The Road to Blackpool Begins: 2025 World Matchplay Draw Breakdown
- Darts Central
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
Darts returns to the iconic Winter Gardens as the sport's most atmospheric major looms. The Top 16 seeds face off against the top 16 players from the Pro Tour Order of Merit, bringing together the best 32 players in the world.
The Prestige of the Matchplay
The World Matchplay is back, bringing one of the most cherished and historic events on the darting calendar. Since 1994, Blackpool’s Winter Gardens has hosted this iconic major, renowned not only for its rich tradition and dramatic matches but also for its unique setting and passionate crowds.
With the sport’s biggest names descending on the seaside town, the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay promises fireworks once again, an event where form, grit, and nerve collide under the warm lights of the Empress Ballroom. It’s where careers are made, legacies cemented, and unforgettable nights etched into darting folklore.
Legends, Moments & Magic: A Brief History
From Phil Taylor’s era-defining dominance to Michael van Gerwen’s three stunning triumphs, the World Matchplay has been home to some of darts’ most unforgettable chapters. Taylor’s record 16 titles remain the ultimate benchmark, while Nathan Aspinall, Luke Humphries, and Dimitri Van den Bergh have all claimed the trophy in recent years.
Who could forget the epic 2018 final between Gary Anderson and Mensur Suljovic, a thrilling marathon that went into overtime before Anderson clinched it 21-19? Or Peter Wright’s dominant victory in 2021, followed by Michael van Gerwen’s strong comeback to clinch the 2022 title? Most recently, Luke Humphries delivered a clinical performance to lift last year’s crown, defeating van Gerwen 18-15 in the final and averaging over 100 in every round.
Widely regarded as the second biggest major after the World Championship, the Matchplay sees elite stars rise to the occasion, with the cream of the crop creating epic encounters in an iconic venue.
Prize Money Breakdown
The 2025 World Matchplay retains the same prize fund as previous years, with a total of £800,000 up for grabs. The winner will not only claim the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy but also pocket the top prize. Here’s the breakdown:
Stage | Prize Money |
Winner | £200,000 |
Runner-Up | £100,000 |
Semi-Finalists | £50,000 |
Quarter-Finalists | £30,000 |
Second Round | £15,000 |
First Round | £10,000 |
The Format
All matches are played in a leg format, with players required to win by two clear legs. If the scores remain tied after the full distance plus six extra legs, a sudden-death leg will decide the winner. The match length increases as the tournament progresses, setting the stage for thrilling late-night classics and marathon battles:
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
The Full Draw
Standout First Round Ties
The draw has served up some mouth-watering opening ties. Here are some of the most eye-catching matchups:
(1) Luke Humphries vs Gian van Veen
World No.1 Humphries faces a tough test against one of the in-form players on tour. Van Veen, reigning World Youth champion and a Pro Tour winner this year, could cause an upset. Humphries has enjoyed a stellar season with major wins in the Premier League and World Masters and aims for back-to-back Matchplay titles. Their head-to-head stands 4-1 to Humphries, but van Veen took their only meeting this year 8-3 to take the PC6 title in March.
(3) Michael van Gerwen vs Raymond van Barneveld
Despite recent inconsistent form, this classic Dutch rivalry always grabs attention. Over 66 meetings, van Gerwen leads 44-22, and they’ve won three World Cup titles together. Van Barneveld barely qualified, and this may be his last Matchplay, while questions linger over van Gerwen’s consistency. Expect a new captivating chapter in their long-running saga.
(14) Ross Smith vs Josh Rock
A repeat of last year’s opening clash won by Smith 10-4, but Rock holds the edge in recent matches, including a 10-9 UK Open thriller. Ranked just three spots apart (Smith 14, Rock 17), both have Players Championship titles this season. Rock also recently won the World Cup with Daryl Gurney. Expect a heavy-scoring, tight battle.
(11) Gerwyn Price vs Daryl Gurney
A repeat of last year’s first round, where Price comfortably won 10-4. Price leads their head-to-head with 13 wins in 21 matches, including four Premier League draws. Gurney, a two-time major winner, has dropped to World No.25 and out of the Premier League contention of late but recently won the World Cup with Josh Rock. Price, with five PDC titles this season, the most of any player and a staggering 20 wins from his last 22 games, starts as the strong favourite in this fiery clash.
Final Thoughts: Let the Magic Begin
The draw has delivered intrigue, danger, and plenty of early drama. With top names facing tough tests and generational battles on the horizon, the 2025 World Matchplay is shaping up to be a classic.
Will Luke Humphries defend his title at the Winter Gardens? Can Luke Littler shine on Blackpool’s biggest stage to claim his maiden Matchplay crown? Is this finally Gerwyn Price’s moment to conquer here? Or will an outsider rise and shock the darts world?
One thing’s for sure: the Winter Gardens is ready. The crowd is ready. Darts is ready.
Blackpool, let the battle begin.
Stay tuned for more World Matchplay coverage, including more previews and Women’s World Matchplay content.
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