The 2026 World Matchplay gets underway this weekend as the world’s best darts players head to Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens for one of the sport’s biggest televised events.
Reigning champion Luke Littler returns looking to defend the Phil Taylor Trophy, while world-class challengers including Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Josh Rock and Nathan Aspinall will all be hoping to lift one of the PDC’s Triple Crown titles.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 World Matchplay.
When is the 2026 World Matchplay Darts?
The 2026 World Matchplay takes place from Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, July 26 at the famous Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
Afternoon and evening sessions will be held throughout the tournament, culminating in the final on Sunday night, July 26.
World Matchplay Darts 2026 Draw & Seeds
(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 Darts 2026 Schedule
- First Round: July 18-21
- Second Round: July 22-23
- Quarter-finals: July 24-25
- Semi-finals: July 25
- Final: July 26
World Matchplay Darts Format
The tournament features 32 players.
- Top 16 from the PDC Order of Merit (seeded)
- Top 16 qualifiers from the ProTour Order of Merit
Matches are played in a legs format and must be won by two clear legs. If players remain level after six additional legs, a sudden-death leg decides the winner.
Match Length
First Round – Best of 19 legs
Second Round – Best of 21 legs
Quarter-finals – Best of 31 legs
Semi-finals – Best of 33 legs
Final – Best of 35 legs
World Matchplay Darts 2026 Prize Money
The 2026 tournament boasts a record £1,000,000 prize fund, the biggest in World Matchplay history.
| Finish | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| Winner | £225,000 |
| Runner-up | £125,000 |
| Semi-finalists | £65,000 |
| Quarter-finalists | £35,000 |
| Second Round | £22,500 |
| First Round | £12,500 |
How to watch the World Matchplay Darts 2026
Every session of the tournament will be shown live on Sky Sports Darts, with selected coverage also available on Sky Sports Main Event. Streaming is available via Sky Go and NOW.
World Matchplay Darts 2026 favourites
- Luke Littler EVS
- Luke Humphries 4/1
- Wessel Nijman 11/1
- Gerwyn Price 12/1
- Michael van Gerwen 20/1
- Gian van Veen 20/1
- Gary Anderson 22/1
- Jonny Clayton 25/1
- 33/1 BAR
How to bet on the World Matchplay Darts 2026?
You can bet on every match at the 2026 World Matchplay with BAR 1 Betting. Popular markets include highest checkout, total 180s, correct score, and handicap betting, while there will be in-play betting available on every match via the BAR 1 Betting website & App.
