With a week off, I’ve been looking ahead to one of my favourite events of the year - the Grand Slam of Darts. It’s always an unpredictable mix of elite talent, quick starters, and a few names who catch fire just at the right time.
This year’s line-up looks wide open, so I’ve picked eight players to watch . A blend of favourites, form players, dark horses and potential surprises.
Luke Littler – Favourite
Hard to look past the teenage phenomenon. The defending Grand Slam champion has carried his momentum from an incredible 2024 season straight into 2025, already picking up more titles and averaging in the mid-100s on a regular basis. His scoring power is unmatched right now, and if he brings even 80 % of his best game to Wolverhampton, he’ll take some stopping. Still fearless, still hungry, and the clear man to beat.
Gian van Veen – Close Challenger
The Dutch youngster has quietly become one of the most consistent performers on tour. A smooth thrower with growing confidence, van Veen reached a string of semi-finals earlier this year, befor emaking his big breakthrough, by winning the European Championship last week . He’s already proven he can hold his nerve on stage and has the scoring game to push anyone deep into matches. If anyone can go toe-to-toe with the favourites, it might be him.
James Wade – Man in Form
The “Machine” just keeps ticking. After a few quieter years, Wade has found something close to his best again in 2025. He is measured, clinical, and full of belief. He’s been posting steady averages and taking out key doubles at the right times, which is exactly what the Grand Slam format rewards. With his experience and temperament, you can never rule him out when it matters.
Jermaine Wattimena – Dark Horse
One of the most improved players of the season. Wattimena’s pace and aggression on the oche make him a tough opponent when he’s flowing, and he’s picked up a few eye-catching wins this year over higher-ranked players. If he can keep his first-dart consistency sharp, he could easily turn a few heads and make the knockout rounds. Dangerous when relaxed.
Wessel Nijman – Needs to Punish
After working hard to rebuild his reputation and form, Nijman has shown flashes of real quality this year. He’s heavy-scoring but sometimes guilty of not finishing off the legs he should. If he can learn to punish missed chances, he could make a proper impact on a big stage again. The talent’s never been in doubt and now it’s all about composure.
Chris Dobey – So Consistent
“Hollywood” has been quietly putting together another strong year. He rarely plays a poor game and has become one of the most reliable stage performers on the circuit. While others fluctuate, Dobey’s ability to stay around the 95–100 average mark week in, week out, makes him a real threat. If the draw opens up, he’s got every chance to go deep.
Beau Greaves – The Wildcard
It’s brilliant to see Beau in the mix again. Still just 21, but with a maturity and throwing rhythm that many seasoned pros envy. She’s dominated the Women’s Series and continues to improve against the men on the bigger stages. If she settles quickly and finds her range early, she could shock a few big names. The talent ceiling is sky-high.
Danny Noppert – Mr Steady
Always reliable, rarely flustered. Noppert’s calm, composed style often flies under the radar, but he’s been quietly consistent again in 2025 with solid averages, tidy finishing, and strong stage form. A former UK Open champion and previous Grand Slam semi-finalist, he knows how to handle the format. If he starts well in the groups, he could easily go deep while everyone else focuses on the headline names.
Final Thoughts
The Grand Slam always delivers stories, from shock exits to unexpected heroes. Whether it’s Littler defending, Wade rolling back the years, or someone like Nijman finding form at just the right time, this year’s event feels wide open.
