Grand Slam of Darts 2026: Start Time, Schedule and How to Watch Live in UK
Darts fans do not have to wait much longer for one of the biggest tournaments on the PDC calendar, and this year’s Grand Slam of Darts promises to be particularly interesting. With Luke Littler returning as defending champion, a bigger field and a million-pound prize fund, there is plenty to look forward to when the action gets underway in Wolverhampton.
The 2026 edition will also bring a significant change to the competition’s format. Instead of the familiar 32-player field, 48 players will compete for the prestigious Eric Bristow Trophy, giving more players an opportunity to make their mark on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
For supporters planning to follow every match, knowing when the tournament starts and where to watch the action is essential. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Grand Slam of Darts, including the dates, UK television coverage, schedule and players to watch.
When Does the Grand Slam of Darts 2026 Start?
The 2026 Grand Slam of Darts begins on Saturday, November 14, and runs until Sunday, November 22.
The tournament will take place at WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton, England, which continues to host the prestigious competition.
The opening day features afternoon and evening sessions, giving fans plenty of opportunities to catch the opening group matches. The first session is scheduled to begin at 1pm UK time, with the evening session starting at 7:30pm.
There will be two sessions on the opening Sunday as well, before the tournament moves into its weekday schedule of evening matches.
The final is scheduled for Sunday, November 22, bringing nine days of action to a conclusion.
How Can You Watch the Grand Slam of Darts in the UK?
UK viewers will be able to watch the entire tournament live on Sky Sports.
Coverage will be spread across Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+, depending on the session and other sporting events taking place at the same time.
Fans with a Sky Sports subscription can follow the action through their television packages, while those who prefer streaming can use Sky Go. NOW also provides a way to watch Sky Sports without committing to a traditional long-term television contract.
The coverage is particularly important this year because the expanded competition means there will be more players and more matches to follow.
The opening weekend will feature afternoon coverage from 1pm and evening coverage from 7:30pm. From Monday, November 16, most sessions are scheduled to begin at 7pm.
The final Sunday will feature the semi-finals in the afternoon before the championship match in the evening.
For supporters who cannot watch every match live, the PDC’s digital platforms and tournament coverage will provide additional ways to keep up with results and developments.
A Major Change to the Tournament Format
One of the biggest talking points surrounding this year’s competition is the expansion from 32 players to 48.
The new format will feature 16 groups of three players, with each competitor facing the other two players in their group. The top two from every group will advance to a 32-player knockout stage.
That means there will be less room for mistakes from the opening matches. With only three players in each group, one poor performance could put a favourite under immediate pressure.
The group stage should also create some fascinating match-ups, particularly when established major champions find themselves competing against emerging talents.
Once the group matches are completed, the competition moves into a straight knockout format. From that point onwards, one defeat means the end of the road.
Personally, the expanded format is an interesting development. It gives more players an opportunity to compete on one of the sport’s biggest stages, although the group matches will need to deliver competitive encounters to make the change worthwhile.
Luke Littler Returns as Defending Champion
Luke Littler will naturally attract plenty of attention when the tournament begins.
The teenage sensation won the 2024 and 2025 editions, making him the defending champion heading into this year’s competition.
His victory in the 2025 final came against Luke Humphries, winning 16-11 to retain the trophy.
Now, Littler has the opportunity to complete a remarkable hat-trick of Grand Slam titles.
That would be a significant achievement, particularly considering the quality of players he will have to overcome. He has already established himself as one of the biggest attractions in professional darts, but defending a major title is never straightforward.
Humphries will also be determined to challenge for another major trophy after losing last year’s final.
Other familiar names include Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen and James Wade.
There will also be plenty of interest in Gian van Veen, Nathan Aspinall, Ross Smith and several other players who have enjoyed notable success on the PDC circuit.
One particularly interesting name is Beau Greaves, who will be among the competitors representing the women’s game. Her presence adds another dimension to an already fascinating field.
A Record £1 Million Prize Fund
Another major attraction is the increased prize money.
The 2026 Grand Slam of Darts will feature a total prize fund of £1 million, representing a significant increase from the £650,000 available in previous editions.
The winner will collect £200,000, while the runner-up will receive £100,000. The two losing semi-finalists will each earn £60,000.
That is a huge incentive for everyone involved, particularly those hoping to establish themselves among the elite players in professional darts.
The financial rewards also underline the growing profile of the tournament and the PDC’s continued investment in its major competitions.
Who Has Won the Grand Slam of Darts Before?
The tournament has a fascinating history dating back to 2007, when Phil Taylor won the inaugural edition.
Taylor remains the most successful player in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy six times.
Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price have also enjoyed tremendous success, winning the title three times each.
Luke Humphries joined the list of champions in 2023 before Littler took over with consecutive victories in 2024 and 2025.
The competition has consistently provided memorable moments, dramatic finishes and some of the best performances in professional darts.
With so many established champions returning, there is every reason to expect another entertaining edition.
Can Luke Littler Make More History?
There is no shortage of interesting storylines heading into the 2026 Grand Slam of Darts.
Littler is chasing a third consecutive title, Humphries wants another opportunity to claim the trophy, and players such as Price and Van Gerwen will be hoping to remind everyone of their championship credentials.
The expanded 48-player field also makes this year’s tournament particularly difficult to predict.
For fans, the combination of established rivalries, emerging talents and a bigger prize fund makes the competition one of the most exciting events remaining on the darts calendar.
The action begins on November 14, with the final taking place on November 22, and UK viewers can follow every session on Sky Sports.
Can Luke Littler make history with another Grand Slam triumph, or will somebody finally stop his dominance? Let us know who you think will lift the trophy in the comments.