The PDC World Matchplay, a cornerstone of the summer darts calendar, is set to return to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from July 18-26, 2026. The tournament will feature 32 of the top players battling over nine days, with the men's event running throughout and the Women's World Matchplay featured on the final day. The schedule includes first-round matches from Saturday to Monday, second round on Tuesday and Wednesday, quarter-finals on Thursday and Friday, semi-finals on Saturday, and both the women's and men's finals on Sunday, with the latter in the evening session.
The historic Winter Gardens, an entertainment complex in the heart of Blackpool, Lancashire, England, has hosted the event since 1878. It is easily accessible by train via Blackpool North Station (a 10–15 minute walk), local bus routes, the Blackpool Tramway, or car with nearby parking. Tickets, which sold out immediately in 2025, typically go on sale in February, with PDCTV Annual Members (£49.99/year) getting early access on February 24, a pre-sale on February 25, and general sale on February 26. Face value tickets range from £45-£65.
Qualification for the World Matchplay is based on a two-pronged ranking system: the top 16 on the PDC Order of Merit (e.g., Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen) and the top 16 on the ProTour Order of Merit (e.g., Martin Schindler in 2024), with the cut-off around early July. The prize money for 2026 is set to increase, but for reference, the 2025 breakdown included £225,000 for the winner, £125,000 for the runner-up, £65,000 for semi-finalists, £35,000 for quarter-finalists, £22,500 for second round, and £12,500 for first round, totaling £1,000,000.
In the UK, the tournament is broadcast live on Sky Sports, with coverage likely presented by Emma Paton and commentators including Wayne Mardle, Mark Webster, Glen Durrant, Rod Studd, and Stuart Pyke. Internationally, it airs on channels like DAZN or Sport1 in Germany, Viaplay in the Netherlands, and Peacock in the US, or on PDCTV where not otherwise available. The format features best-of leg matches with sudden-death rules: first round (best of 19 legs, sudden death at 12–12), second round (best of 21, 13–13), quarter-finals (best of 31, 18–18), semi-finals (best of 33, 19–19), and final (best of 35, 20–20).
Luke Littler is the defending champion after winning the 2025 title 18-13 against James Wade, becoming the youngest winner and fifth player to complete the PDC Triple Crown. Other past champions include Phil Taylor (16 wins), Michael van Gerwen (3), and Rod Harrington (2). Nine nine-dart finishes have been hit in the tournament's history, with the latest by Luke Littler in the 2025 semi-finals.
