The 2025 Betfred World Matchplay, set to electrify the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from July 19-27, promises nine days of darting drama as 32 of the world’s top players vie for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy and a share of the £800,000 prize fund. As the 32nd edition of this Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Triple Crown event, the tournament blends seasoned champions with rising stars, delivering a draw packed with blockbuster matchups. Defending champion Luke Humphries, world No. 1, aims to make history as only the fourth player to defend the title, while reigning world champion Luke Littler, the teenage sensation, eyes his first Blackpool crown. With a format designed for intense battles and a field brimming with talent, the 2025 World Matchplay is poised to captivate fans worldwide.
The field, finalized after Players Championship 21 in Leicester, features the top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit as seeds, joined by the top 16 non-qualified players from the ProTour Order of Merit. Humphries, the top seed, faces Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen in the first round, a matchup that tests his mettle against a World Youth Champion known for his fearless play. “I’ve got to a level in my game where I feel really comfortable,” Humphries said after his 2024 triumph, where he averaged over 100 in all five matches, a feat only matched by Phil Taylor. Littler, the No. 2 seed, takes on Ryan Searle, a former quarter-finalist, as he chases a maiden World Matchplay title. “It’s one of the biggest darts events of the year,” Littler noted, aware that at 18, he could become the tournament’s youngest champion.
The draw, announced on July 10, 2025, sparked excitement with clashes like three-time champion Michael van Gerwen facing five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld in a nostalgic Dutch showdown. “It looks a cracking draw, especially the battle of the Dutch World Champions,” one betting analyst remarked, highlighting the anticipation for this first-round clash. Other former champions in the seeded ranks include Nathan Aspinall (2023), James Wade (2007), Gary Anderson (2018), Rob Cross (2019), and Peter Wright (2021), all facing tough ProTour qualifiers. Notably absent is 2023 world champion Michael Smith, who missed qualification for the first time since 2013, alongside 2020 champion Dimitri Van den Bergh and European champion Ritchie Edhouse. Debutants Cameron Menzies and Wessel Nijman add fresh energy, with Menzies facing Danny Noppert and Nijman challenging Aspinall.
The tournament’s legs-based format ensures high-stakes drama. First-round matches are best-of-19 legs, requiring a two-leg lead to win, with a sudden-death leg at 12-12 if needed. The second round extends to best-of-21 legs, quarter-finals to best-of-31, semi-finals to best-of-33, and the final to best-of-35. This progression demands endurance and precision, as seen in last year’s 18-15 thriller where Humphries outlasted van Gerwen. The £200,000 winner’s prize, with £100,000 for the runner-up, underscores the stakes, while first-round losers still pocket £10,000 from the £800,000 total fund. Broadcast live on Sky Sports, the event also reaches global audiences via DAZN, Viaplay, and PDCTV, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment.
Predictions favor a Humphries-Littler final, with Littler leading betting odds at 6/4 due to his scintillating form, including a World Championship title and a 2025 World Cup win alongside Humphries. “A Littler vs. Humphries final looks a good bet,” one analyst predicted, citing their dominance and likely draw separation. Van Gerwen, a three-time champion, remains a formidable threat despite recent struggles, with his 2015, 2016, and 2022 titles showcasing his Blackpool pedigree. Stephen Bunting, the No. 4 seed, brings momentum from two World Series wins in 2025, facing Ryan Joyce in a potential upset. Gerwyn Price, a 2021 semi-finalist, meets Daryl Gurney in a fiery clash, while Jonny Clayton, who reached the 2023 final amid personal challenges, takes on Martin Schindler. “I played my first game on the Monday, so I was travelling up to Blackpool on the Sunday morning,” Clayton recalled of 2023, a year marked by his father’s illness, underscoring the emotional weight players carry.
The draw also features intriguing narratives, like Peter Wright’s clash with Jermaine Wattimena, where “Snakebite” aims to rediscover his 2021 magic, and Rob Cross versus Dirk van Duijvenbode, promising a “maxfest” of 180s. Gary Anderson, ever the crowd favorite, faces Luke Woodhouse, while James Wade, in his 20th consecutive appearance, meets Joe Cullen in his wife’s hometown. Fans on social media buzzed about the draw, with one noting, “Bunting/Joyce has the potential to be a great match if they both bring their A-game.” The absence of players like Smith has fueled debate, with some arguing, “Smith has been rubbish since he won the world title,” while others see potential upsets from unseeded players like Mike De Decker or Josh Rock.
The 2025 Women’s World Matchplay, held on July 27, complements the main event, with Beau Greaves defending her title against seven qualifiers, including Fallon Sherrock and debutants Gemma Hayter and Kirsi Viinikainen. The winner secures spots in the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts and 2026 World Championship, adding extra intrigue. As Blackpool prepares for darting fever, the World Matchplay’s blend of legacy, rivalry, and emerging talent ensures a spectacle that could redefine the sport’s hierarchy. With Humphries and Littler leading the charge, and veterans like van Gerwen lurking, the stage is set for a tournament that will echo through darts history.
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