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Grand Slam of Darts Expands to 48 Players for First Time

SkySports | News •
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The Grand Slam of Darts is expanding to a 48-player field for the first time in its history at WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton this November. The prestigious tournament, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, returns from November 14-22 with the biggest names in darts competing for the coveted Eric Bristow Trophy. Reigning champion Luke Littler headlines the early confirmed stars, alongside Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen.

This expansion represents a significant evolution for the tournament, which has traditionally featured 32 players since its inception. The new format will include 16 groups of three players, with the top 16 players seeded by PDC Rankings and the remaining 32 players split into two tiers based on ranking order. The finalists from PDC televised events over the past 12 months will secure 24 places, with additional spots awarded through various qualifying tournaments including the Premier League, World Matchplay, and World Youth Championship.

The expanded field creates more opportunities for emerging talent while maintaining the tournament's elite status. Players can qualify through multiple pathways including the Women's World Matchplay, Asian Championship, North American Championship, and PDC Tour Card Holder Qualifier. This broader qualification structure ensures a diverse and competitive field, setting the stage for what promises to be the most inclusive and exciting Grand Slam of Darts yet.