Grand Slam of Darts 2026: Unveiling the Battles and Predicting the Champions
The Grand Slam of Darts 2026 promises an electrifying spectacle, featuring reigning world champions, rising stars, and seasoned veterans all vying for glory. From Luke Littler’s expected dominance in Group A, despite facing formidable talents like Beau Greaves, to Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries’ anticipated smooth progressions, this tournament is packed with high-stakes encounters. Keep an eye out for potential upsets, such as Menzies challenging Bunting in Group D and Manby’s dark horse potential in Group F. With Michael van Gerwen looking to regain momentum and Stephen Bunting aiming to assert his class, every group offers compelling narratives and fierce competition.
Group A: The Reigning Champion vs. Rising Stars
This eye-catching group pits two-time reigning World Champion, Luke Littler, against the best player in women’s darts, Beau Greaves. Greaves has consistently shown she can compete with the elite, even winning a PDC Pro Tour event in her debut year on the main tour. They are joined by Niels Zonneveld, who is enjoying his best year on the PDC circuit, climbing to a career-high World Ranking of 28th and securing a Euro Tour title.
Prediction: Despite the undeniable quality of his opponents, it’s hard to look past Luke Littler advancing from Group A. However, this group presents a significant challenge for the young champion.
Group B: The Fight for Survival
Group B is headlined by former European Championship Finalist, Jermaine Wattimena. He faces Alan Soutar, ranked 61st in the world, who fought his way through the Grand Slam Qualifiers and is desperate for a strong showing to preserve his PDC Tour Card for next year. Rounding out the group is Ashton, a frequent Grand Slam participant who has yet to make a significant impact.
Prediction: Ashton appears to be the weakest link here, suggesting a direct shootout between Wattimena and Soutar. We anticipate Jermaine Wattimena will have just enough to secure progression.
Group C: The Premier League Star and the Underdog
This looks to be a fascinating group. Josh Rock, who featured in this year’s Premier League, is a strong contender. Mikey Doets has shown considerable improvement over the past year on the PDC circuit. Adding intrigue is underdog Morris, who remarkably won a PDC Pro Tour title despite not holding a PDC Tour Card.
Prediction: We favour Josh Rock to win this group, likely edging past Doets in what could be the crucial match for qualification.
Group D: The Maturing Talent
Another player who featured in this year’s Premier League, Stephen Bunting, takes centre stage in Group D. He faces the maturing talent of Menzies, who appears to be in better form this season, and Australia’s veteran darting presence, Raymond Smith.
Prediction: We’re tipping a mini-upset here with Menzies advancing. His composure and improved game this season could see him through.
Group E: The Iceman’s Dominance
This group features World Number 4 and three-time Grand Slam of Darts champion, Gerwyn Price. His opponents, Sebastian Bialecki and Joe Hunt, both made it through the qualifying event for this tournament.
Prediction: Price should prove too strong for both opponents in this group. We expect ‘The Iceman’ to advance with ease.
Group F: The Competitive Crucible
This group is set to be one of the most competitive of the tournament. 2026 PDC World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle faces a tough challenge against the experience of Andy Gilding and the emerging talent of young Manby.
Prediction: In a group where any of the three players could certainly advance, we’re backing Manby to excel. He has significant potential in the PDC, and this group offers a prime opportunity for him to make his mark.
Group G: The Consistent Force
The consistent number 5 seed, Jonny Clayton, is drawn into a group with former World Champion Rob Cross and Grand Slam qualifier Ostlund.
Prediction: Ostlund appears out of his depth in this group. We predict Clayton to win, with a strong showing from Cross securing the second spot.
Group H: The Unlucky Talent
Just two years ago, Nijman incredibly averaged 109 in the Group Stage of this tournament but still failed to qualify. If he can replicate that performance level here, it would be more than enough to overcome Springer and Sevada, both of whom seem to be up against it in this group.
Prediction: We expect Nijman to demonstrate his class and secure a dominant first place in Group H. His opponents will struggle to compete if he brings his A-game.
Group I: The World Champion’s Path
Former World Champion, Luke Humphries, is the top seed in Group I. He is joined by Joe Cullen, who is currently clinging onto World Number 32, and the rank outsider of the group, Nebrida.
Prediction: Nebrida will likely struggle to compete. Humphries’ consistency and quality, as one of the best players in the PDC, should see him past Cullen to top Group I.
Group J: The Close Contenders
This group features two players very close in the World Rankings: Chris Woodhouse at number 17 and Krzysztof Ratajski at number 19. They are joined by a non-Tour Card player, Tom Sykes.
Prediction: Sykes is expected to struggle in this group. We predict Ratajski to edge a very competitive match against Woodhouse to decide the winner of Group J.
Group K: The Machine’s Return?
‘The Machine’, James Wade, headlines Group K. Judging by his form this season, he looks well-positioned for a potential Premier League return next year. Ricky Evans has had a poor year, while Crabtree (currently 69th) urgently needs to accumulate more prize money in these televised majors to break into the Top 64 and retain his PDC Tour Card.
Prediction: Wade appears a cut above the competition in Group K and should comfortably advance.
Group L: Van Gerwen’s Momentum Drive
Three-time Grand Slam of Darts winner, Michael van Gerwen, has slipped to number 11 in the rankings and desperately needs a deep run or two in a televised major to halt this slide. Fortunately for MVG, he has favourable group opponents in De Graaf and Coates, both of whom look to have their work cut out.
Prediction: Van Gerwen is predicted to win Group L, building crucial momentum for a much-needed strong performance in a major TV tournament.
Group M: Van Veen’s Quality
Gian van Veen looks well placed in this Group M with opponents Bradley Brooks and Carl Sneyd.
Prediction: Although Van Veen has had a mixed year, he appears to possess too much quality for Brooks and Sneyd to handle, securing his progression.
Group N: The Confident Challenger
Jan Schmidt looks like the weak link of Group N, with first place highly likely to be contested between Brendan Dolan and Darius Labanauskas.
Prediction: We predict Schindler to advance; he is high on confidence after a brilliant European Championship Final run. Dobey is capable on his day, but he’s been quiet in the TV majors this season.
Group O: The Dream Run Continues
Michael Smith, ‘Smudger’, has enjoyed a dream couple of months, winning both the World Series Finals and the European Championship. We believe Gabriel Clemens and Rusty-Jake Rodriguez are up against it in this group.
Prediction: Smith is expected to win the group with ease, keeping his strong momentum going.
Group P: The Asp’s Efficiency
‘The Asp’, Nathan Aspinall, looks like the player to beat in this group. Compared to the two-time TV major winner Aspinall, Karel Sedlacek and Maik Kuivenhoven have never really made much impact in past televised majors.
Prediction: Aspinall is predicted to efficiently advance from this group with a pair of dominant victories.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
