"I still get goosebumps" - Mike De Decker ready for chase for title run in Leicester

Mike De Decker begins his hunt to defend his title at the World Grand Prix in Leicester on Tuesday night. The Belgian opens his campaign at the Mattioli Arena against two-time world champion Peter Wright, in a draw that is immediately among the eye-catchers of the opening round. The winner can look forward to meeting Luke Littler or Gian van Veen in the second round.

For De Decker, it means a return to the tournament where his career gained momentum a year ago. In 2024, he caused a huge sensation by beating successively Damon Heta, Gary Anderson, James Wade, Dimitri Van den Bergh and finally Luke Humphries. With that 6-4 victory over the world number one, he crowned himself champion of the World Grand Prix, his first major title on the PDC stage.

“I still get goosebumps thinking about last year,” reflected De Decker. "Luke was the player to beat throughout the tournament, so to go and lift the title – it was an emotional rollercoaster."

The success 12 months ago put the 29-year-old Belgian's career in a different light. It earned 'The Real Deal' several invitations to World Series tournaments. Moreover, he is nearing an entry into the global top-16. “Of course winning the World Grand Prix really boosted my career. A lot of people were expecting more from me and so was I, but the World Grand Prix was the first tournament that really showed I can play on the big stage as well.”

After a period of vicissitude, De Decker seems to be approaching his best form again in recent months. In August, he impressively reached the final of the Australian Darts Masters, on his debut in the World Series of Darts. He also stood his ground in the World Series Finals in September, finishing in the last eight.

“I’m feeling quite confident,” insisted De Decker. "I played pretty well on the ProTour this week, and I’m finally finding some consistency again.I did not play well in the first couple of majors this year, but I made a tweak in my set-up and now it feels more comfortable, like the set I used last year."

The draw paired De Decker with Peter Wright, who has been struggling with his form for almost two years. Yet the Mechelen-based dart player remains wary of the capabilities of the Scottish darts legend. Last week they already faced each other in the first round of Players Championship 28. Then it was Decker who easily won 6-2.

“I know what Peter can do. He didn’t win two World Championship titles by luck, so I’m going in with the mindset that I have to play my A-game, like I do in every tournament."