{"title":"World Matchplay Darts Betting Markets \u0026 Odds","description":"Explore World Matchplay darts betting odds, markets, tournament format, qualification rules and recent winners ahead of the next Blackpool event.","custom_path":"/en-gb/pages/darts/world-matchplay-darts-betting","heading":"World Matchplay Darts Betting \u0026 Odds","heading_tag":"h1","nofollow":false,"noindex":false,"has_custom_schema":true,"schema_json":[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Where is the World Matchplay played?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The World Matchplay is held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Every edition apart from the behind-closed-doors 2020 tournament has taken place at the venue."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Who is the current World Matchplay champion?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Luke Littler is the reigning men’s champion after beating Gerwyn Price 18-9 in the 2026 final. He also won the tournament in 2025."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How many players compete in the World Matchplay?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The men’s World Matchplay features 32 players. Sixteen qualify through the PDC Order of Merit, with another 16 places awarded through the ProTour Order of Merit."}}]}],"has_toc":false,"alternate_languages":[{"locale_code":"en-gb"}],"copy_sections":[{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eWorld Matchplay Darts Betting\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eFew darts venues are as recognisable as Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. Every summer, 32 of the PDC’s leading players arrive there to compete for the Phil Taylor Trophy across nine days of knockout action. You can follow the tournament through our \u003ca href=\"https://www.talksportbet.com/en-gb/sports\"\u003eonline sports betting\u003c/a\u003e platform, with World Matchplay darts betting markets available before and during the event.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe World Matchplay has been part of the PDC calendar since 1994. It is widely regarded as one of the sport’s biggest competitions and is often grouped with the World Championship and Premier League as part of darts’ unofficial Triple Crown.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLuke Littler is the reigning champion after successfully defending the title in 2026. With the next tournament expected to take place in July 2027, players have several months to earn the ranking money required to qualify for Blackpool.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eWhat Is the World Matchplay?\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe World Matchplay is an annual PDC darts tournament played at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarry Butler won the first edition in 1994, beating Dennis Priestley in the final. The American remains one of the tournament’s most unusual champions, with most subsequent winners coming from the highest positions in the PDC rankings.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike the World Championship, World Matchplay matches are decided by legs rather than sets. That creates a fast-moving format in which one break of throw can change the direction of an entire contest.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost editions have taken place inside the Winter Gardens’ Empress Ballroom. The only exception came in 2020, when the event moved behind closed doors to Milton Keynes.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eWhen Is the Next World Matchplay Darts Tournament?\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe World Matchplay is normally held over nine days in July. The exact dates for the 2027 tournament have not yet been confirmed at the time of writing.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce announced, the schedule should include afternoon and evening sessions across two weekends. The men’s final traditionally closes the tournament on the second Sunday, following the Women’s World Matchplay earlier that day.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCheck the latest World Matchplay darts odds and confirmed schedule nearer the event.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eHow Do Players Qualify for the World Matchplay?\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eThere are 32 places in the men’s World Matchplay draw.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe leading 16 eligible players from the PDC Order of Merit qualify and enter the competition as seeds. They are joined by the highest-ranked 16 players from the ProTour Order of Merit who have not already secured a place through the main rankings.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe PDC Order of Merit is based on prize money earned across recognised ranking tournaments over a two-year period. The ProTour list uses money collected at Players Championship and European Tour events over a shorter qualifying window.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat system usually produces an interesting field. Established names enter as seeds, but players enjoying a strong year on the ProTour can still force their way into the draw.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe qualification picture remains open until the designated cut-off event. A player close to the final position may therefore secure a Blackpool debut with one late run on the ProTour.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eWorld Matchplay Darts Format\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe tournament uses a straight knockout format, meaning one defeat ends a player’s challenge.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe number of legs required increases as the competition progresses:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst round:\u003c/strong\u003e First to 10 legs\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecond round:\u003c/strong\u003e First to 11 legs\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuarter-finals:\u003c/strong\u003e First to 16 legs\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSemi-finals:\u003c/strong\u003e First to 17 legs\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal:\u003c/strong\u003e First to 18 legs\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eMatches must normally be won by two clear legs. If neither player establishes that advantage after six additional legs, the contest moves to a sudden-death leg.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe format gives players time to recover from a poor spell, particularly during the later rounds. It also means bettors should consider consistency over longer matches rather than relying only on a player’s recent short-format results.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eWorld Matchplay Darts Betting Markets\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eWorld Matchplay betting is not limited to picking the tournament champion. Match markets are normally added once the draw and playing schedule have been confirmed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\"\u003eTournament Winner\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe outright market lets you back the player you believe will lift the Phil Taylor Trophy.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWorld Matchplay winner odds can change throughout the build-up. Ranking events, the confirmed draw and a player’s recent form may all influence the prices available.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\"\u003eMatch Winner\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a bet on which player will win an individual match. Only the final result matters, regardless of the number of legs played.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\"\u003eHandicap Betting\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA leg handicap gives one player a virtual advantage or disadvantage.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor example, a favourite backed at -3.5 legs would need to win by at least four. An underdog selected at +3.5 could lose by three legs and still cover the handicap.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\"\u003eTotal Legs\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRather than choosing the winner, you can bet on whether the match will contain more or fewer legs than the displayed line.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eClosely matched players are more likely to produce a longer contest, although finishing quality and missed doubles can quickly affect the total.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\"\u003eMost 180s\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBack the player you think will hit more maximum scores during a match. There may also be markets covering the combined number of 180s or whether either player will record a specified total.