World Matchplay Darts 2026: Dates, draw, format, favourites and prize money
The countdown is on for one of darts’ biggest summer events as the World Matchplay returns to Blackpool, with the sport’s biggest names battling it out for one of the most famous trophies on the calendar.
Defending champion Luke Littler will arrive at the Winter Gardens looking to make more history after lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy for the first-time last year.
The teenage star produced a stunning comeback in the 2025 final, recovering from 5-0 down against James Wade before eventually claiming an 18-13 victory. That triumph saw Littler become just the fifth player in history to complete darts’ prestigious ‘Triple Crown’, joining an elite group of players to have won the World Championship, Premier League and World Matchplay.
But Littler will face a tough challenge as he attempts to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2015 to successfully defend the famous Blackpool title.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 World Matchplay.
When and where is the World Matchplay 2026?
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will take place from July 18-26 at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
A 32-player field will compete across nine days of action, with the tournament featuring the very best players from both the PDC Order of Merit and ProTour rankings.
The prize fund has been increased to £1 million for this year’s event, with the eventual champion taking home £225,000.
World Matchplay 2026 draw
The opening round sees the world’s top 16 ranked players seeded against the 16 qualifiers who earned their places through the one-year ProTour Rankings.
Littler begins his title defence against exciting youngster Niko Springer, while 2024 champion Luke Humphries faces a tricky first-round meeting with Cameron Menzies.
There are also blockbuster ties involving Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Gary Anderson, James Wade and Gian van Veen as the stars of the sport look to challenge for glory.
The full first-round draw is:
(1) Luke Littler v Niko Springer
(16) Nathan Aspinall v Joe Cullen
(8) Josh Rock v Luke Woodhouse
(9) Stephen Bunting v Niels Zonneveld
(4) Michael van Gerwen v Andrew Gilding
(13) Chris Dobey v Dirk van Duijvenbode
(5) Jonny Clayton v Damon Heta
(12) Gary Anderson v Ryan Joyce
(2) Luke Humphries v Cameron Menzies
(15) Ross Smith v Kevin Doets
(7) Gerwyn Price v Martin Schindler
(10) Danny Noppert v Rob Cross
(3) Gian van Veen v Krzysztof Ratajski
(14) Wessel Nijman v Dave Chisnall
(6) James Wade v Jermaine Wattimena
(11) Ryan Searle v William O’Connor
World Matchplay format explained
Unlike some other major darts events, the World Matchplay uses a legs-based format throughout the tournament, with the winning target increasing as the competition progresses.
Players must win by two clear legs, although if the score reaches the deciding additional legs, sudden death will come into play.
The format is:
- First round: First to 10 legs (sudden death at 12-12)
- Second round: First to 11 legs (sudden death at 13-13)
- Quarter-finals: First to 16 legs (sudden death at 18-18)
- Semi-finals: First to 17 legs (sudden death at 19-19)
- Final: First to 18 legs (sudden death at 20-20)
Who are the favourites for the World Matchplay?
Luke Littler heads into the tournament as the defending champion and will be the player everyone is looking to beat in Blackpool.
However, the field is packed with proven major winners and players capable of going all the way.
Former champion Luke Humphries returns after winning the title in 2024, while three-time winner Michael van Gerwen will be aiming to add another Phil Taylor Trophy to his collection.
The likes of Gian van Veen, Josh Rock, Gerwyn Price, Gary Anderson and James Wade will also be hoping to make their mark on one of darts’ biggest stages.
World Matchplay winners
The World Matchplay has produced a long list of legendary champions since the tournament began in 1994.
Larry Butler claimed the first title before Phil Taylor began a period of incredible dominance by winning his first Matchplay crown in 1995.
Taylor went on to win the tournament a record 16 times, with victories in 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017.
During his 2002 victory, Taylor also produced the first televised nine-darter in the tournament’s history, with his remarkable record eventually leading to the trophy being renamed in his honour in 2018.
Other World Matchplay champions include:
- Michael van Gerwen (2015, 2016, 2022)
- Gary Anderson (2018)
- Rob Cross (2019)
- Dimitri Van den Bergh (2020)
- Peter Wright (2021)
- Nathan Aspinall (2023)
- Luke Humphries (2024)
- Luke Littler (2025)
World Matchplay 2026 prize money
The total prize fund for the 2026 World Matchplay stands at £1 million.
The breakdown is:
- Winner: £225,000
- Runner-up: £125,000
- Semi-finalists: £65,000
- Quarter-finalists: £35,000
- Second round: £22,500
- First round: £12,500
With a record prize fund, a packed field and the sport’s biggest names heading to Blackpool, the 2026 World Matchplay promises another memorable chapter in darts history.
