The 2026 Grand Slam of Darts has officially commenced in Wolverhampton, marking a significant expansion for the Professional Darts Corporation event.
This year, the tournament features a larger field of 48 competitors, a shift from previous iterations of the major competition.
Unlike standard knockout formats, the initial phase utilizes a group stage structure where participants face two opponents to determine who advances to the last 16, according to reports from Yahoo Sports.
Defending champion Luke Littler enters the tournament following his 2025 victory over Luke Humphries, a win that elevated him to the world number one ranking.
Littler faces a demanding start to his campaign, with opening matches against Beau Greaves and Neils Zonneveld, the latter of whom holds a previous victory over the champion.
The tournament schedule spans nine days, concluding with the final on 22 November, as detailed in the official event schedule.
Prize money for the 2026 edition has seen a substantial increase, rising from a total pot of £650,000 to £1 million.
The eventual winner of the tournament is set to receive £200,000, which represents a notable increase from the £150,000 awarded in the previous year.
Qualification criteria for the expanded field were updated to include a mix of major PDC televised finalists, youth and development tour players, and international championship winners.
The top 16 players in the PDC order of merit were seeded for the group stage, while others were divided into specific pots to ensure competitive balance across the groups.
Tie-breakers for the group stage include total leg difference, total legs won, and even a potential play-off involving a nine-dart leg if necessary.
The competition continues through the second round, quarter-finals, and semi-finals before the final match determines the champion.
Phil Taylor remains the most successful player in the history of the competition, having won the Eric Bristow trophy multiple times throughout his career.
Tournament organizers expect the nine-day event to draw significant attention as the field of 48 players battles for the increased prize money and the prestigious title.