Michael van Gerwen was the defending champion after defeating Gary Anderson 5–2 in the 2016 final, but lost to John Henderson 2–1 in the first round.

[1][2] For the first time in PDC history, no English player made the quarter-final stages of a televised tournament.

Gurney's success also marked the first time that a televised darts tournament was won by a Northern Irish player.

[5] Four players, Rob Cross, Ronny Huybrechts, Christian Kist and Richard North made their World Grand Prix debuts.

[6] The following players qualified for the tournament:[6] PDC Order of Merit (1–16) (Top 8 seeded) Pro Tour