The highly anticipated 2026 BoyleSports World Grand Prix is set to ignite the Mattioli Arena in Leicester from September 28 to October 4. This unique “double-start” darts tournament, where players must begin and end each leg with a double, will see a formidable 32-player field battle for a newly boosted top prize of £150,000. Expect an electrifying week of competition as reigning champion Luke Littler, alongside six-time winner Michael van Gerwen, former champions, and exciting new talent, vie for one of darts’ most prestigious titles.
The Unique Challenge of the World Grand Prix
The BoyleSports World Grand Prix stands out in the darts calendar due to its distinctive format. Unlike most tournaments where players simply finish on a double, here, competitors must start every leg with a double as well. This adds an extra layer of pressure and skill, often leading to unpredictable matches and thrilling comebacks.The 2026 edition promises high stakes, with a significantly increased top prize of £150,000 up for grabs, making the coveted silverware even more desirable. The action unfolds at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester from September 28 to October 4.
A Galaxy of Darts Stars
The 32-player lineup is a blend of established legends, current champions, and rising stars, ensuring a week of captivating darts.
The Reigning Champion & Top Contenders
- Luke Littler returns as the defending World Grand Prix champion, having claimed his first title in Leicester last year. The teenage sensation, who is also the back-to-back World Champion and world number one, continues to rewrite the record books and will undoubtedly be the player to beat.
- Luke Humphries, the 2023 champion, will be fiercely pursuing his second World Grand Prix crown, aiming to reclaim the title.
- Dutch talent Gian van Veen also returns to the arena where he produced a record average last year in a memorable clash against Littler.
Legends and Former Champions
The field is bolstered by an impressive array of past winners and seasoned professionals:
- Michael van Gerwen: A formidable six-time World Grand Prix champion.
- James Wade: A two-time winner, known for his consistent performances.
- Welsh duo Gerwyn Price (2020 champion) and Jonny Clayton (2021 champion), both eager to add another trophy to their collections.
Exciting Talent and Familiar Faces
Further strengthening the lineup are:
- Northern Irish star Josh Rock and two-time semi-finalist Danny Noppert.
- Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman, making their returns to the Leicester stage.
- Former European Champion Ross Smith and World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle.
- Chris Dobey and 2022 runner-up Nathan Aspinall, completing a strong top half of the draw.
How They Qualified: Merit Meets ProTour
The 32-player field is meticulously selected to ensure the highest quality of competition:
- Top 16 from the PDC Order of Merit: These players are the sport’s elite, based on prize money won over a two-year period, and are typically seeded for the tournament draw.
- Top 16 from the one-year ProTour rankings: These players have demonstrated exceptional form over the past year on the ProTour circuit, earning their spot among the best.
Introducing the ProTour Challengers
This year’s ProTour qualifiers bring a mix of returning players and exciting debutants:
- Luke Woodhouse leads this group, fresh off his Baltic Sea Darts Open victory.
- Making their World Grand Prix debut are Kevin Doets and Niels Zonneveld, both after impressive 12-month runs.
- Returning players include Jermaine Wattimena, Andrew Gilding, Krzysztof Ratajski, William O’Connor (making his first appearance since 2015), Damon Heta, Rob Cross, Dirk van Duijvenbode (2020 runner-up), Ryan Joyce (2024 semi-finalist), Cameron Menzies, Niko Springer (the sole German representative), Dave Chisnall (two-time finalist), Sebastian Bialecki (newcomer), and Joe Cullen.
When and Where to Catch the Action
The draw for the 2026 World Grand Prix will take place on Monday, September 14, pairing the PDC’s top 16 against the 16 ProTour qualifiers. Details will be announced across the PDC’s social media channels.Fans worldwide can watch every dart thrown live:
- UK viewers: Tune in on Sky Sports.
- International audiences: Catch the action through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners, including DAZN and Viaplay.
- PDCTV: Available for subscribers (excluding those in the UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland).
With a boosted prize fund and a field packed with past champions, rising stars, and double-start specialists, the 2026 World Grand Prix is poised to deliver another unforgettable week of high-octane darts drama in Leicester.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
