Grand Slam
Grand Slam of Darts 2026 Betting Tips & Predictions: Van Gerwen overpriced for major glory
The Grand Slam of Darts returns to Wolverhampton from November 14-22, with 48 players competing for the Eric Bristow Trophy and a share of a record £1 million prize fund, and William Hill News is here with the best value selections for the major tournament.
Luke Littler arrives as the defending champion and clear favourite, but the expanded field creates plenty of opportunities to look beyond the market leader for some bigger-priced each-way selections.
With Littler priced at 11/8, there is little doubt who the market expects to lift the trophy. However, there are several names down the betting worth considering for those looking for a more rewarding return.
Luke Littler the man to beat at 11/8
Littler heads the outright market at 11/8 after winning the Grand Slam in both 2024 and 2025. He has already established himself as one of the dominant forces in the sport, and his ability to produce huge averages and score heavily under pressure makes him a formidable opponent across the longer matches.
He has also been drawn in Group A alongside Beau Greaves and Niels Zonneveld. While Greaves is a particularly interesting opponent, Littler will be expected to progress and make another deep run. With a third consecutive title in his sights, he is understandably the player everyone else will have to beat.
Luke Humphries is the second favourite at 7/2, with Gerwyn Price next at 9/1. Both have the quality to challenge, but Littler’s recent record in this competition makes him a deserved market leader.
Ross Smith – 20/1
Ross Smith is an appealing alternative at 20/1. The European Champion has the scoring power to trouble the leading players and is capable of producing the high averages needed to compete in a major tournament.
He heads Group O alongside Gabriel Clemens and Rusty-Jake Rodriguez, giving him a route into the knockout stages. Smith’s ability to find big scores in quick succession makes him a dangerous opponent, and if he carries that form into the longer matches, he could make a serious impression.
At 20/1, he is an interesting each-way contender.
Wessel Nijman – 25/1
Wessel Nijman is another name worth keeping onside at 25/1. The Dutchman has been making progress on the professional circuit and has the scoring ability to compete with some of the biggest names in the field.
He has been drawn in Group H with Niko Springer and Adam Sevada, offering an opportunity to reach the knockout stages. Nijman may not have the same major-tournament experience as some of his rivals, but his best game is right up there with the best in the world, and he is of interest at 25/1.
Michael van Gerwen – 28/1
Michael van Gerwen is a particularly interesting selection at 28/1. The three-time Grand Slam champion has the pedigree to win this tournament, even if he is no longer the dominant force he once was.
Van Gerwen’s experience of performing on the biggest stages should not be underestimated. He has the scoring power and temperament to go deep into a major, and his Group L draw includes Jeffrey de Graaf and Henry Coates.
That should allow him to find his way earlier on in the tournament and if he can find his best form, the Dutchman’s odds could look extremely generous.
Grand Slam of Darts best bets
Littler is undoubtedly the likeliest winner at 11/8, but there is appeal in looking towards the bigger prices for each-way value. Smith at 20/1, Nijman at 25/1 and Van Gerwen at 28/1 all have qualities that could help them make an impact.
Best each-way bets: Ross Smith 20/1, Wessel Nijman 25/1 and Michael van Gerwen 28/1.
Prices accurate at time of writing – odds subject to change.
Check out the latest darts betting odds with William Hill.
