Littler aims to retain World Grand Prix crown as Leicester draw is set

The World Grand Prix will take place at Leicester's Mattioli Arena from September 28 to October 4, with the complete draw now confirmed and live coverage on Sky Sports. The tournament represents a major milestone in the darts calendar, serving as the 13th ranking crown of the season.

The competition features a distinctive format that sets it apart from other PDC events. Every leg must begin and finish on a double or the bullseye, a rule that fundamentally shapes how players approach their matches and makes draw position particularly significant.

The field comprises 32 players: the top 16 competitors on the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder, plus the top 16 from the ProTour Rankings who have not yet qualified for the event. This combination ensures the sport's elite performers converge in Leicester to compete for the newly-enhanced £150,000 top prize and the prestigious title.

Defending champion Luke Littler headlines the draw as he seeks back-to-back glory. The teenager has been in exceptional form throughout 2026, having hit a nine-darter and posted a 113.68 average in Blackpool during his World Matchplay run, and he continues his pursuit of an unprecedented PDC clean sweep in 2026.

Luke Humphries, the 2023 champion, will also be hunting a second World Grand Prix title. Dutch number one Gian van Veen returns to the arena where he set a record average last year, only to fall to Littler in that final.

The draw also features six-time champion Michael van Gerwen and two-time winner James Wade. Welsh duo Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, who claimed the title in 2020 and 2021 respectively, will compete alongside Northern Irish number one Josh Rock and two-time semi-finalist Danny Noppert. Stephen Bunting and Wessel Nijman make their returns to Leicester.

First Round Matchups

(1) Luke Littler faces Luke Woodhouse, while (16) Nathan Aspinall takes on Kevin Doets. (8) Danny Noppert meets Niko Springer, and (9) Michael van Gerwen plays Ryan Joyce.

(4) Gerwyn Price opposes Sebastian Bialecki, with (13) Ross Smith against Cameron Menzies. (5) Jonny Clayton plays Krzysztof Ratajski, and (2) Luke Humphries faces Dave Chisnall.

(15) Chris Dobey meets Jermaine Wattimena, while (7) Josh Rock takes on Niels Zonneveld. (10) Gary Anderson plays Damon Heta, and (3) Gian van Veen faces Dirk van Duijvenbode.

(14) Ryan Searle opposes William O'Connor, and (11) Stephen Bunting plays Andrew Gilding.

Tournament Schedule and Format

According to recent tournament schedules, the event is split across seven nights. First-round matches take place on September 28 and 29, with second-round action on September 30 and October 1. The quarter-finals are scheduled for October 2, semi-finals for October 3, and the final for October 4.

The total prize fund for the event stands at £750,000 across all rounds, with the champion claiming the newly-boosted £150,000 top prize. The double-start format remains one of the sport's most distinctive rules and makes qualification and draw position especially important for all competitors.

What Happens Next

The tournament begins on September 28, 2026 at Leicester's Mattioli Arena, with all matches broadcast live on Sky Sports. The final is scheduled for October 4, 2026, concluding a week-long showcase of elite darts talent.