By Will Thomas on 180 UK Debut
The 2025 World Darts Grand Prix gets underway in Leicester, kicking off a tournament known for its unique format within the Darts Calendar.
The tournament held at the Mattioli Arena runs from the 6 – 12th October, features a unique doubles format where players are required to hit a double or the bull before starting the leg.
This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Grand Prix with Phil Taylor first winning it back in 1998.
The Power still holds the record for Grand Prix’s won last beating Dave Chisnall in Dublin to clinch his 11th World Grand Prix trophy in 2013.
Michael De Decker will be looking to retain his title as he beat holder Luke Humphries to win his first major trophy last October.
The Belgian faces Peter Wright in the first round and will be hoping to use this tournament to spring back into form as early exits in both World Championships and The World Matchplay have seen him drop to 20th in the world rankings.
Speaking to Boyle Sports ahead of the tournament, World No 1 Luke Humphries reflected on last year’s final loss stating it felt like he had a target on his back:
“Last year I felt like a target was on my back, it was the first one I was defending, and I remember Michael [De Decker] was saying it after last year”
“When you go in as defending champion, everything is on you and you’re the defending champion, so you deserve a lot of credit, and I gave him [Michael De Decker] that for last year because he had a fantastic tournament.
“If he brings that again this year, he’ll have a good chance of winning it and if you’re a strong double hitter this is the tournament for you”
Cool Hand Luke faces familiar foe Nathan Aspinall in the first round marking the second time they will play each other in successive months as Humphries edged over the line 6-4 in the first round of the Hungarian Darts European Tour in September.
Off the back of his World Matchplay success, fan favourite Luke Littler will be out to add one of the few missing titles to his growing collection, as the World Grand Prix remains among the rare major trophies to elude him.
The Nuke will be facing Gian Van Veen in the first round, a player he has shared manty battles with most noticeably beating the dutchman in the 2023 World Youth Championship final to kickstart his meteoric rise to darting fame.
Monday 6th October first round matches:
Rob Cross vs Wessel Nijman
Martin Schindler vs Krzysztof Ratajski
Chris Dobey vs Cameron Menzies
James Wade vs Joe Cullen
Danny Noppert vs Jermaine Wattimena
Luke Humphries vs Nathan Aspinall
Gary Anderson vs Raymond van Barneveld
Stephen Bunting vs Niko Springer
Tuesday 7th October first round matches:
Damon Heta vs Luke Woodhouse
Ross Smith vs Daryl Gurney
Jonny Clayton vs Andrew Gilding
Gerwyn Price vs Ryan Searle
Luke Littler vs Gian van Veen
Michael van Gerwen vs Dirk van Duijvenbode
Peter Wright vs Mike De Decker
Josh Rock vs Ryan Joyce
Brendan Dolan is a noticeable emission from this year’s Grand Prix as the Northen Irishman made history in 2011 hitting the first nine darter in the tournament’s history earning him the name ‘The History Maker’.
The World Grand Prix kickstarts what is phrased to many players as the business end of the year. Known for its unique format, winning it could provide the perfect the opportunity to build momentum ahead of the World Championships in December.