PDC darts have only one mainstream elite event which is not ‘straight start’ 501. Therefor the World Grand Prix is unique and, as a result, is beloved by many. Combined with its soon established Dublin home and early-round shock potential the double start format ensures that there is always something to talk about.
Despite these distinct features, there are very few names on the Trophy itself. Phil Taylor collected 11 titles, during his dominant years, yet he was unable to put together a run of more than three in a row. Other than ‘The Power‘ only MVG has managed more than two crowns.
Yet the array of those who have reached the final is perhaps the best measure of the reason the event holds such a fascination.
Shayne Burgess, Roland Scholten, Rod Harrington, Alan Warriner, John Part and Barney all featured early on, but it’s players like Brendan Dolan and Dave Chisnall, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Merv King’s comeback run that show how the event can change lives and secure careers.
Dolan, of course, managed to also make his own history by clocking the first televised double start 9-dart leg during a superb run in his home event.
Luke Humphries claimed his maiden major after an imperious display throughout the 2023 event, adding a new name to the honour role.
Cool Hand seemed to have broken the dam as he went on to dominate that season ranking majors becoming World Champion and World Number one within months.
Once more we had witnessed a huge step change in a player’s career at this unique event. But 2024 would hold an even more unexpected career maker as Mike De Decker shocked Humphries to win his first major whilst ranked outside the top 32.
So, seeds falling everywhere or business as usual? At the WGP neither is ever a surprise.
Roll of Honour
1998 Phil Taylor def Rod Harrington 13-8
1999 Phil Taylor def Shayne Burgess 6-1
2000 Phil Taylor def Shayne Burgess 6-1
2001 Alan Warriner def Roland Scholten 8-2
2002 Phil Taylor def John Part 7-3
2003 Phil Taylor def John Part 7-2
2004 Colin Lloyd def Alan Warriner 7-3
2005 Phil Taylor def Colin Lloyd 7-1
2006 Phil Taylor def Terry Jenkins 7-4
2007 James Wade def Terry Jenkins 6-3
2008 Phil Taylor def Raymond van Barneveld 6-2
2009 Phil Taylor def Raymond van Barneveld 6-3
2010 James Wade def Adrian Lewis 6-2
2011 Phil Taylor def Brendan Dolan 6-3
2012 Michael van Gerwen def Mervyn King 6-4
2013 Phil Taylor def Dave Chisnall 6-0
2014 Michael van Gerwen def James Wade 5-3
2015 Robert Thornton def Michael van Gerwen 5-4
2016 Michael van Gerwen def Gary Anderson 5-2
2017 Daryl Gurney def Simon Whitlock 5-4
2018 Michael van Gerwen def Peter Wright 5-2
2019 Michael van Gerwen def Dave Chisnall 5-2
2020 Gerwyn Price def Dirk van Duijvenbode 5-2
2021 Jonny Clayton def Gerwyn Price 5-1
2022 Michael van Gerwen def Nathan Aspisnall 5-3
2023 Luke Humphries def Gerwyn Price 5-2
2024 Mike De Decker def Luke Humphries 6-4
9 Dart Legs:
Brendan Dolan
James Wade and Robert Thornton
—–ENDS—-
Lead Image: Lawrence Lustig (PDC)
