The Grand Slam of Darts has returned to Wolverhampton, with thousands of spectators expected to visit the WV Active Aldersley venue over the next nine days.
The tournament, which concludes on Nov. 22, has expanded its field to 48 players, up from the previous 32, according to reports from Yahoo Sports.
Organizers have also increased the total prize fund to £1 million, with the winner set to receive £200,000.
The Professional Darts Corporation has implemented a new format for the competition, dividing players into 16 groups of three.
Under these new rules, only the top player from each group will advance to the knockout stage, increasing the stakes for participants, as noted by BBC Sport.
Reigning champion Luke Littler aims to secure his third Eric Bristow Trophy during the event.
He faces stiff competition, including a group match against Beau Greaves, who previously defeated him in the Winmau World Youth Championship.
Local fans are also supporting Luke Woodhouse, a world number 17 player who represents his hometown of Bewdley.
The event serves as a significant economic driver for the city, attracting approximately 24,000 attendees to the venue, which has hosted the tournament since 2018.
Josh Phillips, head of media at the Professional Darts Corporation, explained the importance of the host city, stating, “The city has been central to the tournament’s identity, with the passion of the local crowd matched by fans travelling from across the UK and overseas.”
Local business owners have observed a positive impact on the area during the competition.
Simon, an employee at a local darts shop, described the atmosphere as an experience in itself and noted that the event provides a real boost to the economy.
Tournament organizers expect the televised coverage to continue showcasing the sport to an international audience throughout the duration of the event.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for Nov. 20 and 21, followed by the semi-finals and the final on Nov. 22.