Darts World Grand Prix 2026: format, schedule and prize money explained

The 2026 Darts World Grand Prix gets under way on Monday, 28 September, as one of the Professional Darts Corporation's flagship tournaments. It stands apart from the sport's other majors through its distinctive 'double in, double out' format, which has been used since the event's launch in 1998.

Format and field

Under this rule, players must start every leg by hitting a double rather than any scoring area on the board. The 32-player field is made up of the 16 highest-ranked players on the PDC Order of Merit, plus 16 more strong performers from the past year who had not already qualified. Matches are played in sets: the first round is best of three sets, rising to best of five in the second round and quarter-finals, best of nine in the semi-finals, and a best-of-11 final, effectively a race to six sets.

Prize money

The total prize fund has grown 25% this year to £750,000, up from £600,000 last year. The champion will collect £150,000, compared with £120,000 in 2025. The runner-up earns £80,000, semi-final losers £50,000, quarter-final losers £35,000, second-round losers £20,000, and first-round losers £7,500.

Defending champion and history

Last year's title went to teenager and current world number one Luke Littler, who thrashed Luke Humphries 6-1 in the final. Phil Taylor remains the tournament's most successful player with 11 titles, ahead of Michael van Gerwen's six. The event has produced six different winners over the past six years, reflecting increasingly open competition in the sport.