The 2025 BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix rises as one of the most fascinating events on the darts calendar. Between October 6 and 12, 32 of the world’s top players will battle it out at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena for a £600,000 prize pool.
What makes the Grand Prix unique is its “double in, double out” format. Players must hit a double (or bullseye) to begin each leg, and then finish on a double too. That extra pressure means only the sharpest and mentally toughest survive.
Format, Prize Money & Field
Each match is played in sets, with each set consisting of up to five legs. The tournament proceeds in a straight knockout fashion.
The total prize fund remains £600,000. The champion will claim £120,000, while the runner‑up takes £60,000. Semi‑finalists receive £40,000 each, quarter‑finalists get £25,000, and first round losers still walk away with £7,500.
In terms of participants, the field includes:
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Top 16 players from the two‑year PDC Order of Merit
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Top 16 players from the one‑year PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit who haven’t already qualified
Notably, Dave Chisnall fails to qualify this year for the first time since 2011. Meanwhile, Raymond van Barneveld clinched a final qualification spot in dramatic fashion at the Swiss Darts Trophy.
Storylines and Key Matches to Watch
Defending Champion & Favorites
Mike De Decker arrives as the defending champion, having beaten Luke Humphries 6–4 in the 2024 final. He opens the tournament against Peter Wright, a clash sure to carry tension.
Youth vs Experience
Young phenom Luke Littler faces Gian van Veen in the first round. Littler, still seeking his first win in this format, must overcome Van Veen’s recent rise in form.
Meanwhile, Gary Anderson squares off with Raymond van Barneveld in a nostalgic encounter between past legends.
Absences & Surprises
A major surprise: former World Champion Michael Smith will miss the Grand Prix for the first time since 2012, after a tough year marred by injury and inconsistent form.
Additionally, the sponsorship backing has been secured for years: BoyleSports extended its title sponsorship through 2027, committing long term to this premier event.
How to Watch & Where to Follow
Fans in the UK can catch every match live on Sky Sports+, with the final also airing on Sky Sports Main Event. Outside the UK, viewers can stream via PDCTV, or through local broadcasters depending on region.
Live blogs, score trackers, and social media buzz will also provide minute-by-minute updates. Leverage these to keep your readers glued to your site during high drama matches.
Why the 2025 Grand Prix Matters
This edition of the World Grand Prix carries weight beyond the title itself. It tests players on precision under pressure, demands mental resilience, and often reveals dark horses. The double‑start rule regularly upsets expectations, and the format gives room for shock outcomes.
Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Jonny Clayton, and others all have strong claims. But with veterans like Anderson and Barneveld in the mix, upsets loom large.
From a content writer’s perspective, this tournament offers multiple hooks: dramatic early round clashes, veteran vs youngster narratives, upsets, and the quest for redemption by past champions.