Preview Thursday night Grand Slam of Darts: Littler, van Gerwen and Rock headline

The 2025 Grand Slam of Darts continues in Wolverhampton, with Thursday night consisting of four knockout games. With a place in the final eight on the line, big names such as Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen must perform.

What sets the Grand Slam of Darts apart is its unusual structure. The competition begins with a group stage, and the top two finishers in each group qualify for the last 16. After this, the tournament continues through the quarterfinals and beyond. Thursday's games include three-time winner Michael van Gerwen and reigning champion Luke Littler, who will both be hoping to put themselves through to the last eight.

The evening in Wolverhampton will kick off with the matchup of Lukas Wenig and Niko Springer, where both players will be looking to reach the last eight of the Grand Slam of Darts for the first time in their careers.

Wenig topped group H, securing his spot with a 5-1 win over Cameron Crabtree on the final day of group games. The German was not at his best on Tuesday but an impressive 167 finish took all momentum from the game and shifted it in his favour.

Springer came second in group G behind MVG after a loss to Beau Greaves in his final game. Springer took a three leg lead in the game, but let the crowd get the better of him, causing his first loss of the tournament.

Josh Rock won the World Cup of Darts this summer and will be looking to pick up a solo major for the first time in his career. In his way is Connor Scutt, who has already progressed further in the competition than he did last year.

Both players secured their spot in the last 16 with a win in their final group games. Rock beat Gian van Veen in a must win affair for both players. The Northern Irishman averaged just over 97, hitting 50% of his doubles.

Scutt confirmed the second qualifying spot in Group E with a 5-3 win over Karel Sedlacek. The game saw Scutt hit three 180s in a convincing victory, his second of the group, previously beating Daryl Gurney 5-4.

The reigning Grand Slam champion, Luke Littler, faces Wessel Nijman in what promises to be a fascinating Group Stage encounter. Littler, fresh from another commanding performance, has continued to show the same composure and scoring power that carried him to last year’s title. His 105 average in the win over Connor Scutt was a reminder of just how clinical the teenager can be under pressure.  

Nijman, meanwhile, enters the tie with everything to play for. The young Dutchman has shown flashes of the form that earned him a spot in the field, mixing sharp finishing with heavy scoring, but consistency has been his main challenge. A win over Littler would not only see him progress but also mark a statement victory against one of the sport’s brightest stars.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Michael van Gerwen faces off against fellow Dutchman Danny Noppert in a clash that carries both pride and high stakes.

Van Gerwen, a dominant force in Wolverhampton over the years, has shown flashes of his brilliant best in this year’s group stage. Still, the world number three knows that every leg counts in a format where even small lapses can prove costly.

Danny Noppert, meanwhile, approaches the match with quiet determination. The 2022 UK Open champion has built a reputation as one of the most composed players on tour, often thriving in tight, tactical contests, showcased in his 5-4 win over Crabtree.