Analyzing the 2026 Grand Slam of Darts Group Stage Matchups

Overview of the Group Stage

The eagerly awaited draw for the group stage of the 2026 Grand Slam of Darts has been announced. The tournament will feature 16 groups, each comprising three players, engaging in round-robin matches to determine who advances to the knockout rounds.

While many seeded players are listed as favorites, the condensed format of matches means surprises could be on the horizon in these competitive brackets.

Group Predictions

Let’s break down the expected outcomes in each group.

Group A: Luke Littler, Niels Zonneveld, Beau Greaves

Projected Winner: Luke Littler

This is a standout group, primarily due to the clash between Littler and Greaves in their TV debut. Although Littler is favored, Zonneveld has previously defeated him, adding intrigue to their matches. With past major exits haunting his recent performances, Littler will aim to reclaim his winning form this time.

Group B: Jermaine Wattimena, Alan Soutar, Lisa Ashton

Projected Winner: Jermaine Wattimena

Wattimena comes in as a favorite, but his success hinges on how he delivers in matches against Soutar and Ashton. Given their records, Wattimena should comfortably navigate this group if he performs to his potential.

Group C: Josh Rock, Kevin Doets, Tommy Morris

Projected Winner: Josh Rock

This group promises thrilling encounters, with all players showing strong recent form. Morris is fresh off impressive runs, and Doets is steadily improving. Despite the competition, Rock’s experience positions him as the group’s likely victor.

Group D: Stephen Bunting, Cameron Menzies, Raymond Smith

Projected Winner: Cameron Menzies

While not the most glamorous group, it could reveal surprising results. Bunting’s inconsistent performances may pave the way for Menzies to capitalize and potentially eliminate him from the competition.

Group E: Gerwyn Price, Sebastian Bialecki, Joe Hunt

Projected Winner: Gerwyn Price

Price has showcased exceptional form this year and is slated to dominate this group. With Bialecki and Hunt struggling to match Price's current level, he stands poised for an effortless advance.

Group F: Ryan Searle, Andrew Gilding, Charlie Manby

Projected Winner: Charlie Manby

Manby, despite being a newcomer to top-tier events, has already demonstrated his potential. With recent success in the Pro Tour, he emerges as a favorite in an open group where anyone could shine.

Group G: Jonny Clayton, Rob Cross, Anton Ostlund

Projected Winner: Jonny Clayton

This group is likely a battle between Clayton and Cross, both having proven themselves at high levels. With Ostlund still developing, he will need to be flawless to challenge the top two.

Group H: Wessel Nijman, Niko Springer, Adam Sevada

Projected Winner: Wessel Nijman

Nijman’s dominance on the Pro Tour this year positions him well, although Sevada’s breakout year presents a threat. This showdown will be critical for both players' aspirations in major tournaments.

Group I: Luke Humphries, Joe Cullen, Paolo Nebrida

Projected Winner: Luke Humphries

Humphries is seen as the strongest player in this group, with Cullen and Nebrida struggling for form. Absent a remarkable turnaround, Humphries is expected to advance with ease.

Group J: Luke Woodhouse, Krzysztof Ratajski, Tom Sykes

Projected Winner: Luke Woodhouse

With recent performances hinting at a two-horse race between Woodhouse and Ratajski, consistency will be key. Woodhouse's form gives him the edge in what promises to be a closely contested group.

Group K: James Wade, Ricky Evans, Cam Crabtree

Projected Winner: James Wade

Wade’s experience and skill put him in a prime position to win this group, while Evans and Crabtree will need stellar performances to challenge the seasoned player effectively.

Group L: Michael van Gerwen, Jeffrey de Graaf, Henry Coates

Projected Winner: Michael van Gerwen

Though Van Gerwen’s recent performances have fluctuated, he is still a formidable figure in the tournament. Coates’ rise has been impressive, but MVG remains the player to beat.

Group M: Gian van Veen, Bradley Brooks, Carl Sneyd

Projected Winner: Bradley Brooks

Brooks has shown growth this season and is a worthy contender to lead this group against a recovering Van Veen, who could prove to be a significant threat.

Group N: Chris Dobey, Martin Schindler, Jan Schmidt

Projected Winner: Martin Schindler

Following a commendable performance in the European Championship, Schindler enters as a favorite. Dobey’s prior success does not outweigh Schindler’s recent form.

Group O: Ross Smith, Gabriel Clemens, Rusty-Jake Rodriguez

Projected Winner: Ross Smith

Having dominated recent tournaments, Smith is well-positioned to overcome Clemens and Rodriguez, both of whom will need a monumental performance to challenge him.

Group P: Nathan Aspinall, Karel Sedlacek, Maik Kuivenhoven

Projected Winner: Nathan Aspinall

Aspinall looks set to reclaim his status in the major tournaments with a favorable chance at this event. While both Sedlacek and Kuivenhoven are skilled, they may not pose enough of a challenge to upset Aspinall.