World Grand Prix begins in Leicester with Littler defending title

The 2026 World Grand Prix begins in Leicester on Monday, September 28, with 32 players competing in a tournament scheduled to conclude with the final on Sunday, October 4. Luke Littler enters as defending champion after winning the 2025 title, and the winner this year is set to receive £150,000 from a £750,000 prize fund. The event is played in a double-in, double-out format, setting it apart from other major darts tournaments. Players must begin each leg by hitting a double or the bullseye and must also finish the leg on a double or bullseye. Matches are played in sets, with each set decided over a best-of-five legs. The opening round is scheduled for September 28 and 29, with matches played over a best-of-three sets. The second round is set for September 30 and October 1, followed by quarterfinals on October 2, semifinals on October 3 and the final on October 4. The later rounds increase in length: the second round and quarterfinals are best-of-five sets, the semifinals best-of-nine and the final best-of-11. Littler is scheduled to begin his title defence against Luke Woodhouse on the first day.