What Is 2018 Grand Slam of Darts

Overview

The 2018 Grand Slam of Darts was the 12th edition of this prestigious darts tournament, organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). It brought together top players from both the PDC and the British Darts Organisation (BDO), creating a unique mixed-field competition.

Hosted at the Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton, the event ran from November 10 to November 18, attracting a global audience. Michael van Gerwen emerged champion after a dominant performance throughout the knockout stages.

• Michael van Gerwen won the title by defeating James Wade 16–12 in the final, securing his third Grand Slam victory after previous wins in 2012 and 2016.
• The tournament featured 48 players, including top PDC stars and qualifiers from the BDO and regional qualifiers, ensuring broad competitive representation.
• Matches were played in a best-of-legs format, with sets contested over the best of five legs, and the final being best of 31 legs.
• Raymond van Barneveld made a memorable run to the semifinals, defeating Gerwyn Price in a dramatic quarterfinal before losing to James Wade.
• The event was broadcast globally by ITV4 in the UK and other international partners, contributing to its growing popularity among darts fans worldwide.

How It Works

The Grand Slam of Darts uses a unique qualification and group-stage format that blends players from different darts organizations, making it distinct from other PDC events.

• Qualification Paths: Players qualify via PDC rankings, BDO rankings, World Cup performance, or through regional qualifiers, ensuring diverse field representation.
• Group Stage: The 48 players are divided into eight groups of six, playing round-robin matches; the top two from each group advance.
• Knockout Format: From the last 16 onward, matches follow a straight knockout system, with increasing set requirements as the tournament progresses.
• Scoring System: Each leg is played to 501, with players required to double out; matches are decided by best-of-legs formats that vary by stage.
• Prize Money: The 2018 event had a total prize fund of £500,000, with the winner receiving £100,000, one of the highest payouts in non-World Championship events.
• Venue Tradition: Since 2008, the Grand Slam has been held annually at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton, creating a consistent fan experience.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects of the 2018 Grand Slam of Darts against other major PDC events:

The Grand Slam stands out due to its mixed qualification system and group stage, unlike the straight knockout formats of the World Matchplay or World Grand Prix. Its £500,000 prize fund matches the UK Open, but it offers a more diverse field, making it a unique hybrid event in the darts calendar.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Grand Slam of Darts was significant not only for its competitive depth but also for its role in bridging the gap between PDC and BDO players before the BDO's eventual decline.

• Unification of Talent: The tournament allowed PDC and BDO players to compete on equal footing, promoting unity in the sport during a period of organizational tension.
• Van Gerwen's Dominance: Michael van Gerwen’s third title reinforced his status as the era’s top player, with a tournament average of 101.5 across the event.
• Legacy of Wolverhampton: The consistent venue helped build fan loyalty, with attendance averaging over 2,500 per session in 2018.
• Media Exposure: ITV4’s coverage reached millions, increasing darts’ visibility in the UK and helping secure future broadcasting deals.
• Pathway for BDO Players: BDO qualifiers like Glen Durrant used the event to prove their caliber, later transitioning successfully to the PDC.
• Tournament Prestige: Winning the Grand Slam is considered a major career milestone, often boosting players’ rankings and sponsorship opportunities.

The 2018 edition remains a benchmark for format innovation and competitive balance, highlighting the Grand Slam’s enduring importance in professional darts.