid the fate of Littler and Van Gerwen.
Former World Grand Prix champion Luke Humphries is among the headline acts hoping to make a strong start to his campaign.
Here’s a look at tonight’s matchups:
- Chris Dobey vs. Jermaine Wattimena
- Ryan Searle vs. William O’Connor
- Josh Rock vs. Niels Zonneveld
- Two-time World Grand Prix champion James Wade vs. Joe Cullen
- Gary Anderson vs. Damon Heta
- Gian van Veen vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Luke Humphries vs. Dave Chisnall
- Stephen Bunting vs. Andrew Gilding (closing the first round)
Expect More Drama!
With champions already out and the challenging double-start format, Day 2 is set to deliver more thrilling darts. Fans can anticipate fierce competition as players battle for crucial wins and a chance to advance in one of darts’ most unique and exciting tournaments.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
