World Matchplay Returns to the Winter Gardens
The darts calendar turns to its summer showpiece as the World Matchplay returns to the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. From 18th to 26th July, the top 32 players in the world will compete for the Phil Taylor Trophy in what is widely regarded as the sport’s second most prestigious ranking event. Often called the “summer Worlds,” only the World Darts Championship carries more weight, making this a pivotal week on the English coast.
The Field Assembled in Blackpool
The tournament brings together a familiar blend of established names and in-form challengers. The field is comprised of the top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit, who are seeded, and the leading 16 players from the one-year ProTour Order of Merit who have not already qualified. This format ensures both season-long consistency and recent form are rewarded.
Luke Littler arrives as the defending champion, having secured the 2025 title with an 18–13 victory over James Wade in the final. The reigning world champion will be aiming to become a back-to-back winner in Blackpool, a feat that would further cement his status at the top of the game.
At the other end of the experience spectrum is James Wade. The current world number six is set to make his 20th appearance at the World Matchplay, a testament to his remarkable longevity. Wade, now 43, reached the final on his debut back in 2006 and has featured in seven finals in total, lifting the trophy once. He has seen the sport evolve from an era of players like John Lowe and Cliff Lazarenko to the modern challenge posed by Littler’s generation.
Storylines for the Week Ahead
This year’s edition features a record number of Dutch participants, with eight players from the Netherlands set to take to the stage. The contingent includes established figures like Michael van Gerwen and Danny Noppert, alongside emerging talents such as Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman, creating a strong national interest in the tournament’s outcome.
While new faces arrive, some familiar ones are absent. Most notably, Daryl Gurney misses the World Matchplay for the first time in over a decade. The former world number three and two-time major winner fell just £750 short of qualification, a stark indicator of a difficult period for the Northern Irishman since his peak in 2019. His absence, along with that of other established names, highlights the relentless standard required to stay at the top.
A Place in Darts History
First held in 1994, the World Matchplay quickly became a cornerstone of the professional circuit in the early years after the 1993 split in darts. Its unique leg-play format has produced countless classic encounters inside the famed Empress Ballroom. For many fans, the annual pilgrimage to the seaside resort has become a tradition, creating one of the most knowledgeable and appreciated atmospheres in the sport.
The competition for the title is expected to be fierce. As the defending champion, Littler will be the focus of much attention, and his form makes him a prominent figure in any darts betting analysis for the event. However, with a field packed with major winners and rising stars, the path to the final on Sunday, 26th July is fraught with challenges.
Tournament Information
- Venue: Winter Gardens, Blackpool
- Dates: Saturday, 18 July – Sunday, 26 July 2026
- Television Coverage: Sky Sports
