The iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool is set to ignite with darting drama as the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay kicks off on July 19, running through July 27. This prestigious Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tournament, one of the three legs of the coveted Triple Crown, brings together 32 of the world’s elite players to compete for the £200,000 top prize and the illustrious Phil Taylor Trophy. Leading the charge are world No. 1 Luke Humphries, the defending champion, and teenage sensation Luke Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, in what promises to be a thrilling nine-day spectacle at the Empress Ballroom.
The World Matchplay, a staple of the darts calendar since 1994, is renowned for its electric atmosphere and high stakes. With a total prize fund of £800,000, the tournament guarantees even first-round losers a £10,000 payout, while the winner will claim a quarter of the pot. Humphries, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke,” enters as the top seed after his 18-15 victory over Michael van Gerwen in the 2024 final, a triumph that marked him as only the fourth player to win both the PDC World Championship and World Matchplay in the same year. “I am absolutely over the moon,” Humphries said after his 2024 win, reflecting on the emotional weight of having his name etched on the trophy. His title defense begins on opening night against rising Dutch star Gian van Veen, a World Youth Champion known for his fearless approach. “It’s going to be a tough test,” Humphries acknowledged, aware of the challenge posed by the young talent.
Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy dubbed “The Nuke,” is the tournament favorite at 7/4 odds, fueled by his meteoric rise and 2025 World Championship triumph, where he became the youngest-ever PDC world champion at 17 years and 347 days. His first-round clash against Ryan Searle on July 20 is eagerly anticipated, especially after his debut loss to van Gerwen in 2024. “It’s going to be a completely new experience for myself on debut, but I’ve been putting the practice in, and I can’t wait to get on that Winter Gardens stage,” Littler said, exuding confidence despite the pressure. His recent accolades, including the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals, have solidified his No. 2 world ranking, making him a formidable contender.
The tournament’s star-studded field includes three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, who faces a blockbuster first-round matchup against five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld on July 21. “Playing Michael – I know I bring the best out of him, and he brings the best out of me,” Littler noted, a sentiment that could apply to this all-Dutch showdown. Other notable first-round ties include Jonny Clayton versus Martin Schindler, Nathan Aspinall against Wessel Nijman, and James Wade, marking his 20th consecutive appearance, taking on Joe Cullen. The absence of 2019 runner-up Michael Smith, who failed to qualify for the first time since 2013, has raised eyebrows, opening the door for debutants like Cameron Menzies and Wessel Nijman to make their mark.
The World Matchplay’s unique format, requiring a two-leg advantage and featuring sudden-death legs after six extra legs, ensures nail-biting finishes. Matches escalate from best-of-19 legs in the first round to best-of-35 in the final, testing players’ endurance and precision. The event, broadcast live on Sky Sports, will also feature the fourth edition of the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay on July 27, adding to the festive atmosphere. With temperatures in the Empress Ballroom often soaring to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the intense environment mirrors the fierce competition.
Humphries, who plans to undergo dental surgery after the tournament, remains focused on joining the elite club of players—Phil Taylor, Rod Harrington, and van Gerwen—who have retained the title. “I’m going to have my teeth all corrected and straightened,” he revealed, hinting at a personal transformation post-tournament. Littler, meanwhile, continues to captivate fans with his walk-on song “Greenlight” and his record-breaking performances, including a 140.91 set average at the 2025 World Championship. As Blackpool’s Winter Gardens prepares to host sold-out crowds, the battle for the £200,000 prize and darting glory promises unforgettable moments.
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