World Grand Prix Power Rankings: Humphries and Price Lead the Quarter-Final Charge

The 2026 World Grand Prix has reached the thrilling quarter-final stage in Leicester, and the unforgiving double-in, double-out format has already claimed its biggest victims [4]. Defending champion Luke Littler and six-time winner Michael van Gerwen crashed out in the opening round, leaving the draw wide open [3][4].[3][4]

With the £750,000 prize fund blown wide open, the remaining eight players face a high-stakes sprint to the finish line at the Mattioli Arena [6]. The unique starting-double requirement has exposed vulnerabilities in the sport's biggest names while rewarding clinical combination finishers who can hold their nerve [2].[2][6]

As the tournament shifts to the longer best-of-five sets format for Friday's quarter-finals, form and nerve on the outer ring will dictate the genuine contenders [4]. Here is how the top five remaining players stack up in our definitive power rankings heading into the crucial weekend sessions.[4]

Humphries and Price set the standard

The world number one and 2023 champion looks incredibly ominous after surviving a somewhat shaky opening night [1]. Humphries demolished Jermaine Wattimena 3-0 in the second round, fixing his early double-in struggles with a ruthless display of finishing that sent a clear message to the remaining field [1].[1]

Humphries pinned an incredible 14 of 19 darts at a starting double against Wattimena, completely neutralizing the Dutchman's scoring power and dictating the match pace [1]. He capped the performance with a sensational 10-dart leg in the third set, averaging 94.11 overall and looking utterly dominant [1].[1]

With Littler out of the picture, Humphries is the overwhelming favourite to claim the £150,000 top prize on Sunday evening [4][6]. If his starting doubles remain this dialled in, the rest of the field is simply playing for second place in Leicester.[4][6]

The 2020 champion delivered the absolute standout performance of the opening round and has carried that momentum straight into the quarter-finals [2]. Price dismantled debutant Sebastian Bialecki in straight sets, posting a tournament-best 101.61 average to announce his arrival in spectacular fashion [2].[2]

The Welshman followed that up by eliminating Ross Smith in a high-quality second-round clash, setting up a blockbuster quarter-final against his World Cup partner Jonny Clayton [2][4]. Price looks entirely comfortable with his new darts and points setup, throwing with genuine rhythm and confidence [2].[2][4]

"I don't care about anyone else or sending a message out, but it gives me a bit of confidence," Price noted after his opening win [2]. His raw scoring power makes him the most credible threat to stop Humphries from retaining the prestigious title [2].[2]

Joyce and Zonneveld disrupt the draw

"Relentless" has been the absolute revelation of the tournament so far, backing up a massive upset with clinical efficiency on the outer ring [3]. Joyce dumped Van Gerwen out in the first round, punishing the Dutchman's woeful 19 percent starting-double rate with ruthless precision [3].[3]

He proved the Van Gerwen victory was no fluke by sweeping two-time semi-finalist Danny Noppert 3-0 in the last 16 [2][3]. Joyce has leaned heavily on his trademark combination finishing, converting 92, 110, and 118 checkouts under extreme pressure to break his opponents' spirits [2].[2][3]

"I always have confidence in my own ability that I can play well," Joyce told reporters after securing his quarter-final spot [3]. Facing Nathan Aspinall next, the 2024 semi-finalist firmly believes this is his absolute best chance to capture a maiden major title [3].[3]

The Dutch debutant has seized his moment on the big Leicester stage, knocking out two established stars to reach his first ranking-major quarter-final [5]. Zonneveld survived a tense deciding set against Josh Rock before stunning Gary Anderson 3-1 in a brilliant display of darting resilience [5].[5]

Zonneveld largely controlled the action against the decorated Scotsman, capitalizing on a crucial bounce-out that derailed Anderson's momentum late in the match [5]. The 25-year-old has shown remarkable composure in the double-in minefield, refusing to be intimidated by the occasion or his legendary opponents [5].[5]

He now faces the ultimate test against Humphries in the quarter-finals on Friday night [4]. While the world number one is heavily favoured, Zonneveld's fearless debut run proves he can punish any slip-ups on the outer ring if given the opportunity to strike [1][5].[1][5]

Aspinall leans on major experience

The 2022 runner-up has steadily improved throughout the week, surviving a massive scare in the opening round to finally find his rhythm [2]. Aspinall battled back from the brink to defeat Kevin Doets 2-1, surviving three match darts before advancing to the next stage [2].[2]

"The Asp" looked far more comfortable in the last 16, comfortably dispatching Luke Woodhouse 3-0 to secure his quarter-final spot [2]. Aspinall's fighting spirit makes him a dangerous proposition in the longer set formats, where he can slowly grind down his opponents [2].[2]

He will need to elevate his scoring against an in-form Joyce on Friday evening to keep his title hopes alive [4]. If Aspinall can find the treble 20 with more consistency, his vast major-stage experience gives him a distinct edge in tight, pressure-filled matches [2][3].[2][3]