The darts calendar is packed with big events these days, but there’s one that always stands out to me when it comes to betting: the World Grand Prix. Not because it’s the richest tournament or because it draws in casual fans like the Worlds at Christmas, but because it’s a genuine minefield.
This is the only big event on the PDC circuit that uses the double-in, double-out format. For anyone new to it, that means you can’t even start scoring until you hit a double. Same again when you’re finishing. In normal events, you’ve got players hammering in 180s from the off, setting the tone with heavy scoring. Here, they can’t even get out of the blocks unless they nail that double.
It sounds like a small tweak, but trust me — it changes everything.
Why the Format Matters
Take Luke Littler, the teenage sensation who’s been walking through most tournaments. He’s favourite for this Grand Prix at around 7/4, which on paper makes sense. He’s the form player, he’s already got major titles, and he’s the one everyone’s talking about.
But put him in a double-in, double-out event and things aren’t so straightforward. Littler is brilliant when he gets into rhythm. The danger here is that he can’t get into rhythm if he keeps missing the opening double. Suddenly he’s chasing legs, his opponent is nicking sets, and what should have been a routine win starts looking like a dogfight.
That’s why this format levels the playing field. Big scorers can be stopped before they even start, while players who are clinical on the doubles can punch above their weight.
History Tells us it’s a Graveyard for Favourites
If you’ve been betting on the Grand Prix for years, you’ll know this isn’t just theory. Top names have been knocked out early on plenty of times. Even Michael van Gerwen, who’s won this event six times, has tasted shock exits when his doubling deserted him.
The first round is the worst of it. Best of three sets doesn’t give anyone room to settle. If a seed starts slowly, they’re gone before the crowd have finished their first pint. That’s part of the buzz of this event — and part of the danger if you’re piling in on short prices.
I remember plenty of punters getting burned backing odds-on favourites in round one, only to watch them lose 2–0 in sets to someone ranked way down the order. It’s the kind of tournament where you learn quickly about bankroll management.
Who Looks Dangerous for 2025
Right now, the draw is set and there are a few names that stand out.
- Luke Littler (7/4 favourite) – He’s still the man to beat, no question. But those odds don’t appeal to me in this format. Too short for something this volatile.
- Luke Humphries (around 11/2) – A steady head and consistent under pressure, but he’s not immune to slow starts. I’d need a bigger price to get involved.
- Michael van Gerwen (8/1) – The king of this event. Even when he’s not at his best, he seems to know how to handle the format. If anyone can take advantage of others missing doubles, it’s him.
- Stephen Bunting (12/1) – The one that really catches my eye. He’s just picked up the Swiss Darts Trophy, his second Euro Tour win this year, and he’s scoring and finishing with confidence. If you’re looking for someone with momentum, Bunting’s your man.
- Josh Rock (10/1) – The youngster is dangerous. Heavy scorer, fearless attitude. If he finds a way to settle on the doubles early, he could steamroll through a few big names.
What Punters Should Remember
The temptation with the Grand Prix is to treat it like any other major. Look at the form guide, back the obvious favourites, and hope for the best. That’s a mistake.
This is the one event where you’ve got to think differently. For me, that means:
- Avoiding short odds outright bets – They’re a mug’s play in this tournament. There’s too much that can go wrong, especially in round one.
- Looking at each-way value – Players in the 10/1 to 16/1 range can often run deep, and you get a fair return if they make the final.
- In-play betting is your friend – Odds move quickly once matches start, and you can often spot if a favourite is struggling to find their doubles. Getting on the outsider at that point can be gold.
- Expect the unexpected – Don’t be shocked when big names fall. It happens here more than anywhere else.
Why I Love This Event
For punters, this is the most stressful week of the darts year. Your carefully chosen acca can be blown apart in the space of fifteen minutes. A 1/4 favourite can be gone before you’ve even sat down properly.
But that’s also why I love it. Too many tournaments these days feel predictable. The Grand Prix never does. It’s chaos in the best possible way. You see players who usually don’t get near the later stages suddenly sniffing a semi-final. You see proven champions on the ropes. And you see punters who thought they were safe tearing up their slips.
It’s not about finding a sure thing — because there isn’t one. It’s about spotting where the markets have overreacted, keeping your nerve, and being willing to go against the grain.
A Tournament That Keeps You Honest
So as we head into the 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix, my advice is simple: don’t trust the odds board too much. Littler might well win it — he’s that good — but in this format, even he’s vulnerable. Van Gerwen, Bunting, Rock — they’re all lurking, and all capable of cashing in if the favourite falters.
The double-in, double-out rule makes this the ultimate leveller. It doesn’t care about rankings or reputations. It rewards composure on the doubles and punishes anyone who flinches. For punters, that means opportunity — but only if you respect the chaos.
Me? I’ll be watching with a cold pint and a cautious stake. I’ve been around this block enough times to know one thing: at the World Grand Prix, nothing ever goes to plan.
