The most unique format in darts returns as the World Grand Prix comes back to Leicester from October 6th to 12th. The famous double-in, double-out tournament is one of the most exciting Premier Events on the PDC schedule, and this year will be no different.
From returning champions to rising talents and legends rewinding the clock with their performances, there is no lack of storylines this year. Let’s take a look at our World Grand Prix darts betting tips and predictions, and a preview of how the tournament works.
World Grand Prix 2025 Predictions
Predicted winner: Luke Humphries
One of our best darts predictions is for Luke Humphries to win the World Grand Prix for the second time. The world No. 1 has made it to back-to-back finals in 2023 and ‘24, defeating Gerwyn Price in 2023 and narrowly missing out to a red-hot Mike De Decker last year. ‘Cool Hand’ has had a bit of a colder year, winning the World Masters and Premier League nearer the start of 2025 and missing out since. However, with the World Championships just a couple of months away, this is when Humphries’ game picks up. He has shone in this tournament in recent years, and the Englishman can make it his own once again.
As always, the imperious Luke Littler will be breathing down his neck. He is the favourite with our online sportsbook following an incredible season, winning three Premier Events. However, the Nuke was knocked out by Rob Cross in the first round of this tournament last year. The World Grand Prix is arguably the toughest format in darts, and the 18-year-old may need more experience before he can win this one, despite being arguably the best player in the world.
After a disappointing couple of years, Michael van Gerwen bounced back to prove he’s going nowhere when beating Luke Littler to win the World Series of Darts final last month. The 46x major winner made it 47, winning his first Premier Event since 2023. That was his longest drought in 13 years. There is a belief among many fans that Mighty Mike is back, and the resurgence is coming at the busiest time on the darts calendar. He is reminding people that he is one of the best darts players of all time. After looking down and out, MVG is right back in the conversation as we approach a tournament he has already won six times.
Josh Rock is having the best year of his career. The County Antrim man is now top of the list of the best Irish darts players in the world. He won the World Cup with teammate Darryl Gurney in June and has reached the semi-finals of the UK Open, World Matchplay and World Series of Darts. Rocky has climbed up to 10th in the world and is edging closer to a Premier Event honour. He has been knocked out in the first round of both his previous appearances, but he enters the 2025 World Grand Prix in the best form of his life. This could be Rocky’s moment.
Gerwyn Price is a three-time finalist and one-time winner of the World Grand Prix. He has bounced back to have a strong year so far, after a disappointing 2024. The Iceman reached the World Cup final with Wales teammate Johnny Clayton, as well as the semi-finals of the World Series of Darts and Premier League. Price is one of just four men to have reached three World Grand Prix finals. The company includes the great Phil Taylor and van Gerwen. There is a real chance he makes it a fourth in 2025.
World Grand Prix 2025 Betting Tips
- Luke Humphries to win the World Grand Prix: Humphries is at his most consistent at this time of year, which is integral in this double-in, double-out format. The world No.1 has been in the previous two finals and won one. He thrives in this environment. Littler may be the favourite, but Humphries has far better form in this tournament. Bet on Cool Hand to win the World Grand Prix, worth 11/2.
- Josh Rock to reach the final: Josh Rock has put in some excellent performances this year, and there is no doubt that there is a major in his future. The World Grand Prix is the hardest format in darts, and to win your first here is a huge ask. Additionally, Rocky has been handed a tough draw. He could potentially face Gerwyn Price, Luke Littler, and Michael van Gerwen on his path to the final. However, those are the level of players you must beat if you are to win Premier Events, and we know Rocky has that in his locker. A bet on Josh Rock to reach the final is 13/2 for anyone betting on darts.
- Michael van Gerwen to win Quarter 4: It looked for a while that Michael van Gerwen might struggle to claim another major PDC title. However, he stunned Luke Littler last month to win the World Series of Darts finals. Mighty Mike may be back, and we expect him to build towards the World Championships with a strong showing in the World Grand Prix. He has been handed a favourable draw in Quarter 4, and we see a deep run for MVG. A bet on the Dutchman to win his quarter is worth 7/4 in the World Grand Prix betting.
