The darting world is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay draw has been unveiled, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens from July 19-27. Defending champion Luke Humphries and reigning world champion Luke Littler, two of darts’ brightest stars, have learned their first-round opponents, and the matchups promise high-stakes drama from the outset. With a £200,000 top prize and the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy up for grabs, the nine-day tournament at the Empress Ballroom is poised to deliver unforgettable moments.
Humphries, the world number one and 2024 World Matchplay champion, faces a formidable challenge in his title defense. He’s drawn against Gian van Veen, a rising Dutch star and World Youth Champion known for his fearless play. The two clashed earlier this year at Players Championship 6, where Van Veen stunned Humphries with an 8-3 victory, making this opening-round encounter a potential banana skin. Humphries, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke,” expressed his determination to retain his title, stating, “I’m all about retaining titles – I didn’t get to retain my world title, but you want to go back-to-back, and all eyes are on Blackpool.” His recent triumph at the US Darts Masters in New York underscores his big-stage pedigree, but Van Veen’s raw talent could test his mettle.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler, dubbed “The Nuke,” is set to take on Ryan Searle in a highly anticipated first-round clash on Sunday, July 20. Littler, the 2025 PDC World Champion, is no stranger to the spotlight, having shattered records as the youngest player to win a major PDC title. However, the Winter Gardens has been a tough venue for him, as he fell to Michael van Gerwen in the first round last year. Despite his 3-0 record against Searle on major stages, Littler faces a seasoned opponent who reached the quarter-finals in 2023. Bookmakers have installed Littler as the 7/4 favorite to claim his first World Matchplay title, a testament to his meteoric rise. A victory here would bring him closer to completing darts’ coveted Triple Crown, having already secured the World Championship and Premier League titles.
The draw also features a blockbuster all-Dutch clash between three-time champion Michael van Gerwen and five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld, scheduled for Monday, July 21. Van Gerwen, the 2024 runner-up, is eager to reclaim the title, but facing his compatriot and darts legend Van Barneveld adds an extra layer of intrigue. Other notable first-round matchups include Stephen Bunting versus Ryan Joyce, Gerwyn Price against Daryl Gurney in a World Cup rematch, and Ross Smith taking on the in-form Josh Rock. The tournament’s format, with the top 16 PDC Order of Merit players seeded against 16 ProTour qualifiers, ensures a mix of established stars and hungry challengers.
The World Matchplay, one of the PDC’s premier events, kicks off with a star-studded opening night on Saturday, July 19, featuring Humphries versus Van Veen, Nathan Aspinall against Wessel Nijman, James Wade versus Joe Cullen, and Danny Noppert against Cameron Menzies. Sunday’s session includes Littler’s clash with Searle, alongside matches like Gary Anderson versus Luke Woodhouse and Jonny Clayton versus Martin Schindler. The tournament progresses with best-of-19 legs in the first round, escalating to best-of-35 legs in the final, where players must win by two clear legs.
Littler’s journey in Blackpool carries extra weight. After his first-round exit last year, he’s determined to make a statement. His recent achievements, including a televised nine-darter and a record-breaking 140.91 set average at the 2025 World Championship, highlight his explosive scoring and rapid pace. If he advances past Searle, Littler could face Peter Wright or Jermaine Wattimena in the second round, with potential clashes against Van Gerwen, Rob Cross, or Gerwyn Price looming later. His placement in the bottom half of the draw keeps him away from Humphries until the semi-finals or final, setting up the possibility of another chapter in their burgeoning rivalry.
Humphries, fresh off his Premier League triumph and a World Cup victory alongside Michael Smith, is chasing history. Only Rod Harrington, Phil Taylor, and Van Gerwen have successfully defended the World Matchplay title, and Humphries aims to join this elite group. The electric atmosphere of the Winter Gardens, coupled with a sold-out crowd of over 2,000 fans, will amplify the stakes. The event also features the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay on July 27, with players like Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock vying for glory, adding to the festival-like vibe of darts’ summer spectacle.
As the darting elite converge on Blackpool, the 2025 World Matchplay promises fierce competition, dramatic finishes, and the chance for new legends to emerge. Will Humphries solidify his dominance, or can Littler conquer the Winter Gardens and inch closer to darts immortality? The stage is set for a thrilling nine days of tungsten action.
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