DARTS legends Adrian Lewis and Mark Webster have both backed Luke Littler to win the Grand Slam of Darts – despite warning that two of his biggest rivals could suffer shock early exits.

The former world champions made their predictions during SunSport’s exclusive Grand Slam preview show, with the tournament getting underway in Wolverhampton on Saturday.

Two-time PDC world champion Lewis and former BDO world champion Webster were asked by host Phil Barrs to name their outright winner – and both simply answered: “Luke Littler.”

The Nuke, 19, is chasing a remarkable third consecutive Grand Slam crown after winning the competition in 2024 and 2025. Victory this year would also see him pocket a £200,000 winner’s cheque.

But the world No1 faces a tricky opening assignment after being drawn alongside women’s darts sensation Beau Greaves and Dutch ace Niels Zonneveld in a group dubbed the Group of Death.

And Webster insisted Littler could no longer be considered unbeatable, pointing to the recent resurgence of rival Luke Humphries.

He said: “He’s not untouchable, it’s been proven, hasn’t it, because he’s not been winning events.

“I just think the form, I guess, obviously Humphries will jump out there as well, because he’s playing brilliant at the minute.

“He’s been winning events, just won the Grand Prix, and we’re getting drawn back into that Luke v Luke scenario again, aren’t we?

“But look, for me, Luke Littler, I think, will just find some form, find a way, and look, the big hitters really rising, I expect it to happen again.”

The tournament’s revamped format could also cause chaos, with 48 players divided into 16 groups of three.

Only the group winners will advance, while the short best-of-nine-leg matches leave little room for error.

And Webster warned that Josh Rock could be heading for an early exit after being drawn against Kevin Doets and Tommy Morris.

The Welshman also raised concerns about Michael van Gerwen, whose struggles for confidence have left him vulnerable ahead of clashes with Jeffrey de Graaf and Henry Coates.

Lewis agreed that the new format could produce some major shocks, saying: “I think there’s going to be a hell of a lot of upsets.”

Littler begins his title defence against Greaves on Saturday night, with the final taking place on November 22.