Darts World Grand Prix: High Stakes, Big Thrills!

The World Grand Prix is one of the most dramatic tournaments in professional darts. Known for its unusual format and history of shocking upsets, this event is never predictable. Since 1998, it has produced incredible champions, legendary matches, and moments that changed darts forever. While the grand slam of darts and other tournaments hold prestige, the World Grand Prix has a style all its own. Let’s explore its history, format, winners, prize money, and why fans love it so much.

The Birth of a Darts Classic

The World Grand Prix was first played in 1998. It quickly became a must-watch event thanks to its unique rules and the level of skill required to win. For years, Dublin hosted the tournament, giving it a strong Irish connection. In 2021, the event moved to Leicester, England, where it continues to thrive.

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Double Trouble: The Unique Format

What sets the World Grand Prix apart is its “double in, double out” format. Unlike regular matches, players must hit a double (or bullseye) to start scoring. They must also finish the leg on a double. This rule raises the pressure from the very first dart.

  • Legs and Sets: Matches are played in sets, and each set is best of five legs.
  • Progression: Early rounds are shorter, while quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals are played over more sets.
  • Unpredictability: Even top-ranked players can struggle to get started, leading to shock exits.

This makes the World Grand Prix one of the toughest tournaments, often compared in drama to a darts grand slam.

world grand prix
grand slam of darts

Who Gets to Play?

The World Grand Prix features 32 players:

  • The top 16 players in the PDC Order of Merit, who are seeded.
  • The next 16 players from the ProTour Order of Merit, who are unseeded.

This mix of top stars and hungry challengers ensures fresh faces often upset the established order. It’s part of what makes the event as thrilling as the grand slam of darts.

Big Rewards: The Prize Fund

The tournament boasts a prize fund of £600,000. The winner walks away with £120,000, while other players also earn significant payouts. This prize money, combined with crucial ranking points, makes the World Grand Prix one of the most valuable events on the darts calendar. Like the grand slam darts, it’s not just about glory—it’s also about careers being made or broken.

 

Legends of the Oche

The World Grand Prix has been dominated by some of the biggest names in darts history:

Each winner has added to the event’s legacy, making the World Grand Prix as iconic as the darts grand slam.

Unforgettable World Grand Prix Moments

Fans never forget the magic moments this tournament has produced:

  • Brendan Dolan’s Nine-Darter (2011): The first-ever “double-start” nine-dart finish.
  • Double Nine-Darters (2014): Two players hitting perfect legs in the same match, a rarity even in grand slam darts events.
  • Surprise Champions: Underdogs have shocked the world, proving that no one is safe in this format.

These moments are what keep fans glued to their screens every October.

Recent Highlights: 2023 and 2024

  • 2023: Luke Humphries beat Gerwyn Price to claim his first World Grand Prix title.
  • 2024: Mike De Decker stunned the darts world by defeating Humphries in the final, a result that reminded everyone how unpredictable this event is.

With such results, the World Grand Prix stands out even against the grand slam of darts, proving it’s a breeding ground for drama.

grand slam darts

Looking Ahead: World Grand Prix 2025

The 2025 World Grand Prix will return to Leicester’s Mattioli Arena from October 6–12. Fans can expect:

  • The same £600,000 prize fund.
  • A packed lineup of seeded stars and hungry qualifiers.
  • More drama with the “double in, double out” rule.

The big question: will a veteran reclaim glory, or will another fresh face rise, just like in grand slam darts competitions?

World Grand Prix vs. Grand Slam of Darts

  • Both tournaments are huge in the world of darts, but they bring different flavors:

    • World Grand Prix: Famous for its tricky format and unpredictable results.
    • Grand Slam of Darts: Known for bringing champions from different events together in one stage.
    • Darts Grand Slam drama: Fans love both, but many say the World Grand Prix feels more intense because of its double-start rules.

    In truth, both tournaments showcase darts at its very best, but the World Grand Prix is often seen as the ultimate test of nerve.

world grand prix

Why Fans Can’t Get Enough

The World Grand Prix has a special magic:

  • Its format makes every dart count.
  • Big names are never safe, keeping fans guessing.
  • Legendary moments have become part of darts history.
  • It sits proudly alongside grand slam darts events as one of the most important competitions in the sport.

Conclusion

The World Grand Prix is more than just another tournament, it’s one of darts’ greatest challenges. Since 1998, it has produced thrilling matches, legendary champions, and moments that will never be forgotten. With its “double in, double out” format, it pushes players in ways no other event does. While the grand slam of darts remains iconic, the World Grand Prix holds its own as one of the toughest and most entertaining competitions in the sport. 

For fans of darts grand slam events, this tournament is a yearly highlight that proves why darts is loved around the world. Catch all the latest updates, and highlights only on Xplooya!

FAQ’s

Has there been a 9-darter in the World Grand Prix?

Yes. There have been three nine-dart finishes in the history of the World Grand Prix.

Who is world number 1 in darts right now?

The current world number one in darts is Luke Humphries from England.

What is the best average in the World Grand Prix darts?

The highest average at the World Grand Prix is 106.45, set by Alan Warriner-Little in 2001.