🎯2025 World Matchplay Full Guide: Schedule, Draw & Predictions
From Saturday, July 19, all eyes turn to the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool as the World Matchplay returns in 2025 for nine days of electrifying darts action. Featuring the world’s elite in both the men’s and women’s games, this year’s edition promises vintage drama, modern rivalries, and unforgettable atmospheres.
🌟 The Prestige of Blackpool’s Summer Classic
The World Matchplay is one of the crown jewels of the PDC calendar. Known for its leg-based format and grueling long games, it’s a psychological and physical test that separates legends from contenders. From Phil Taylor’s unmatched 16 titles to underdog triumphs like Dimitri Van den Bergh’s 2020 win, history hangs heavy over the Blackpool stage.
This year’s champion will hoist the Phil Taylor Trophy, a symbol of sustained excellence, stamina, and style under pressure.
📅 2025 Full Matchplay Schedule
🎯 First Round
Saturday, July 19 (1900 BST)
- James Wade vs. Joe Cullen
- Danny Noppert vs. Cameron Menzies
- Luke Humphries vs. Gian van Veen
- Nathan Aspinall vs. Wessel Nijman
Sunday, July 20
Afternoon Session (1300 BST):
- Damon Heta vs. Andrew Gilding
- Rob Cross vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Peter Wright vs. Jermaine Wattimena
- Dave Chisnall vs. Mike De Decker
Evening Session (1900 BST):
- Gary Anderson vs. Luke Woodhouse
- Jonny Clayton vs. Martin Schindler
- Luke Littler vs. Ryan Searle
- Stephen Bunting vs. Ryan Joyce
Monday, July 21 (1900 BST):
- Chris Dobey vs. Ricardo Pietreczko
- Gerwyn Price vs. Daryl Gurney
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Raymond van Barneveld
- Ross Smith vs. Josh Rock
🧱 Second Round
Tuesday, July 22 & Wednesday, July 23 (1900 BST):
- Match-ups TBD based on first round.
Includes potential thrillers like:- Littler/Searle vs. Wright/Wattimena
- Van Gerwen/Barney vs. Smith/Rock
🎯 Final Stages
- Thursday, July 24 (2000 BST) – Quarter-Finals (2 matches)
- Friday, July 25 (2000 BST) – Quarter-Finals (2 matches)
- Saturday, July 26 (2000 BST) – Semi-Finals
- Sunday, July 27 (1300 BST) – Final
💪 Women’s World Matchplay Returns
Before the men’s final, the Women’s World Matchplay brings rising stars and seasoned champions to the oche.
Quarter-Finals:
- Beau Greaves vs. Kirsi Viinikainen
- Lisa Ashton vs. Robyn Byrne
- Noa-Lynn van Leuven vs. Lorraine Winstanley
- Fallon Sherrock vs. Gemma Hayter
Semi-Finals & Final:
- Played Sunday afternoon, culminating in the crowning of the 2025 Women’s Champion.
📊 Darts By the Numbers
| Record | Holder |
|---|---|
| Most Titles | Phil Taylor – 16 |
| Highest Average | Phil Taylor – 114.99 (2010) |
| Most 180s in a Matchplay | Gary Anderson – 63 (2018) |
| Youngest Winner | Dimitri Van den Bergh (2020, Age 26) |
🕵️♂️ Players to Watch
- Luke Littler – The crowd-drawing teen chasing a historic win.
- Chris Dobey – Dangerous floater with a knack for upsetting big names.
- Josh Rock – Young star with nothing to lose.
- Gary Anderson – A veteran still hungry, still dangerous.
- Fallon Sherrock – A potential Women’s Matchplay champion again?
🔥 Top Value Picks – Match Winner Markets
These bets offer great odds relative to form and risk:
- Cameron Menzies to beat Danny Noppert – 1.9730
A close match-up on paper. Menzies’ form makes him a strong pick in a near coin-flip scenario. - Joe Cullen to upset James Wade – 2.7194
Cullen’s explosive scoring can break Wade’s rhythm. At nearly 2.72, this is high-value underdog potential. - Cross vs Van Duijvenbode – Either Side @ 1.8692
With both players priced dead even, this is a perfect live betting opportunity or a bet for those who closely follow player form.
📊 Over/Under Markets – Long Match Edge
All first-round matches are best of 19 legs (first to 10), so 16.5 total legs is a common line. Here's where the Over offers value:
- Gary Anderson vs Luke Woodhouse – Over 16.5 @ 2.0213
If Woodhouse wins even 6 legs, this easily cashes. The payout here is stronger than expected. - Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle – Over 15.5 @ 1.8200
SBX offers a lower line of 15.5—ideal if Littler wins 10–6 or tighter. Lower risk, decent return. - Stephen Bunting vs Ryan Joyce – Over 16.5 @ 1.9211
Bunting’s rise is real, but Joyce is a grinder. This could go the distance.
⚖️ Asian Handicap Picks – Risk vs Reward
For more precise value, look at these standout lines:
- Danny Noppert -2.5 @ 2.6350
High risk, high reward if Noppert wins convincingly (10–6 or better). - Dirk van Duijvenbode +2.5 @ 1.4104
Safe pick for parlays—Dirk tends to keep things tight. - Luke Littler -4.5 @ 2.1169
Littler’s current form is lights-out. This lands with a dominant 10–5 win or better. - Ryan Joyce +2.5 @ 2.0213 vs Bunting
Covers most tight losses; great value for a match expected to be close.
Odds are accurate as of 16 July 2025, 07:30 UTC.
Get all of your matchplay bets on here!
🧠 Smart Bet Combos
Mix and match for smart parlays or singles:
| Bet Type | Selection | Odds | Why It’s Smart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | Menzies over Noppert | 1.9730 | Form edge in an evenly priced match |
| Handicap | Littler -4.5 vs Searle | 2.1169 | Backing dominance in early rounds |
| Total Legs | Anderson/Woodhouse Over 16.5 | 2.0213 | Likely tight match, good Over value |
| Handicap (safe) | Van Duijvenbode +2.5 vs Cross | 1.4104 | Strong cover even in narrow loss |
Odds are accurate as of 16 July 2025, 07:39 UTC.
📍 Where to Bet
You can place these bets and monitor movement live via SBX.com, which offers:
- Real-time odds changes
- Multiple lines (winner, handicap, O/U)
- Asian handicap options
- Reliable liquidity and in-play markets
📺 Where to Watch
- Sky Sports Darts (UK)
- PDC TV / DAZN (International)
Live coverage includes all matches with expert commentary and analysis.
✍️ Final Word
The 2025 World Matchplay promises to be one for the ages. From titanic first-round clashes to potential upsets, and a Women's final set to light up Sunday, Blackpool is ready for its annual darts carnival.
Who’s your pick to win it all this year? Can Littler handle the heat? Will MVG reign again?
🎯 Let the arrows fly!
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