PROFESSIONAL darts can be a really tough business and breaking into the truly elite levels to enjoy a significant career has almost always involved winning a major trophy or, at the very least, reaching finals.
Coaching, managing or otherwise assisting players to succeed can and should involve proper analysis of the opportunities open to the player/s you are helping, the players particular skills, attitudes and abilities as well as their mental or psychological strengths and weaknesses.
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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 long linked 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 (6).
These facts and some close observation convinced me that the double start was a great leveller and also that many of the games top stars did not truly know how to play DIDO or did not prepare for the event specifically.
Thus I long advocated that the WGP would be the event to be won by a player or players from lower down the rankings. Thus I also encouraged those players I had close connection with to take it very seriously and plan their assault on the event as soon as they managed to qualify for it. Many superb runs where produced – by these players and others – and careers were boosted, made and saved on a regular basis.
The array of those who have reached the final, both in Dublin and more recently in Leicester, is perhaps the best illustrative 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 or 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.
The ultimate proof of the game changer nature of the event came back in 2024 when Belgian Mike De Decker went all the way and claimed the title from outside the world top 32 and with odds of 200-1 or better widely available. The Real Deal finally proved his nickname and no one could suggest he “got lucky with the draw” or similar remarks that are often directed at surprise winners.
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Luke Humphries, before being defeated in the 2024 final, had 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 career dam as he went on to dominate that season’s ranking majors before 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. What does 2026 have in store?
Might Gerwyn Price claim a title after two final disappointments? Will Luke littler join another miniscule club – this time of back to back WGP champions – or could we see another unheralded but talented player make that great tungsten leap forward at this unique event?
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Images: PDC
