The lights of the Winter Gardens are set to shine once again as the Betfred World Matchplay Darts returns to Blackpool from 19th to 27th July, marking its 30th anniversary in one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
It’s a mid-summer staple in the darts calendar, known not just for its high-stakes drama but also for the unique seaside buzz that only Blackpool can offer. The world’s best players will go toe to toe over nine days in pursuit of the Phil Taylor Trophy – a fitting tribute to the 16-time World Matchplay champion whose legacy still looms large over the oche.
For fans travelling over from Ireland or tuning in from home, this year’s edition promises storylines, rivalries, and perhaps a breakthrough moment or two for the Irish contingent.
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Tournament overview
Regarded as one of the ‘Triple Crown’ events in darts, alongside the World Championship and Premier League, the Betfred World Matchplay is a knockout tournament that pits 32 of the world’s top players against each other in a test of skill, bottle and consistency.
Unlike other PDC events, the format here isn’t a ‘best of X legs’ affair. Instead, it’s a marathon matchplay format – every match must be won by two clear legs, with no sudden death leg until the game extends into overtime (up to six extra legs max). It’s part of what makes this event so special – not only do players need firepower, but they must also have the ability to stay cool when things go long.
The field consists of the top 16 players on the PDC Order of Merit who are seeded, and the top 16 players from the ProTour Order of Merit (who are unseeded). This means that hungry outsiders have just as much of a shot as the top guns – though history shows that experience counts in Blackpool.
The prize pot
This year’s prize pool stands at £800,000, with a whopping £200,000 going to the eventual champion. The stakes don’t get much higher outside of the World Championship at Ally Pally.
To put that in context, a good run in Blackpool can define a player’s season – or even their career. Just ask 2023 winner Luke Humphries, who used his Matchplay crown as a springboard for further dominance, winning the World Darts Championships the following year.
Irish players to watch
There’s plenty for Irish fans to keep an eye on in Blackpool this year, with a trio of talented players looking to make their mark on the tournament’s grandest stage.
William O’Connor – the grinder from Limerick
A consistent figure on the tour over the past decade, William O’Connor remains one of the Republic’s best hopes in the men’s game. Known for his methodical style and cool head under pressure, “The Magpie” has featured in some memorable matches over the years. He’s currently battling through the qualifiers, and a strong showing there could land him a dangerous unseeded spot in the bracket.
If O’Connor gets through, he’ll be a tricky opponent for any top-16 seed – and although he’s not the flashiest player on the circuit, he can be incredibly solid on his day. If the doubles are flowing, he can cause real problems against the very best in the game.
Josh Rock – Northern Ireland’s new sensation
One of the hottest young prospects in world darts, Josh Rock has been turning heads since his breakout year in 2022. Still only 24, he combines raw scoring power with a fearless approach. For Irish fans hoping for a deep run, Rock might be your best bet. He’s a big 180 hitter when in the mood.
Fresh off Northern Ireland’s first-ever World Cup of Darts victory (alongside Daryl Gurney), Rock enters this year’s Matchplay with momentum and swagger. He’s already proved that he can mix it with the big boys, and this might be the year he announces himself on the major stage. Luke Littler has deservedly received the plaudits over the last 18 months, but Rock is without doubt one of the best young talents within the game – and this could be an event where more darts fans take note.
Daryl Gurney – “Superchin” is back
The other half of that historic World Cup-winning duo, Daryl Gurney is no stranger to the Matchplay lights. The 38-year-old from Derry has twice reached the quarter-finals in Blackpool and is capable of going deep again if he finds form.
Known as “Superchin”, Gurney combines solid all-round stats with a steely determination. He’s had some ups and downs in recent seasons, but the World Cup win may have sparked a return to confidence. And as any darts fan knows, a confident Gurney is a dangerous one.
However, Gurney needs to keep his cool. His antics at the oche can sometimes frustrate not only his opponent, but also the crowd. If he is to have a good run in Blackpool, he will need to showcase his big scoring and checkouts rather than his mind games. This could make or break his tournament.
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Can Luke Humphries retain the title?
Luke Humphries enters the 2025 tournament not just as defending champion, but as a man who has transformed into a bona fide titan of the sport. After lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy last year – beating Jonny Clayton in an emotionally charged final – “Cool Hand Luke” has gone from dark horse to top dog in recent years.
His temperament, scoring consistency and high double percentage make him a nightmare draw for anyone. What sets him apart, though, is his ability to perform when it matters most. Since his Matchplay win, he has added more silverware to his cabinet and climbed further up the PDC Order of Merit.
However, retaining a title in Blackpool is no easy feat. Only three men have done it: Taylor (of course), Rod Harrington and Michael van Gerwen. That’s elite company. And Humphries will need to navigate a field loaded with talent and hungry challengers, including Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price and the irrepressible Peter Wright, who always seems to find an extra gear when the lights are brightest.
Then there’s the Irish challenge – Rock could easily meet Humphries in the latter rounds, and that’s a match no fan will want to miss. O’Connor and Gurney also have the experience to cause an upset if the draw falls their way. If Humphries does hold on to his title, it will be a historic moment for the Englishman.
Our expert prediction
So, who’s walking away with the title this July?
If you’re the betting type (and if so, Tonybet has you covered), you would be wise to look closely at Luke Humphries to at least make the final. His form and focus are world class, and there’s a calm assurance about him now that suggests he’s not going anywhere soon.
However, this is darts, and Blackpool loves a wildcard.
From an Irish angle, Josh Rock is the one to watch. He has been threatening to do something big for two years, and his recent team success could be the spark that ignites a solo run. A semi-final or better isn’t out of the question if he finds rhythm early.
The dark horses? Nathan Aspinall, always dangerous, and Danny Noppert, who is quietly putting together a fine season. Don’t count out Michael van Gerwen, either, even if his aura of invincibility isn’t quite what it was.
Our money? It would be foolish not to back the reigning champion, Luke Humphries, though Michael Smith can run him close and prove why he should have been his darts partner in the recent World Cup.
We’re confident that Josh Rock can be Ireland’s hero in Blackpool, though Ricardo Pietreczko is a wildcard selection who has taken out several big names on major stages in recent years.
As the arrows fly and the crowd roars at the Winter Gardens, there’s every reason to believe that the 30th Betfred World Matchplay will deliver fireworks once again.
Whether you’re backing the favourites, cheering for the Irish underdogs, or simply in it for the spectacle, Blackpool in July is the place to be (or stream from).
Make sure that you’re following the action closely – and don’t be shy about keeping one eye on the Tonybet odds, because if there’s one thing that’s certain in darts, it’s that nothing is certain.
