Grand Slam of Darts

In the spring of 2007 the PDC announce this new tournament for the autumn. PDC opens its doors with love to the top players of the BDO and calls it the Grand Slam of Darts. All major finalists in all TV events for the prior two years, both BDO and PDC, qualify for the event. Added to this are the losing semi finalists of both world championships of these years. The event, held in Wolverhampton, has arguably the best field of players in any darts tournament. 

The qualification criteria change throughout the years but the major change comes in 2015 when the Grand Slam is ranked for the PDC Order of Merit. When Eric Bristow passes away in April 2018 the Grand Slam of Darts trophy is renamed “The Eric Bristow Trophy”. The tournament is being held from the start in Wolverhampton, in the Civic Hall. Only in 2018 and 2019 will the Aldersley Leisure Village be converted when the Civic Hall is being renovated. Due to the Corona virus the Ricoh Arena in Coventry hosts the 2020 tournament.

From the fourteen editions held so far Phil Taylor has won six. Scott Waites claims the title in 2010 and he remains the only BDO player to do so. In 2012 Raymond van Barneveld beats compatriot Michael van Gerwen. Mighty Mike is the strongest in 2015 and retains his title in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, Gerwyn Price wins his first major tournament, which he retains a year later. Portuguese surprise Jose de Sousa is the 2020 champion.

Four times a magical nine-darter is thrown in Wolverhampton. The first in 2008 when James Wade hits it against Gary Anderson in a match that he would lose. It then takes six years before another perfect leg is thrown. This time it is the Belgian Kim Huybrechts who is playing against Michael van Gerwen. A year later Dave Chisnall hits one against Peter Wright and in 2018 Dimitri Van den Bergh is perfect against Stephen Bunting.