World Grand Prix 2025 Draw: Humphries vs Aspinall, Littler vs Van Veen, Anderson vs Barney – It’s On

The BoyleSports World Grand Prix, known for being the most unpredictable tournament on the darts calendar, is back — and the 2025 edition promises drama from the very first dart. The unique double-in, double-out format makes this event a brutal test, where even the sport’s biggest stars can’t afford a slow start. And with some massive first-round clashes, big names are guaranteed to fall early.

Humphries Drawn Into Blockbuster Battle with Aspinall

World No.1 Luke Humphries begins his title defense in a match that could easily headline a final, let alone a first round. He faces Nathan Aspinall in what is arguably the standout tie of the opening phase. Humphries surged to the top of the rankings after winning this title last year, but Aspinall — a player who thrives under pressure and in set play — will be a major early test. Expect fireworks.

Littler Returns with All Eyes Watching

Reigning World Champion Luke Littler makes his second Grand Prix appearance against Dutch talent Gian van Veen. Littler, who has taken the darting world by storm since claiming the Sid Waddell Trophy in January, reached the quarter-finals on debut here last year. With even more expectation on his shoulders this time around, he’ll need to navigate one of the trickiest formats in the game — and a very capable opponent looking to announce himself.

Legends Collide: Anderson v Van Barneveld

One of the most nostalgic matchups of the first round sees Gary Anderson take on Raymond van Barneveld. Both former World Champions have shown glimpses of their best this year and will be desperate to roll back the years on a big stage. It’s a heavyweight clash loaded with history, but only one can advance — the other’s Grand Prix hopes will end on night one.

Van Gerwen Faces All-Dutch Test

Six-time champion Michael van Gerwen has a formidable record at the Grand Prix, but he faces a tough opener against fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode. Van Duijvenbode’s high-octane scoring can unsettle anyone, and the short format of round one has claimed many big scalps before. Van Gerwen remains the favorite — but he’ll need to be sharp from the start.

Price Drawn Against Power-Scorer Searle

Gerwyn Price, the 2020 champion, meets Ryan Searle in another high-stakes first-round encounter. Price’s power scoring and experience in set play make him a strong contender, but Searle’s 180-hitting threat means this could be one of the most dangerous ties of the round.

Other Key Clashes: Wright, Cross, Clayton Eye Smooth Starts

Elsewhere in the draw:

• Peter Wright, still searching for consistent form, faces Mike de Decker in a match where an upset isn’t out of the question.

• Rob Cross, always reliable in set play, opens against rising star Wessel Nijman.

• Jonny Clayton takes on the tricky Andrew Gilding.

All three seeded players are favorites — but upsets are always around the corner at the Grand Prix.

Bunting, Dobey, Rock and More Round Out a Stacked First Round

• Stephen Bunting, fresh off a European Tour win in Switzerland, faces Germany’s Niko Springer.

• Chris Dobey goes up against the unpredictable Cameron Menzies.

• Josh Rock will clash with Ryan Joyce.

• Danny Noppert and Jermaine Wattimena square off in an all-Dutch showdown.

• Damon Heta takes on Luke Woodhouse in a tie that could go the distance.

As always, the double-in format is the great leveller — and by the end of opening night, we could already see some major shifts in the tournament landscape.

World Grand Prix 2025 Draw