The darts world is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay of Darts kicks off at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, England, from July 19 to July 27. Among the stars set to light up the stage is the reigning PDC World Champion, Luke Littler, an 18-year-old prodigy known as “The Nuke.” Fresh off his historic victory at the 2025 PDC World Championship, where he became the youngest world champion at just 17 years and 347 days old, Littler is eager to claim his first World Matchplay title and complete the coveted “triple crown” of darts, having already secured the Premier League title in 2024.
Littler’s journey at the 2025 World Matchplay begins on Sunday, July 20, when he faces England’s Ryan Searle, currently ranked world number 20, in the first round. The match, scheduled for 9:15 p.m. local time, promises to be a thrilling encounter. Played in a best-of-19 legs format, the first player to reach 10 legs with a two-leg advantage will advance. Searle, a formidable opponent who reached the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay in 2023, poses a challenge, but Littler holds a strong record against him, having won all three of their previous televised encounters. “I learned a lot,” Littler reflected on his past experiences, particularly his 2024 World Championship final loss to Luke Humphries. “I just needed to get off to a quick start,” he added, signaling his intent to come out firing against Searle.
Last year, Littler’s World Matchplay debut was cut short in the first round by a tough draw against three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, who eliminated him in a tightly contested match. The defeat stung, but Littler avenged it in spectacular fashion by defeating van Gerwen in the 2025 PDC World Championship final. Now, with a year of additional experience and a string of major titles under his belt—including the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, World Series Finals, and the 2025 UK Open—Littler is a favorite to go deep in Blackpool. Bookmakers have boosted his odds to 2/1 to win the tournament, reflecting confidence in his ability to dominate.
Should Littler overcome Searle, he’ll face the winner of the first-round clash between Peter Wright and Jermaine Wattimena in the second round on Wednesday, July 23. The bottom half of the draw, where Littler resides, offers a relatively favorable path, keeping him clear of top seed and defending champion Luke Humphries, as well as other heavyweights like Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting, until the later stages. However, potential matchups against van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, or Damon Heta loom as the tournament progresses, each presenting a unique test for the young star.
The World Matchplay, often described as “magical” by players and pundits alike, is one of the sport’s most prestigious events, second only to the World Championship. Held at the Winter Gardens, the tournament is renowned for its electric atmosphere, fueled by passionate fans and the venue’s unique charm. “It’s the noise, the heat, the balconies, the lights – pure theatre!” one commentator enthused, capturing the essence of the event. With a total prize fund of £800,000, including £200,000 for the winner, the stakes are high. Littler, who has already amassed over £1 million in prize money in 2024, is poised to add to his haul and cement his legacy.
Littler’s meteoric rise has captivated the darts world. From his breakthrough at the 2024 World Championship, where he reached the final as a 66/1 outsider, to his record-breaking set average of 140.91 in the 2025 World Championship, the teenager has redefined what’s possible in the sport. His knack for hitting nine-darters—three in televised events, including one in the 2024 Premier League final—has earned him widespread acclaim. As he steps onto the Winter Gardens stage, Littler carries the weight of expectation but also the confidence of a champion. “I’m going to say Luke Littler,” one pundit predicted boldly. “He’s been a different animal since [last year’s defeat].”
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Littler can harness his explosive talent to conquer the Phil Taylor Trophy and etch his name alongside darts’ greats. The journey begins Sunday night, and for fans, it’s a chance to witness history in the making.
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