As the darts world gears up for the 2025 World Matchplay, set to ignite the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from July 12-20, a recent PDC form guide has spotlighted the sport’s hottest talents. Leading the chase behind the unstoppable duo of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries is Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, with Stephen Bunting emerging as a formidable challenger. With the latest statistics revealing standout performances over the last 200 legs played, the stage is set for a thrilling battle at one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments.
## Form Guide Breakdown: The Top Contenders
The PDC’s latest form guide, compiled by statistician Christopher Kempf, evaluates players based on their averages, checkout efficiency, and scoring prowess over their most recent 200 legs. Luke Humphries, the world number one, and Luke Littler, the reigning World Champion, continue to dominate. Humphries, averaging 100.40 with a 43.08% doubles success rate, remains a benchmark for consistency. Littler, despite slipping to 11th in the form guide due to inconsistent averages, still commands respect. “The difference between the two and the rest is so great,” Kempf noted, emphasizing their ability to “snatch one extra leg per 1,000 legs” compared to the average Pro Tour player.
Josh Rock, however, is closing the gap. The 24-year-old Northern Irishman tops the form guide with a blistering 100.25 average and a 42.35% checkout rate, marking April as his most impressive month yet. His recent performances, including a standout run at the European Darts Grand Prix, showcase his power scoring and clinical finishing. Rock’s ascent is notable, especially as he leads in both average and high checkouts (99+), making him a serious threat for the World Matchplay’s £200,000 top prize.
Stephen Bunting, dubbed “The Bullet,” is another standout, ranking third with a 100.27 average and 39.08% on doubles. His resurgence, highlighted by a World Cup semifinal and victories on the European Tour and World Series, positions him as a prime candidate to challenge at Blackpool. “Bunting has broken the 100 average mark for the first time,” Kempf observed, underscoring his newfound consistency. With four players—Rock, Humphries, Bunting, and Gerwyn Price—surpassing the 100-average threshold, the competition is fiercer than ever.
## World Matchplay Stakes and Format
The World Matchplay, a cornerstone of the PDC calendar, features the top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit and the top 16 from the ProTour Order of Merit. Qualification is based on rankings as of July 6, 2025, ensuring a field packed with talent. The tournament’s unique format requires players to win by two clear legs, with first-round matches played as first-to-10 legs, escalating to first-to-16 in the semifinals and first-to-18 in the final. If no player leads by two legs, matches extend by up to six extra legs before a sudden-death decider, adding drama to every encounter.
Humphries, the 2024 champion, will defend his title after a commanding 11-7 victory over Bunting last year. Littler, who topped the 2024 Premier League table, is favored at 6/4 odds, with Humphries at 3/1. Bunting, at 12/1, is a dark horse, buoyed by his Players Championship 18 win and a £158,000 haul on the ProTour Order of Merit, where he briefly led earlier this year. Rock, tied for third on the ProTour with £175,000, is also in the mix, alongside players like Martin Schindler and Ross Smith.
## Other Notable Performers
Nathan Aspinall, the 2023 World Matchplay champion, is surging, boasting a personal-best 70 180s in 2025 and a significant uptick in checkout efficiency. “The Asp has had the biggest increase in averages or checkout efficiency over the past month,” Kempf reported, signaling his readiness for Blackpool. Gerwyn Price, leading in Ordinal Checkout Efficiency (OChE), is another to watch, converting high averages into legs won with unmatched precision. However, Michael van Gerwen, despite a 94.7 average, struggles to combine scoring and finishing consistently, which could hinder his chances of a third Matchplay title.
## Viewing and Venue Details
The Winter Gardens, a historic venue, will host 5,000 fans nightly, creating an electric atmosphere. Sky Sports will broadcast every match live in the UK, with PDCTV and DAZN covering international audiences. Fans can expect a raucous crowd, with Humphries noting, “The Blackpool fans bring an energy like no other.” Tickets, available through the PDC or venue box office, range from £30 to £100, with premium seats offering prime views of the oche.
## A New Era of Darts Dominance
The form guide underscores a shifting landscape in darts. Littler’s meteoric rise, including a nine-darter in the 2025 Premier League final, has redefined expectations, while Humphries’ World Matchplay and Players Championship Finals triumphs cement his elite status. Yet, Rock and Bunting are proving that the gap is narrowing. “The chase is on,” Kempf declared, as players like Rock capitalize on their momentum. With Littler and Humphries headlining, and Rock and Bunting pushing the pace, the 2025 World Matchplay promises to be a battleground of skill and nerve.
Whether you’re watching from the Winter Gardens or streaming on Sky Sports, this tournament will showcase darts at its finest. As Bunting prepares to return to the Premier League in 2025 alongside Littler and Humphries, his form suggests he could be the one to upset the favorites and claim the coveted title.
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