Grand Slam of Darts 2026 Overview

The Grand Slam of Darts 2026 is ready to captivate fans with a fresh format and a greatly increased prize fund. From November 14 to 22, an impressive roster of 48 players will compete for the prestigious Eric Bristow Trophy and a total prize pool of £1,000,000, live on Sky Sports.

Event Schedule

Kicking off on Saturday, November 14, the tournament will feature intense match play culminating in the final on Sunday, November 22. The quarter-finals are scheduled for November 20 and 21, followed by the semi-finals on the final day before the evening showdown for the title.

Match Schedule Highlights

Saturday, November 14:

Afternoon Matches at 1 PM
Evening Matches at 7 PM

Sunday, November 15:

Continues with afternoon and evening sessions

Quarter-Finals: Scheduled for November 20 (two matches) and November 21 (two matches).
Semi-Finals: Afternoon on November 22.
Final: Evening on November 22.

Group Format Changes

In a significant shift from previous years, the Grand Slam will now consist of 16 groups composed of three players each. Unlike prior editions where two players advanced from each group, only the group winners will move on to the knockout stage. This new layout enhances the stakes as each player will compete in only two matches during the group phase, elevating the competition.

Point System

Players will earn two points for a win, with no points awarded for losses. In the event of a tie within a group, several tiebreaking criteria will be applied, including total leg difference and highest tournament average. Should ties persist, a unique playoff will determine the advancing players.

Prize Money Increase

Thanks to the expanded format, the total prize money has surged from £650,000 to a staggering £1,000,000 in 2026. The champion will take home £200,000, while the runner-up will be awarded £100,000. Additional payouts will reward semifinalists with £60,000 and quarter-finalists with £35,000.

Registration and Qualification

Players earning a second-place finish in their group will walk away with £12,500, while those at the bottom will still receive £5,000. The competition promises to be fierce, with plenty of seasoned champions and emerging talent looking to make their mark.

Defending Champion and Historical Context

Luke Littler aims to defend his title after winning back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025. He will face stiff competition as he tries for his third consecutive victory, a feat achieved by very few in the Grand Slam’s history.

Historical Winners

Since its inception in 2007, the Grand Slam of Darts has seen only nine different winners, with Phil Taylor leading the way with six titles. Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price follow closely with three each. Littler's pursuit of a third title positions him among the tournament's elite players.

Iconic Moments in Darts

The tournament has been known for its thrilling moments and record-breaking performances. Notably, Luke Humphries recorded a nine-darter, a feat mirrored by several other players in previous years. The anticipation surrounding such moments adds to the event's excitement.

As fans gear up for the Grand Slam of Darts 2026, the combination of a higher prize pot, an altered format, and the presence of top-tier talent promises to deliver an exhilarating experience. Darts enthusiasts can catch all the action live on Sky Sports.