World Grand Prix Round One Betting Tips
The World Grand Prix of darts always throws surprises our way in the opening round. To help you capitalise on the chaos, we have outlined some winning bets for round one of the tournament.
- Rob Cross vs Wessel Nijman – Over 2.5 Sets: Rob Cross has been inconsistent this year. He has not gone beyond the second round in four of his five Premier Events, and finished 7th in the Premier League. Wessel Nijman can take advantage of that form. The last three matches between these players have gone to 10, nine and eight legs in the best-of-11 format. While never playing against each other in a set format, the trend indicates that this will be a back-and-forth. Consider over 2.5 sets if you are betting on the over/under.
- Luke Littler vs Gian van Veen – Littler to win and most 180s: Surprisingly, Gian van Veen leads Littler in their rivalry 3-2, dating back to their World Youth Championship Final clash in 2023. However, van Veen has never beaten Littler on the main stage. The reigning world champ fires 180s with ease. He can continue his stage dominance with a first-round win over the Dutchman here. Bet on Littler to win and hit the most 180s, worth 11/10.
How Does the World Grand Prix Darts Work?
The World Grand Prix format is the most unique and exciting in the PDC. Unlike most other events, this tournament uses a double-in, double-out format. That means players must hit a double (or bullseye) to start scoring in each leg, as well as to finish it. This rule creates added drama from the very first dart, as even the top players can be punished for a slow start.
The event is a straight knockout competition played over five rounds, with matches decided by sets rather than legs. Early rounds are shorter, with the first round best of three sets. The final stretches to the best of 11 sets. This mix of pressure, pace, and unpredictability is what makes the World Grand Prix one of the most thrilling tournaments on the PDC calendar.
What is the World Grand Prix Schedule?
The 2025 World Grand Prix runs from 6th to 12th October in Leicester, with a packed week of action. The tournament begins with the first round across two nights before moving through to the second round, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the showpiece final on Sunday night.
Round one already promises fireworks. Luke Humphries vs Nathan Aspinall is arguably the pick of the ties, with two of England’s biggest names clashing in a match worthy of the latter stages. Gary Anderson vs Raymond van Barneveld offers a battle of legends, while Michael van Gerwen vs Dirk van Duijvenbode pits two Dutch powerhouses against each other in a fiery contest. Fans will also be eager to see teenage sensation Luke Littler begin his campaign against the talented Gian van Veen.
Monday, October 6 (18:00 BST)
8x First Round Matches
- Luke Humphries vs Nathan Aspinall
- Martin Schindler vs Krzysztof Ratajski
- Chris Dobey vs Cameron Menzies
- Rob Cross vs Wessel Nijman
- Stephen Bunting vs Niko Springer
- Danny Noppert vs Jermaine Wattimena
- James Wade vs Joe Cullen
- Gary Anderson vs Raymond van Barneveld
Tuesday, October 7 (1800 BST)
8x First Round Matches
- Luke Littler vs Gian van Veen
- Peter Wright vs Mike De Decker
- Gerwyn Price vs Ryan Searle
- Josh Rock vs Ryan Joyce
- Michael van Gerwen vs Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Ross Smith vs Daryl Gurney
- Jonny Clayton vs Andrew Gilding
- Damon Heta vs Luke Woodhouse
Wednesday, October 8 & Thursday, October 9 (1900 BST)
4x Second Round Matches each night – order of play TBC
Friday, October 10 (1900 BST)
Quarter-finals (4 matches)
Saturday, October 11 (1900 BST)
Semi-finals (2 matches)
Sunday, October 12 (1900 BST)
Final (best of 11 sets)
Where can I watch the World Grand Prix?
If you’re in Ireland or the UK, you can catch every dart of the 2025 World Grand Prix live on Sky Sports. From the very first round to the final on October 12, they’ve got it all covered with live matches, expert commentary, and plenty of analysis.
Can’t get to the TV? No problem. You can stream the whole thing on Sky Go or a NOW TV subscription. Whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or laptop, you won’t miss a thing. For fans outside the UK and Ireland, coverage will be with local broadcasters or through the PDC’s streaming partners.
