The 2026 PDC World Matchplay is set to take place from July 18 to 26 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. The historic entertainment complex, which opened in 1878 and features venues like the Opera House and Empress Ballroom, has hosted the tournament annually. The event will feature a 32-player men's field battling over nine days, with evening sessions dominating the schedule except for the opening Sunday and the Women's World Matchplay on the final day.
Qualification for the men's tournament is based on two ranking lists: the top 16 on the PDC Order of Merit (including players like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen) and the top 16 on the ProTour Order of Merit, with the cut-off around early July. Tickets for the 2026 edition went on sale in February, with PDCTV Annual Members (£49.99/year) getting access on February 24, a pre-sale on February 25, and general sale on February 26. Demand is high—tickets sold out immediately in 2025—with face values ranging from £45-£65, and resale available via official partner See Tickets.
Prize money for 2026 will increase from 2025 levels, with the winner earning £225,000, the runner-up £125,000, semi-finalists £65,000, quarter-finalists £35,000, second-round losers £22,500, and first-round losers £12,500, totaling £1,000,000. In the UK, coverage will be on Sky Sports, featuring presenters like Emma Paton and commentators including Wayne Mardle and Mark Webster, while international viewers can check local broadcasters or PDCTV.
The tournament's history includes 14 different champions, led by Phil Taylor with 16 wins, followed by Michael van Gerwen (3), and others like Luke Littler, who won in 2025 by defeating James Wade 18-13. Nine nine-dart finishes have been recorded, with Luke Littler hitting the latest in the 2025 semi-finals. Matches use a leg-play format with sudden-death deciders if tied at specific scores: 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).
