In a stunning display of talent, Belgian Mike De Decker secured the World Grand Prix title in Leicester on Sunday, raising questions about his potential inclusion in next year’s Premier League. De Decker triumphed over defending champion Luke Humphries in a thrilling 6-4 final, marking his first major title victory.
Ranked 36th in the PDC Order of Merit prior to this monumental win at the Mattioli Arena, De Decker showcased why he is dubbed the ‘Real Deal’ as he took home a prize of £120,000. However, the champion expressed hesitation about jumping directly into the Premier League, citing concerns over the demands of competing against the world’s elite week after week.
“I’m a major champion now and plan to keep doing what I’ve been doing for the past 18 months, aiming for more trophies. Honestly, I’m not sure if I’m ready for the Premier League yet,” said De Decker. “I’ve seen how it has affected players like Kim Huybrechts and Dimitri Van den Bergh. If they offer me a spot, I’ll definitely say yes, but if not, then perhaps next year or the year after. It’s not my decision.”
The upcoming Premier League season promises an exciting lineup featuring top stars, including Luke Littler and world No. 1 Humphries, with De Decker’s fellow Belgian Van den Bergh also expected to compete. Humphries commented on De Decker’s premier league prospects, stating, “He’s positioned himself well, and I don’t think he will be overlooked. It’s a tough competition for spots, especially with Van den Bergh also in contention, but it could be the perfect time to give Mike a chance.”
“Winning one major alone isn’t enough to guarantee a place, yet if he consistently performs at a high level, that could change the conversation. If De Decker demonstrates brilliance in upcoming tournaments, he could very well secure a spot,” Humphries added.
Upcoming Premier League Season Details
The new Premier League season is set to kick off in Belfast on February 6, featuring 17 venues across the UK and Europe, culminating in the Play-Offs at London’s O2 in May.
- Night 1: The SSE Arena, Belfast – February 6
- Night 2: OVO Hydro, Glasgow – February 13
- Night 3: 3Arena, Dublin – February 20
- Night 4: Westpoint Exeter – February 27
- Night 5: The Brighton Centre – March 6
- Night 6: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – March 13
- Night 7: Utilita Arena, Cardiff – March 20
- Night 8: Utilita Arena, Newcastle – March 27
- Night 9: Uber Arena, Berlin – April 3
- Night 10: AO Arena, Manchester – April 10
- Night 11: Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – April 17
- Night 12: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – April 24
- Night 13: Utilita Arena, Birmingham – May 1
- Night 14: First Direct Arena, Leeds – May 8
- Night 15: P&J Live, Aberdeen – May 15
- Night 16: Utilita Arena, Sheffield – May 22
- Play-Offs: The O2, London – May 29
Following the Premier League, live darts continues with the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton from November 9-17, where Humphries aims to defend his title. The excitement will not end there, as the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship begins on December 15, ensuring action-packed darts throughout the year.
