Grand Slam of Darts
Tournament Overview
The Grand Slam of Darts is a unique and prestigious event in the world of professional darts. Organized annually by the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation), the Grand Slam of Darts stands out for featuring players from both the **PDC** and **BDO/WDF** systems, making it a truly inclusive and competitive tournament. Since its inception in **2007**, the tournament has become a favorite for fans worldwide, showcasing the best talent in darts under one roof.
Held in **Wolverhampton**, England, at the Aldersley Leisure Village, the event features a group-stage format followed by knockout rounds, ensuring excitement from start to finish.
History
The Grand Slam of Darts was introduced in **2007** to bring together champions and finalists from major events across the year, representing the PDC and BDO systems. The inaugural tournament was won by **Phil Taylor**, who set the benchmark for excellence in this competition.
Over the years, the Grand Slam has featured iconic clashes, including rising stars and established legends. The format of combining players from both darts organizations has made it a symbol of unity and fierce rivalry in the sport. With the eventual dissolution of the BDO in 2020, the Grand Slam continues as a PDC-only event, featuring winners and top performers from all major PDC tournaments.
Format and Rules
The Grand Slam of Darts is unique due to its combination of **group-stage** and **knockout-round** formats:
- Group Stage: 32 players are divided into **8 groups** of four players each. Matches are played in a **round-robin format**, with the top two players from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
- Knockout Rounds: The remaining 16 players compete in a single-elimination bracket.
- Match Format:
- Group Stage: Best of 9 legs.
- Second Round: Best of 19 legs.
- Quarter-Finals: Best of 31 legs.
- Semi-Finals and Final: Best of 31 legs.
Players qualify through winning or reaching finals in major tournaments, making the Grand Slam a “champions-only” showcase of talent.
Past Winners
Some of the greatest players in darts have lifted the Grand Slam of Darts trophy. Here is a list of notable winners:
- 2007: Phil Taylor
- 2012: Raymond van Barneveld
- 2015: Michael van Gerwen
- 2018: Gerwyn Price
- 2023: Michael Smith
Records & Stats
Most Titles: Phil Taylor holds the record with **6 titles** (2007-2014).
Youngest Winner: Michael van Gerwen, winning at age 26 in **2015**.
Highest Match Average: Michael van Gerwen’s **114.85** in the 2017 quarter-finals remains unmatched.
Most Recent Champion: Michael Smith, who claimed the 2023 title after a dominant performance.
Memorable Moments
- Gerwyn Price’s Back-to-Back Titles (2018-2019): Price became the first player to defend the Grand Slam title, cementing his place among the greats.
- Phil Taylor’s Six Titles: Taylor’s dominance in the early years set a standard unmatched in the tournament’s history.
- Michael Smith’s Victory (2023): Smith’s emphatic win solidified his status as one of the sport’s top players.
Current Year’s Tournament
The **2024 Grand Slam of Darts** will take place at the **Aldersley Leisure Village** in Wolverhampton, England, from **November 9 to November 17, 2024**. Featuring the top 32 players from major PDC tournaments, fans can expect electrifying group-stage drama and high-stakes knockout matches. Darting stars like **Michael Smith**, **Gerwyn Price**, and **Michael van Gerwen** are expected to headline the event.
Prize Money and Sponsorships
The Grand Slam of Darts offers a total prize pool of £650,000, distributed as follows:
- Winner: £150,000
- Runner-Up: £70,000
- Semi-Finalists: £50,000 each
- Group Stage Win Bonus: £3,500 per win
Key Sponsors: The tournament is proudly sponsored by **Cazoo**, alongside long-time partners **Winmau** and **Sky Sports**.
How to Watch
- TV Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), DAZN (Global), RTL7 (Netherlands).
- Online Streaming: PDC TV provides global streaming access.
- Live Scores: Follow real-time scores and stats on the PDC website.
Fan Engagement
Fans can enjoy the full Grand Slam experience with: – **Fan Zone Activities:** Meet-and-greet sessions with players. – **Merchandise:** Exclusive event-themed darts gear and memorabilia. – **Social Media Interaction:** Follow updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes action with #GrandSlamDarts.
Gallery and Media
Watch the highlights, player interviews, and exclusive photos from the tournament on the **PDC website** and official YouTube channel.
FAQs
Q: When is the Grand Slam of Darts held?
A: The tournament takes place in **November** each year.
Q: Where is the Grand Slam of Darts played?
A: It is hosted at the **Aldersley Leisure Village** in Wolverhampton, England.
Q: Who has won the most Grand Slam of Darts titles?
A: Phil Taylor holds the record with **6 titles**.
Q: How can I watch the tournament?
A: Matches are broadcast on **Sky Sports**, **DAZN**, and streamed via **PDC TV**.
