Gary Anderson Challenges Raymond van Barneveld; Luke Littler Meets Gian van Veen

The highly anticipated World Grand Prix Darts will kick off with exciting matchups from October 6 to 12, 2025, at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester. Veteran players Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld will face off in a compelling opening round. Anderson, a seasoned competitor, will battle against the iconic Dutch player van Barneveld, who recently secured his spot in the tournament at an event in Basel.
Key Matchups in the First Round
Luke Littler, the World Champion, will go head-to-head with the rising star Gian van Veen. Both players have shown immense talent, making their clash a focal point of the round.
Match Schedule
- October 6 (6 PM)
- Rob Cross vs Wessel Nijman
- Martin Schindler vs Krzysztof Ratajski
- Chris Dobey vs Cameron Menzies
- James Wade vs Joe Cullen
- Danny Noppert vs Jermaine Wattimena
- Luke Humphries vs Nathan Aspinall
- Gary Anderson vs Raymond van Barneveld
- Stephen Bunting vs Niko Springer
- October 7 (6 PM)
- Damon Heta vs Luke Woodhouse
- Ross Smith vs Daryl Gurney
- Jonny Clayton vs Andrew Gilding
- Gerwyn Price vs Ryan Searle
- Luke Littler vs Gian van Veen
- Michael van Gerwen vs Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Peter Wright vs Mike De Decker
- Josh Rock vs Ryan Joyce
Defending Champion and Format Insights
Mike De Decker, the reigning champion, aims for consecutive titles after triumphing over Luke Humphries last year. This tournament features a unique double in, double out format, requiring players to hit a double to start and finish each leg of the game. This format adds a strategic layer, as players must begin and conclude their turns with precision.
Notable Absences
Several high-profile players will be missing from this year’s tournament, including 2023 World Champion Michael Smith and semi-finalist Dimitri Van den Bergh. Their absence leaves the competition open for emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike.
As the tournament approaches, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the thrilling matchups and potential upsets that the World Grand Prix Darts promises.