PREVIEW: Who will win the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts?

It’s time for darts fans to start to get excited again, as the 18th edition of the Grand Slam of Darts kicks off this weekend. The competition will take place from November 9-17, returning to the Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton, and the field is stacked with champions and talent no matter where you look.

This prestigious tournament will see 32 top-tier players battle for a share of the £650,000 prize fund, with £150,000 awarded to the champion. As fans eagerly await this unique event, they will witness fierce group-stage clashes and high-stakes knockout rounds, concluding in a Sunday showdown to crown the winner.

The Grand Slam of Darts adopts a distinct format with 32 players divided into eight groups, each consisting of four players. Matches will unfold in a round-robin format across the first four days at WV Active Aldersley, with players aiming to finish among the top two in their group to advance to the knockout stage. The knockout rounds begin with the last 16 on November 13th and 14th, followed by the quarterfinals over November 15th and 16th. On November 17th, the semifinals and final will conclude a week of top-tier darts action.

Each group’s first match will pit player one against player four, while player two faces player three. Throughout the group stage, fans will witness intense matchups and potential upsets as the tournament progresses to the knockout stage.

Luke Humphries captured the 2023 Grand Slam title, a crowning achievement following his World Grand Prix victory the month before. Humphries, who sealed victory against Rob Cross with a commanding 16-8 final, displayed an impressive average of nearly 105, along with eight 180s and a high checkout of 144. After defeating Cross, who himself maintained a formidable 103 average, Humphries firmly established himself as a force in the darting world.

In Wolverhampton last year, Humphries showcased his best, leading 7-2 after an intense 144 checkout. Cross fought back but ultimately couldn’t match Humphries’ momentum, as the eventual champion continued a dominant run that saw him close out the match with a 91 checkout.

Reflecting on his success, Humphries noted, “To pick up two TV titles is fantastic, I don’t believe it. To pick up another major title after winning my first one not so long ago is a dream come true.”

This sentiment, coupled with his subsequent win at the World Championship, cemented his status as a star to watch. Now, as the PDC world number one, Humphries returns to Wolverhampton with hopes of defending his title before shifting focus to the World Championship in London next month.

Luke Littler vs. Dimitri Van den Bergh (Group F) The remarkable 17 year old Luke Littler faces Belgium’s Dimitri Van den Bergh in Group F. Their recent encounters in August saw Littler narrowly best Van den Bergh in two tightly contested matches, proving the young player’s potential. Van den Bergh, however, remains a formidable opponent, known for his 2020 World Matchplay win and his consistent performances on the PDC circuit. As Littler navigates his first Grand Slam group stage, this showdown promises to test both players’ resolve and skill under high stakes.

Luke Humphries vs. James Wade (Group A) Humphries’ opening match against James Wade will be one to watch. Humphries defeated Wade convincingly at the World Matchplay in July, winning 17-10, and hasn’t lost to him since October of last year. Wade, who has been the runner up in this competition on three separate occasions, is known for his calm demeanour and consistency, and will be ready to give the world number 1 a run for his money. Humphries’ recent victories position him as the favourite, but Wade’s experience could challenge the defending champion early on.

Michael van Gerwen vs. Gary Anderson (Group G) Two darting legends, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, will face off in Group G. Anderson triumphed over van Gerwen in their most recent encounter at the European Championships, adding intrigue to this already high-profile match. While van Gerwen boasts three Grand Slam titles to his name already, Anderson’s recent resurgence and consistent form may give him an edge as they vie for group supremacy.

The recent World Grand Prix delivered surprises aplenty, with underdog Mike De Decker claiming his first major title by defeating reigning World Champion Luke Humphries in a thrilling 6-4 final. De Decker’s victory was a statement, as he held his nerve despite Humphries fighting his way back, and managed to see off the defending champion. This format, unique in its requirement for a double-in and double-out, has a history of producing upsets, and 2024 was no different.

Even top-ranked players like Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson struggled under the pressure of starting and ending on a double. De Decker’s win over Anderson and his perseverance against Humphries highlighted the mental fortitude needed to succeed in this demanding event. Van Gerwen, a six-time World Grand Prix champion, was eliminated by Daryl Gurney in the first round, underscoring the unpredictability of this event. This format continues to test players’ adaptability, with only the most mentally resilient surviving the pressure.

Many of the favourites who dropped out early a month ago, will be hoping for a stronger showing in Wolverhampton over the next week.

Since its inception in 2007, the Grand Slam of Darts has grown into one of the sport’s most iconic tournaments. Originally, it brought together top players from both the PDC and BDO (British Darts Organisation), creatig unforgettable matches as champions from each organization clashed. Following the BDO’s dissolution in 2020, the Grand Slam became a fully PDC-operated event, with only PDC players competing. Nevertheless, the event’s ranking status, established in 2015, and its reputation for epic match ups remains.

Phil Taylor holds the record for the most Grand Slam wins, with six titles to his name, followed by Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price, each with three. These legends have left an indelible mark on the Grand Slam, setting a high standard for the new generation of players. With Taylor’s record still standing, many wonder if Van Gerwen or Price will one day challenge it.

The Grand Slam of Darts prize fund remains substantial at £650,000, including a £150,000 reward for the winner. For players, this event represents not just a financial opportunity but also a significant chance to earn ranking points. Success at the Grand Slam can bolster a player’s standings, impacting their qualification for future tournaments. With the added pressure of ranking points, every match takes on heightened importance as players vie for both the trophy and advancement on the PDC ladder.

As the defending champion and world number 1, Humphries enters with high expectations. His consistent performances, despite his World Grand Prix loss, make him a strong favourite. His group stage performance against Wade will set the tone for his title defence, but with recent successes under his belt, Humphries looks poised to challenge for a repeat victory.

Despite his early exit at the World Grand Prix, van Gerwen remains a formidable player, with three Grand Slam titles and a legacy of success in major tournaments. His clash with Anderson in the group stage will be pivotal, as he seeks to reclaim his status as a dominant force in the sport.

Despite a disappointing showing at the World Grand Prix, Littler is still the breakthrough star of 2024. He’s a true fan favourite already, and on his day he can certainly take the fight to Humphries, and will be looking to add another major to his collection.

He’s on a strong run of form at the moment, and Anderson’s recent victory over van Gerwen has added momentum to his campaign. He’s definitely going to be one to watch over the next week or so.

Van den Bergh’s record speaks to his skill, and he’ll be hoping to add another title to the World Matchplay he won back in 2020. Facing Littler, a younger and less-experienced opponent, could provide Van den Bergh with the ideal start to his Grand Slam run.

The 2024 Grand Slam of Darts promises an exhilarating nine days of darting excellence, where every player must bring their best to stand a chance. While defending champion Humphries enters as the favourite, experienced veterans like Van Gerwen, Anderson, and Wade, alongside emerging talents like Littler and De Decker, will provide plenty of competition. In a tournament where surprises are routine and upsets almost expected, the path to victory remains wide open.

Will Humphries repeat his success? Or will an underdog, in classic Grand Slam fashion, rise to seize the moment? As the players prepare to take to the stage at Aldersley Leisure Village, we can be sure of yet another epic week of darts.