The anticipation is building as one of the most eagerly awaited events on the darts calendar returns: the 2025 edition of the Grand Slam of Darts. Here’s your all-in-one guide to the tournament — the format, the field, the storylines, and the players to watch.
When & Where
- The tournament runs from Saturday 8 November to Sunday 16 November 2025 at the WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton, England.
- The venue remains a familiar and popular one for the event, offering a lively atmosphere and plenty of drama.
- Here you can buy tickets to Grand Slam of Darts.
Format & Prize Money
- The Grand Slam features 32 players this year, divided into eight groups of four in the group stage. The top two from each group progress to the knockout rounds.
- In the group phase, matches are best of 9 legs (first to 5). From the knockouts on, longer formats apply.
- The total prize fund stands at £650,000, with £150,000 going to the champion and £70,000 to the runner-up.
- Note: Going forward (in future years) the field is set to expand and prize funds increase.
Field & Key Storylines
Defending Champion
- Luke Littler returns as the defending champion after his dominant 2024 win (16-3 in the final).
- He’s widely regarded as the favourite this year thanks to brilliant form.
Top Contenders
- Luke Humphries (World No.1 and previous champion) is expected to push hard for the title.
- Michael van Gerwen is always a threat: a three-time winner of this event and one of the greats of the sport.
- Gian van Veen is one to watch – fresh from a major title win and looking to make further strides.
- Gerwyn Price, with multiple past wins at this event, has the pedigree and the occasion seems just right.
Rising & Dark Horses
- Two standout names: Beau Greaves and Lisa Ashton – both women have made the field and their inclusion adds fresh excitement.
- Also worth keeping tabs on: James Wade, Danny Noppert and other players who have enough form to spring surprises.
Why This Event Matters
- The Grand Slam of Darts enjoys a unique position: its group-stage format adds an extra dimension compared with pure knockout events, meaning unexpected results can happen early.
- Historically, winners of this event have included the big names of darts: Phil Taylor (six titles), Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith and Luke Humphries.
- Winning here often boosts a player’s momentum heading into the year-end and gives a strong statement of intent.
Predictions & What to Watch
- Favourite tag: Luke Littler. If he gets through the group stage without hiccups, his long-format game suggests he’s very hard to stop.
- A close challenger: Luke Humphries. If he can overcome any early stutters, he has the ability to grind out big wins.
- Dark cards: Gian van Veen for his breakout momentum; Gerwyn Price for his experience; Beau Greaves for the potential shock factor.
- Key matchups and group structures will matter—since the group stage is short format, a bad start could derail even a top player.
- Keep an eye on any nine-dart attempts—the Grand Slam has seen several over the years.
Grand Slam of Darts Groups
Group A
- Luke Humphries (seed 1) – huge expectations, will want to make amends if his last performance at this event was below par.
- Nathan Aspinall – capable of high-averages and big stage wins; a potential dark horse in the group.
- Michael Smith – former Grand Slam winner; has the pedigree but needs consistency.
- Alex Spellman – less experienced at this level; could be an upset threat but maybe lacking the depth for knockout rounds.
Watchpoints: Humphries will likely be favourite to win the group, but Smith and Aspinall both have the tools to challenge. If Spellman brings something extra, a surprise could happen.
Group B
- Chris Dobey – steady performer, good on the big stage; could take a top-two spot.
- Damon Heta – true competitor, has upset potential.
- Martin Lukeman – showed promise; could capitalise if others falter.
- Jurjen van der Velde – less known, might struggle against the more established trio.
Watchpoints: This group offers opportunity. Dobey and Heta might be favourites, but Lukeman could sneak through with strong legs. The group is less lopsided, so early wins will matter.
Group C
- Stephen Bunting – veteran, has major experience; could leverage that to control the group.
- Martin Schindler – emerging threat; capable of raising his game.
- Luke Woodhouse – a lesser‐known name; would need to hit peak to make an impact.
- Alexis Toylo – dark‐horse status; interesting watch, but likely outsider.
Watchpoints: Bunting should be expected to qualify; the key fight is for second spot. Schindler is the favourite for that if he brings his best.
Group D
- James Wade – experienced major finalist; danger for anyone in the group.
- Gerwyn Price – multiple past Grand Slam winner; if form returns, dangerous.
- Ricky Evans – energetic, but less consistent at top level.
- Stefan Bellmont – outsider; could surprise but odds against him.
Watchpoints: This is a heavy group. Price and Wade will likely battle for top spot; Evans might upset if one fumbles.
Group E
- Luke Littler (seed 2) – defending champion and bookies’ favourite.
- Daryl Gurney – solid major performer; has knockout match experience.
- Connor Scutt – younger name, potential for upset.
- Karel Sedlacek – outsider; will need something special to progress.
Watchpoints: Littler should win the group, unless shaken early; Gurney will aim for second spot; Scutt could be someone to watch for surprise results.
Group F
- Gian van Veen (seed 7) – recent major winner; rising rapidly.
- Josh Rock – explosive game, big scoring power; potential to go deep.
- Wessel Nijman – talented up-and-comer; could surprise.
- Lisa Ashton – female competitor in the field; adds an interesting storyline.
Watchpoints: This group is open, and van Veen leads the favourites. Rock’s big scoring gives him a shot; Nijman could upset. Ashton brings narrative and could make waves.
Group G
- Michael van Gerwen (seed 3) – three-time Grand Slam winner; still one of the most dangerous big-stage players in the world.
- Gary Anderson – veteran with elite scoring ability; can still produce major-winning form when his rhythm clicks.
- Niko Springer – rising German talent; fearless scorer capable of troubling the top names if he settles early.
- Beau Greaves – women’s star with excellent consistency; potential to pull off a headline-making upset.
Watchpoints: Strong favourite in van Gerwen, but the battle for second is wide open. Anderson has the pedigree, Springer brings high-ceiling scoring, and Greaves is fully capable of taking a big scalp if opportunities arise.
Group H
- Jonny Clayton – one of the most clinical finishers in the PDC; thrives in tight matches and group formats.
- Danny Noppert – steady, controlled, and mentally strong; rarely beats himself and always tough to break down.
- Lukas Wenig – improving German player with power scoring; dangerous if he finds momentum early.
- Cam Crabtree – young prospect with stage confidence; underdog but not without upset potential.
Watchpoints: Clayton and Noppert enter as clear favourites, but Wenig’s recent form makes him a genuine threat. Crabtree’s ceiling is unknown at this level — which could make him a spoiler if he starts fast.
Final Thought
For fans of darts, the 2025 Grand Slam is shaping up to be a must-watch: elite talent, high stakes, and the potential for both the expected and the extraordinary. Whether you’re following the established stars or keeping tabs on the rising ones, expect drama, big scoring, and memorable moments.