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The 2026 matchplay is just around the corner, so here’s everything you need to know about the men’s and women’s tournaments, live on Sky Sports…
Luke Littler lifted the Phil Taylor Trophy for the first time 12 months ago and will begin his title defense against up-and-comer Nico Springer.
The teenage sensation defeated James Wade 18-13 in the final of last year’s event, recovering from 5-0 down to secure an impressive comeback win and become only the fifth player in history to complete the ‘Triple Crown’.
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Watch the winning moment as Luke Littler sealed his first world matchplay title with an 18-13 victory over former junior champion James Wade.
When and where is World Matchplay?
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will take place at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Garden from July 18-26, with a star-studded 32-player field competing for the coveted prize.
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Luke Littler almost nailed his second nine-darter of the tournament during the World Matchplay final, as he missed the eighth dart on the leg.
Prize purses for the 2026 event have been increased to £1m, with the winner pocketing £225,000.
The first round of the sport’s summer showpiece pits the world’s top 16 players against the top 16 qualifiers from the year-long ProTour rankings.
Who is participating in the men’s event?
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A comparison between Luke Littler’s perfect foot and the vintage nine-darter made my Michael Smith at the 2023 World Darts Championship.
Littler will take center stage to become the first player to go back-to-back at Blackpool since Michael van Gerwen in 2015 but there are many more stars to look out for.
2024 champion Luke Humphries stars in a huge clash against Cameron Menzies, while the likes of Gian van Veen, James Wade, Josh Rock, Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson will also stake their claim.
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Highlights of Luke Littler vs. Josh Rock in the World Matchplay semifinals.
(1) Luke Littler vs. Nico Springer
(16) Nathan Aspinall v Joe Cullen
(8) Josh Rock vs. Luke Woodhouse
(9) Stephen Bunting v Nils Jonveld
(4) Michael van Gerwen v Andrew Gilding
(13) Chris Dobe vs. Dirk van Duyvenbode
(5) Johnny Clayton vs. Damon Heta
(12) Gary Anderson vs. Ryan Joyce
(2) Luke Humphries v Cameron Menzies
(15) Ross Smith vs. Kevin Deutz
(7) Garwin Price v. Martin Schindler
(10) Danny Knoppert vs. Rob Cross
(3) Gian van Veen in Krzysztof Ratajska
(14) Wessel Nijman vs. Dave Chisnall
(6) James Wade v. Jermaine Watimena
(11) Ryan Searle vs. William O’Connor
What is the format?
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Luke Littler hit a nine-darter in his semi-final against Josh Rock at the World Matchplay.
World Matchplay is a leg format, where the number of legs required to win increases as the rounds progress.
Each match must be won in two clear legs, unless the score is tied after a fifth ‘extra’ leg where sudden death occurs.
- Round 1: 10 legs from first (sudden death at 12-12)
- Round 2: 11 legs from first (sudden death at 13-13)
- Quarter Finals: First to 16 Legs (Sudden Death at 18-18)
- Semi-final: 17 legs from first (sudden death at 19-19)
- Final: 18 legs from first (sudden death at 20-20)
Who are the previous winners?
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Luke Littler shares his reaction after winning the World Matchplay title and becoming the youngest ever champion in the competition.
World Matchplay has a long list of great winners, with Littler entering the 2026 tournament as the defending champion.
Larry Butler was the first winner in 1994 before Phil Taylor won the first of 16 (yes, 16) in 1995.
Taylor also won the game in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017.
During his 2002 win, Taylor also threw the first televised nine-darter and such dominance led to the trophy being named after him in 2018.
Other winners include Michael van Gerwen (2015, 2016 and 2022), Gary Anderson (2018), Rob Cross (2019), Dimitri van den Bergh (2020), Peter Wright (2021), Nathan Aspinall (2023), and Luke Humphries (2024).
What is the prize fund?
- Winner: £225,000
- Runner up: £125,000
- Semi-finalists: £65,000
- Quarter Finalists: £35,000
- Second round: £22,500
- First round: £12,500
When is the women’s world match?
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Highlights of the Women’s World Matchplay Final with Lisa Ashton Fallon Sherk
The fifth round of the Women’s World Matchplay will be held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Sunday afternoon, July 26, live. Sky Sports.
Lisa Ashton will fight to defend her title among the top eight female players in the world.
Who’s Who in the Women’s Event?
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Lisa Ashton defeated Beau Greaves in the semifinals of the Women’s World Matchplay.
Alongside defending champion Ashton, two-time winner Beau Greaves and 2022 champion Fallon Sherk will be there, along with Gemma Hayter and Vicky Pruim.
Data Hedman and Ryan O’Sullivan will also be in attendance, with Finnish star Kirsi Vinikainen taking the final spot on offer.
Draw the brackets
(1) Beau Greaves vs. (8) Kirsi Viinikainen
(4) Gemma Hayter vs. (5) Vicky Plum
(2) Lisa Ashton vs. (7) Ryan O’Sullivan
(3) Fallon Sherk vs. (6) Data Hedman
Prize money
Winner: £15,000
Runner-up: £8,000
Semi-finalists: £4,500
Quarter-finalists: £2,000
Total: £40,000
What is the format?
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Lisa Ashton had this 140th finish in her semi-final against Beau Greaves in the Women’s World Matchplay.
Women’s World Matchplay is also a leg format, with the number of legs required to win increasing as the rounds progress.
Women’s World matchplay begins with the quarter-finals, which are contested in a seven-leg best-of-nine leg format before the semi-finals.
The final was the best of 11 legs.
When is World Matchplay Live on Sky Sports?
World Matchplay begins on Saturday, July 18 and ends on Sunday, July 26.
All nine days of the program will be shown Live on Sky Sportswith opening day coverage on Sky Sports+ at 7pm Didn’t get the sky? Get instant access now
