World Matchplay 2025: Darts Summer in Blackpool Promises Clash of Titans

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The legendary Winter Gardens in Blackpool, England, will become the venue for one of the most prestigious darts tournaments of the year from July 19-27. Betfred World Matchplay 2025 will offer a stellar showcase of the world's 32 best darts players competing for a record prize fund of £800,000.

Main Tournament Favorites

The 32nd edition of the tournament will feature the absolute elite of the darts world with several key storylines.

Luke Humphries arrives as defending champion and current world number one. In 2024, he became only the second player in history after Phil Taylor to average over 100 points in all matches.

"In Blackpool last year you saw the best version of me," says the confident "Cool Hand Luke." In the first round, he faces talented junior world champion Gian van Veen.

Luke Littler enters the tournament as world champion and second seed. The main favorite with bookmakers at odds of 2/1, he lost to van Gerwen on his debut last year.

"The arena and the history behind it - it's a special place for us darts players. I want to finally win my first match there," admits the phenomenal teenager.

Michael van Gerwen as a three-time tournament champion faces a Dutch derby against legendary Raymond van Barneveld in the first round. Current odds of 18/1 for overall victory place him among the outsiders.

Gerwyn Price returns in excellent form as the revitalized "Iceman." He faces a repeat of last year's clash with Daryl Gurney. Bookmakers give him odds of 8/1 for overall triumph.

Record Prize Money

Betfred World Matchplay 2025 will offer record prize money with a total fund of £800,000 (approximately 22.8 million CZK). The winner takes home £200,000 (approximately 5.7 million CZK), with the runner-up receiving £100,000.

Money motivates all participants, but the prestige of the trophy named after legendary Phil Taylor is priceless.

Format and Rules

World Matchplay is known for its demanding format of progressively lengthening matches. The first round is played to 10 winning legs, second round to 11, quarterfinals to 16, semifinals to 17, and the final to 18 winning legs.

A special tournament rule states that all matches must be won by a margin of two legs. If it's still tied after the standard length and six additional legs, sudden death decides.

Tournament Schedule

The tournament begins on Saturday, July 19, with evening matches including the defending champion Humphries against van Veen. Sunday, July 20, features both afternoon and evening sessions with Littler's participation.

Monday, July 21, offers the anticipated Dutch derby between van Gerwen and van Barneveld among others. The second round takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday, quarterfinals on Thursday and Friday, semifinals on Saturday, and the final on Sunday, July 27.

Interesting Facts and Expectations

A historic moment is that Michael Smith is absent from the main draw for the first time since 2013. Cameron Menzies and Wessel Nijman will make their debuts.

The fourth edition of Betfred Women's World Matchplay takes place on Sunday, July 27, before the main final.

Only Rod Harrington, Phil Taylor, and Michael van Gerwen have managed to defend the title - Humphries wants to become the fourth player in history.

Betfred World Matchplay 2025 runs from July 19-27 at Winter Gardens in Blackpool and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, DAZN, Viaplay, and PDCTV.

More information: 24live.com
Thank you to Stats Perform for providing the data and photographs.
Photo source: PDC


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