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eScoring power is relevant, but match length matters too. A player cannot build a large maximum count if the contest ends quickly.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\"\u003eHighest Checkout\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis market asks which player will record the highest successful checkout. A tied result may be included as a separate selection, depending on the market offered.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\"\u003eCorrect Score\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorrect-score betting requires you to predict the exact final score in legs. The greater difficulty is usually reflected in longer odds than a straightforward match-winner selection.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\"\u003eFirst-Leg Winner\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose which player will win the opening leg. This market is settled quickly and does not depend on who eventually wins the match.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOpen the relevant fixture through the main \u003ca href=\"https://www.talksportbet.com/en-gb/sports/22886\"\u003edarts betting\u003c/a\u003e section to see which markets are currently available.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eLive World Matchplay Darts Betting\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eSelected matches may move into the \u003ca href=\"https://www.talksportbet.com/en-gb/live/overview\"\u003elive betting\u003c/a\u003e section after the first dart is thrown.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn-play darts odds respond to the score, each player’s throw and what is happening on stage. A player who breaks throw or finds their range on the treble 20 may shorten in price, while missed doubles can shift a market in the other direction.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLive options may include the match winner, next-leg winner, leg handicaps, totals and checkout markets. Availability can change between fixtures.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCheck the latest price displayed in the bet slip before confirming an in-play wager, as darts odds can move quickly between visits to the board.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eWho Won the 2026 World Matchplay?\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eLuke Littler successfully defended the World Matchplay title in July 2026, beating Gerwyn Price 18-9 in the final.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLittler produced a commanding performance at the Winter Gardens, hitting 12 maximums in the final and 66 across the tournament. He became only the third player to retain the men’s title, following Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeau Greaves won the 2026 Women’s World Matchplay after beating Fallon Sherrock in the final. It was Greaves’ third victory in the competition.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eRecent World Matchplay Winners\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"raw-html-embed\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\r\n\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003cth\u003eYear\u003c/th\u003e\r\n    \u003cth\u003eWinner\u003c/th\u003e\r\n    \u003cth\u003eRunner-up\u003c/th\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2026\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eLuke Littler\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eGerwyn Price\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2025\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eLuke Littler\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eJames Wade\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2024\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eLuke Humphries\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eMichael van Gerwen\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2023\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eNathan Aspinall\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eJonny Clayton\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2022\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eMichael van Gerwen\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eGerwyn Price\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2021\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003ePeter Wright\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eDimitri Van den Bergh\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2020\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eDimitri Van den Bergh\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eGary Anderson\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2019\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eRob Cross\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eMichael Smith\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2018\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eGary Anderson\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003eMensur Suljović\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003e2017\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003ePhil Taylor\u003c/td\u003e\r\n    \u003ctd\u003ePeter Wright\u003c/td\u003e\r\n\u003c/tr\u003e\r\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe list shows how difficult it can be to retain the trophy. Even players who dominate elsewhere on the PDC circuit can struggle to string together enough high-level performances across the longer Blackpool format.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFans looking ahead to the sport’s other major events can also explore the latest \u003ca href=\"https://www.talksportbet.com/en-gb/pages/darts/pdc-world-championship-odds\"\u003ePDC World Championship odds\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://www.talksportbet.com/en-gb/pages/darts/premier-league-darts-odds\"\u003ePremier League Darts betting\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eWho Has Won the Most World Matchplay Titles?\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003ePhil Taylor holds the record with 16 World Matchplay victories.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis first came in 1995, and his final triumph arrived in 2017, when he defeated Peter Wright before retiring from professional darts the following year. Taylor also won 13 consecutive editions between 2000 and 2012, a run unlikely to be matched.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMichael van Gerwen is next with three titles, while Rod Harrington and Luke Littler are among the players to have won the competition more than once.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe winner receives the Phil Taylor Trophy, which was renamed in honour of the record champion following his retirement.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eWorld Matchplay Prize Money\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe men’s World Matchplay prize fund increased to £1 million in 2026. The champion collected £225,000, while the runner-up received £125,000.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrize money matters beyond the payout itself because the World Matchplay is a ranking event. Earnings contribute to the PDC Order of Merit and can affect qualification and seeding for future tournaments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe prize structure for the 2027 event should be checked once it has been confirmed by the PDC.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eHow to Bet on World Matchplay Darts\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eTo place a World Matchplay darts bet at talkSPORT BET:\u003c/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eSign in or create an account.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eOpen the darts section.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eFind the World Matchplay outright or individual match.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSelect the market and outcome you want to back.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eEnter your chosen stake in the bet slip.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eCheck the selection, odds and potential return.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eConfirm the wager if you are happy with the details.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003eEligible customers can view the latest \u003ca href=\"https://www.talksportbet.com/en-gb/offer\"\u003esports betting offers\u003c/a\u003e separately. Read the full eligibility requirements and terms before opting into a promotion.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlways set an affordable budget before betting. The result of a darts match can change rapidly, and no player or selection is guaranteed to win.\u003c/p\u003e"}]}