What Is 2012 Grand Slam of Darts

Overview

The 2012 Grand Slam of Darts was the sixth edition of the annual darts tournament organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Held between November 9 and 18, it brought together top players from both the PDC and the British Darts Organisation (BDO), making it a rare cross-code competition.

This year's event was particularly notable for marking the breakthrough of Michael van Gerwen on the major stage. His victory signaled the arrival of a new dominant force in professional darts.

• Michael van Gerwen won the tournament at age 23, securing his first major PDC title after defeating Raymond van Barneveld in the final with a score of 16–11.
• The event was hosted at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, a venue that had become synonymous with the Grand Slam since its inception in 2007.
• Van Gerwen earned a winner's purse of £100,000, one of the largest prizes in non-World Championship darts events at the time.
• Unlike standard PDC events, the Grand Slam features a unique qualification system, including winners of televised events from both the PDC and BDO over the previous 12 months.
• The 2012 edition included 32 players, divided into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage.

How It Works

The Grand Slam of Darts uses a distinctive format designed to blend talent from multiple darts organizations and reward recent success rather than rankings alone.

• Qualification Period: Players qualify by winning televised titles in the 12 months prior. In 2012, this included events like the World Matchplay and BDO World Cup.
• Group Stage: The 32 players are split into eight groups; each plays best-of-nine-leg matches, and the top two advance based on points and leg difference.
• Knockout Format: From the last 16 onward, matches follow a set format, increasing in length—quarterfinals best-of-19 sets, semifinals best-of-21, and the final best-of-31.
• Cross-Code Play: The event is one of the few where PDC and BDO professionals compete directly, creating unique matchups not seen in other tournaments.
• Prize Structure: The winner received £100,000, with decreasing amounts down to last 16, incentivizing strong performances throughout the event.
• Host Venue: Since 2007, the tournament has been held at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, known for its electric crowd and dartboard sightlines.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts compared to other major darts events of the era:

The 2012 Grand Slam stood out for its hybrid qualification and group stage, offering a different challenge compared to pure knockout events. Its prize fund matched that of the World Matchplay, emphasizing its elite status within the PDC calendar.

Why It Matters

The 2012 Grand Slam of Darts was a turning point in modern darts history, both for the rise of a new star and the event's role in unifying the sport’s fractured landscape.

• Michael van Gerwen’s win marked the beginning of his dominance, as he would go on to win multiple World Championships in the following decade.
• The tournament demonstrated the viability of cross-organization play, fostering greater unity between PDC and BDO players during a period of rivalry.
• Its unique group stage format added strategic depth, requiring consistency over multiple matches rather than single-elimination luck.
• The Wolverhampton crowd became legendary for its energy, helping elevate the event’s reputation as one of the most entertaining on the calendar.
• With a £100,000 prize, it offered financial incentive comparable to other majors, attracting top-tier participation from both circuits.
• The 2012 edition helped solidify the Grand Slam as a premier PDC event, now considered a ranking tournament and a staple of the darts season.

Today, the 2012 tournament is remembered not just for van Gerwen’s breakthrough, but as a pivotal moment in the sport’s evolution toward greater inclusivity and competitive depth.