Grand Slam of Darts 2025: Littler, Humphries & New 48-Player Format Confirmed | Sky Sports

Wolverhampton will once again play host to the Grand Slam of Darts, expanding to a 48-player field for the first time, live on Sky Sports from November 14-22. The prestigious tournament returns to WV Active Aldersley, promising a heightened level of competition as the biggest names in the sport vie for the coveted Eric Bristow Trophy.

Reigning and back-to-back champion Luke Littler headlines the early confirmed stars, alongside 2025 Wolverhampton runner-up Luke Humphries and 2026 World Championship finalist Gian van Veen. The tournament’s expansion and revised format signal a commitment to growth and inclusivity within the sport.

The path to qualification is multifaceted, ensuring a diverse field. Finalists from PDC televised events over the past 12 months are automatically assured a spot, currently accounting for up to 24 places. Humphries has already secured his place through his performance in both the 2025 Grand Slam final and the February 1, 2026 World Masters, where he was defeated by Littler. Nathan Aspinall also earned qualification as the runner-up to Littler at the 2025 Players Championship Finals.

Beau Greaves will make her fourth consecutive Grand Slam appearance, having reached the final of the 2025 World Youth Championship. The two finalists from the 2026 World Youth Championship will also automatically qualify, further bolstering the representation of emerging talent.

The most significant change for the 2026 Grand Slam is the introduction of a new group format, featuring 16 groups of three players. The top 16 players, seeded based on PDC Rankings, will be drawn into brackets. The remaining 32 players will be split into two further groups (17-32 and 33-48) based on PDC Ranking order, and then drawn into the remaining groups. This format promises a more dynamic and competitive group stage, increasing the opportunities for upsets and compelling matchups.

Beyond automatic qualification, numerous avenues exist for players to earn their place in Wolverhampton. Opportunities arise through Premier League, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, UK Open, European Championship, World Series of Darts Finals, and World Cup of Darts events. The winners of the PDC Asian Championship, North American Championship, PDC Nordic & Baltic Championship, and the ANZ Premier League will also secure their spots.

Further places will be awarded to the top performers on the Winmau Development Tour and Challenge Tour rankings, as well as the winners of the Women’s World Matchplay and the Women’s Series Rankings. Any remaining places, up to a total of 40 players, will be filled by winners from the 2026 European Tour and Players Championship events, prioritized by the number of event wins and then PDC Ranking Order. Finally, eight players will emerge from the PDC Tour Card Holder Qualifier on November 6, 2026, completing the 48-player field.

The rivalry between Littler and Humphries continues to define the sport. Their most recent encounter came in the final of the February 1, 2026 World Masters, where Littler secured a 6-5 victory and a £500,000 prize. Humphries, visibly frustrated by his fourth successive major defeat against Littler, went so far as to brand his opponent “the greatest dart player to ever live.” This statement underscores the dominance Littler has established, winning his first World Masters title and a fourth major title in a row.

Littler’s recent success includes a victory over Humphries in the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts final, where he claimed his second consecutive title and ascended to the world number one ranking for the first time. This win followed a thrilling 16-11 victory over Humphries, solidifying Littler’s position at the pinnacle of the sport. The 2025 Grand Slam of Darts also saw Humphries defeat Gerwyn Price 16-13 in an earlier round.

The Grand Slam of Darts has become a cornerstone of the PDC calendar, and the 2026 edition promises to be the most competitive yet. With the expanded field, revised format, and the continued dominance of players like Littler and Humphries, the tournament is poised to deliver a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide. The event’s growing popularity is reflected in its expanded format and increased prize money, signaling a bright future for the sport.