The unique qualifying criteria makes it hard to get into and most of the players have to win something big or be a runner-up in a major. There’s always drama every step of the way. The group stage gives the Grand Slam a different format which people adore and the short-format nature of those matches puts big names in greater jeopardy but also allows players to bounce back from early defeats.
In the past everyone loved the BDO players taking on those from the PDC but now it’s become a clearly defined ranking event with Eric Bristow’s name on the trophy. This is a top tier tournament which has evolved a long way from being more of a showcase event to something that has got a lot of money and prestige on it. How prestigious is this major and does the nature of how the field is comprised make it ‘weaker’?
