World Matchplay Darts 2026: Schedule, Draw, and Updated Prize Money Announced

The 2026 World Matchplay Darts tournament commences on Saturday, 18 July at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, marking a pivotal fixture in the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) eight major events.

This 32-player competition features the top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit and the next 16 qualifiers from the ProTour Order of Merit.

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Luke Littler, the reigning champion after securing the Phil Taylor Trophy in 2025, extends his dominance by winning three major titles in 2026. He is favored as the defending champion.

For the first time, a women’s event is incorporated into the tournament, concluding on Sunday, 26 July. Lisa Ashton, the 2025 women’s champion, heads into the final after defeating Fallon Sherrock in the previous year’s showdown.

World Matchplay Tournament Format

The men’s event follows a knockout structure with progressive leg requirements:

• First Round: Best of 19 legs (sudden death at 12-12)
• Second Round: Best of 21 legs (sudden death at 13-13)
• Quarter-Finals: Best of 31 legs (sudden death at 18-18)
• Semi-Finals: Best of 33 legs (sudden death at 19-19)
• Final: Best of 35 legs (sudden death at 20-20)

The women’s competition structure differs, with:

• Quarter-Finals: Best of 9 legs
• Semi-Finals: Best of 9 legs
• Final: Best of 9 legs

Prize Money Breakdown

Total prize money has surged to £1 million, up £200,000 from the previous year. The winner receives £225,000, strategically increasing the incentive for elite players.

Men’s Competition Prize Distribution

1. Runner-Up: £135,000
2. Semi-Finalists: £65,000
3. Quarter-Finalists: £35,000
4. Second Round Losers: £22,500
5. First Round Losers: £12,000

Women’s Competition Prize Distribution

1. Runner-Up: £10,000
2. Semi-Finalists: £4,500
3. Quarter-Finalists: £2,000

Draw and Results

Final | Sunday, 26 July – 20:05 BST

• (1) Luke Littler (7)

Men’s Semi-Final Results

• (7) Gerwyn Price 17-10 Gian van Veen (3)
• (1) Luke Littler 17-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
• (15) Ross Smith 12-16 Gerwyn Price (7)
• (3) Gian van Veen 16-13 James Wade (6)
• (4) Michael van Gerwen 12-14 Dirk van Duijvenbode
• Day 2-14: Josh Rock 11-6 Stephen Bunting (9)
• Day 2-16: Cameron Menzies retired, Ross Smith progressed
• (6) James Wade 11-8 Ryan Searle
• Day 2-19: Jonny Clayton 10-7 Damon Heta

Women’s Tournament Progression

• Quarter-Finals:
  • (1) Beau Greaves 5-1 Kirsi Viinikainen (8)
  • (4) Gemma Hayter 5-4 Vicky Pruim (5)
  • (2) Lisa Ashton 5-2 Rhian O’Sullivan (7)
  • (3) Fallon Sherrock 5-0 Data Hedman (6)
• Semi-Finals:
  • (1) Beau Greaves 5-4 Gemma Hayter (4)
  • (2) Lisa Ashton 1-5 Fallon Sherrock (3)
• Final:
  • (1) Beau Greaves 6-5 Fallon Sherrock (3)