What Is 2017 Grand Slam of Darts

Overview

The 2017 Grand Slam of Darts was the 11th edition of this prestigious darts tournament, organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Held annually since 2007, the event uniquely bridges the PDC and BDO circuits, featuring top players from both organizations alongside regional qualifiers.

This year’s tournament drew widespread attention due to its high-stakes format and the participation of legends and rising stars alike. The format emphasized competitive balance, ensuring that rankings alone didn’t guarantee success, making for dramatic upsets and intense matches.

• November 11–19, 2017 marked the official dates of the tournament, held at Wolverhampton Civic Hall for the 11th consecutive year.
• Michael van Gerwen claimed his second Grand Slam title, having previously won in 2012, by defeating defending champion Gary Anderson in a 16–13 final.
• The prize fund reached £500,000, with £100,000 awarded to the winner—the largest purse in the event’s history at the time.
• 27 players competed, including 11 from the PDC Order of Merit and 16 qualifiers from BDO, WDF, and regional circuits.
• Raymond van Barneveld made a memorable run to the semifinals at age 44, defeating young star Gerwyn Price in the quarterfinals.

How It Works

The Grand Slam of Darts uses a unique qualification and group-stage format designed to mix players from different darts organizations, creating unpredictability and high drama throughout the event.

• Qualification Paths:11 PDC players qualified via the PDC Order of Merit, while 16 spots were filled through BDO rankings, WDF events, and regional tournaments.
• Group Stage: Players were divided into eight groups of three or four, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stage.
• Match Format: Group matches were played in a best-of-nine legs format, increasing to best-of-31 in the final.
• Scoring System: Players earned 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, with tiebreakers based on leg difference and head-to-head results.
• Knockout Rounds: From the last 16 onward, matches followed a straight knockout format, with increasing leg requirements per round.
• Neutral Darts: All players used standardized darts provided by the organizers to ensure fairness and eliminate equipment advantages.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts with prior editions:

The 2017 edition stood out for its increased prize fund and competitive depth. Michael van Gerwen’s victory solidified his dominance in PDC darts, while the inclusion of strong BDO performers like Glen Durrant highlighted the tournament’s unifying role in the sport.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Grand Slam of Darts was a pivotal moment in darts history, reinforcing the sport’s growing global appeal and competitive parity between organizations.

• Unification of Circuits: The event remains one of the few where PDC and BDO players compete on equal footing, promoting unity in the sport.
• Star Power: Van Gerwen’s win enhanced his reputation as the world’s best, while Anderson’s runner-up finish reaffirmed his elite status.
• Prize Growth: The £100,000 purse signaled PDC’s investment in elevating secondary tournaments to major status.
• Television Exposure: Broadcast by Sky Sports, the event reached over 2 million viewers during peak matches, boosting darts’ profile.
• Pathway for Talent: Players like Dirk van Duijvenbode gained exposure, later securing PDC tours.
• Legacy: The 2017 event set attendance records, with over 100,000 fans attending across nine days.

As darts continues to grow globally, the Grand Slam remains a critical showcase of talent, drama, and sporting excellence, with the 2017 edition standing as a benchmark for future tournaments.