Quick Read
- World Grand Prix Darts uses a unique double start format, requiring a double to begin and end each leg.
- Luke Littler split with his management hours before the tournament, adding drama to his campaign.
- James Wade, a two-time Grand Prix champion, is enjoying a career resurgence and thrives in the double start format.
- First-round upsets included Cameron Menzies defeating #8 seed Chris Dobey.
- Last year’s surprise champion was Mike De Decker.
Double Start: The Format That Redefines Champions
Every October, the world’s best darts players descend upon Leicester for the World Grand Prix Darts—a tournament famed not just for its legacy, but for its “double in, double out” format. Unlike most major events, here every leg starts and ends with a double. It’s a simple twist, but one that has repeatedly humbled giants and elevated underdogs. Glen Durrant, a 2019 semi-finalist, described it best: “You want to be going into October in the form of your life.”
The format’s unpredictability is legendary. Legends like Phil Taylor have shared advice on the mathematics and nerves required—suggesting players start on tops to smooth the transition from D16 to T20. Yet, for all its technical demands, the double start is a psychological maze. One missed double can unravel even the most meticulous campaign.
Littler’s Split and Wade’s Renaissance: Off-Board Drama Fuels On-Stage Fire
On the eve of the 2025 tournament, the storylines swirled far beyond the board. Luke Littler, the prodigious champion, stunned fans by announcing a split from ZXF Sports Management mere hours before the first dart. “As my career moves forward and the schedule gets busier, we’ve agreed it’s the right time for me to take the next step with new representation,” Littler shared, reflecting both gratitude and ambition. It’s a delicate moment: Littler’s meteoric rise saw him reach the World Darts Championship final at just 16 and claim the Triple Crown by 18. But last year’s early Grand Prix exit still lingers, and the double start format is, by his own admission, not his favorite.
The field, meanwhile, is stacked with favorites and dark horses. Luke Humphries, last year’s finalist and 2023 champion, arrives with a “monster average” and a reputation for tireless preparation. “I just think he does things in the right way—very diligent, excellent work ethic,” Durrant told Sky Sports, tipping him as a contender despite a tough opener against Nathan Aspinall.
Michael van Gerwen, a six-time winner, seeks redemption after a recent title drought. “He seems happy in his personal life right now,” Durrant remarked, but history warns that the double start format can humble even the most decorated players. Jonny Clayton, winner in 2021, also enters with impressive form, while veterans like Gary Anderson—lauded for his stamina and motivation—hope to leverage fresher legs thanks to lighter travel schedules.
James Wade: Master of Adaptation and Precision
Amidst the shifting storylines, James Wade’s resurgence is a narrative in its own right. Twice a Grand Prix champion (612, 2010), Wade is thriving in his third decade on the PDC circuit. “Longevity in the PDC is so difficult and he is as good as he has ever been,” Durrant noted. Wade’s reliability on tops and tens makes him particularly dangerous in the double start format, and his recent performances have all but cemented his Premier League spot for next year.
His style—pragmatic, precise, and unflappable—fits the Grand Prix’s demands. While others falter under the pressure of missed doubles or tough draws, Wade’s ability to adapt and deliver under pressure is a lesson in resilience. The double start, which rewards cool heads and steady hands, has often been Wade’s stage for excellence.
Opening Round Shocks: Seeds Fall, New Faces Rise
The first night of action wasted no time in delivering drama. Cameron Menzies produced a memorable upset, toppling #8 seed Chris Dobey. Krzysztof Ratajski clinically dispatched Martin Schindler, and Rob Cross edged out Wessel Nijman in a tense last-leg decider. The volatility of the format—highlighted by Yahoo Sports—was clear: no favorite is truly safe.
The bracket quickly reshaped itself. Humphries faces Ratajski in the Round of 16, while Menzies looks to extend his giant-killing run against Cross. Big names like Wade, Anderson, Bunting, and Aspinall all advanced, but the road ahead is anything but straightforward.
Littler’s first-round clash with Gian van Veen is especially intriguing. Van Veen has bested Littler in their last two European Tour meetings, including a staggering 110 average. Their history dates back to development days, and the matchup promises not just fireworks but a psychological duel.
Elsewhere, legends Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld rekindle a rivalry that spans eras, while van Gerwen must overcome Dirk van Duijvenbode before his championship ambitions can truly ignite.
The Mental Gauntlet: Why the Grand Prix Remains Unpredictable
For fans, the allure of the Grand Prix lies in its razor-thin margins and constant threat of upset. Last year, Belgian Mike De Decker stunned the field by winning the event—his first major title—after never previously making it past the semifinals. Such stories are a reminder: experience can help, but the double start gauntlet is a great equalizer.
The technical challenge is only half the battle. “The format rewards precision and nerves of steel,” Durrant noted, and every missed double is a moment for both heartbreak and opportunity. Thirty-two of the world’s best gather at the Mattioli Arena, each knowing that a single slip could spell the end.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Seize the Moment?
With streaming coverage from Sky Sports, every dart is scrutinized, every leg a test of skill and spirit. Littler’s free agent status adds intrigue, Humphries’ consistency sets a benchmark, van Gerwen’s hunger is palpable, and the bracket remains volatile.
Will Littler’s independence bring freedom or distraction? Can Wade continue his renaissance and prove that adaptation is the ultimate weapon? Or will a new name, like Menzies, carve out an unforgettable chapter?
As the tournament unfolds, the 2025 World Grand Prix Darts is delivering on its promise: unpredictability, tension, and a stage where legends and newcomers stand equal before the double start gauntlet. The crowd’s energy, the players’ nerves, and the ever-present risk of upset make this event a true showcase for darts—and for sport itself, at its most compelling.
James Wade’s story this year is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptation. In a format that punishes hesitation and rewards precision, his longevity and mastery remind us that true greatness is measured not just in titles, but in the ability to thrive amid uncertainty and change.