Michael Smith, the world’s number two darts player, is gearing up for a crucial phase in his season as he enters this year’s Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts. Known for his resilience and drive, Smith is determined to recapture his winning form as he heads to Wolverhampton, hoping for another career-defining moment in the tournament that set him on a path to greatness.
The Grand Slam of Darts in 2022 was a turning point for Smith, transforming him from a talented contender to a proven champion.
Just weeks after lifting the Grand Slam trophy, Smith captured his first World Championship title in January 2023, solidifying his place among the darts elite. Now, the 34-year-old returns to the Grand Slam, aware of the challenges ahead and the pressure on his shoulders.
With over £650,000 to defend on the PDC Order of Merit in the coming months, Smith’s current ranking in the top two could be at risk. Speaking to the Darts Show Podcast, Smith was candid about the pressure.
“If I said I didn’t feel pressure I’d be lying,” he admitted.
“Yes, I’m defending a lot of money; yes, I’m not playing at the level I’d like to be, but I think you’ve seen what I can produce in spells.”
Reflecting on his recent form, Smith believes that a lack of confidence in his game, due to playing primarily in stage events last year, affected his consistency. However, he remains optimistic about regaining his edge.
“I know it’s there, it’s just not consistently there,” he said.
“Hopefully it all falls into place, but if it doesn’t, come next year it’s a new season and I’ve got virtually nothing to defend.”
Although he hasn’t claimed a televised ranking title since his World Championship triumph, Smith’s year hasn’t been without highlights. Teaming up with Luke Humphries, Smith guided England to victory in the World Cup of Darts, and he reached the Premier League semi-finals in May.
In September, he was runner-up in the World Series of Darts Finals, further proving his competitive spirit.
Ahead of the Grand Slam, Smith has doubled down on his preparations, revealing his commitment to returning to peak form. “For the last five to six months I’ve been practicing non-stop,” he shared, adding that he’s even building a dedicated games room and a home gym to support his training.
“The schedule is relentless, but I am going to play as much as I can and try and get back to where I belong next year.”
Smith joins the 32-player field in Wolverhampton as one of three former Grand Slam champions, looking to make a statement on the big stage. His story—a journey of resilience, self-reflection, and renewed ambition—continues at the 2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts, and fans can expect a thrilling showdown as Smith fights to reclaim his brilliance.
Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.