The World Matchplay was a match dominated by Phil Taylor as – from 1994 to 2014 – he picked up 15 wins in Blackpool out of a potential 21. Sure, you learn that appropriately.
Taylor had management of the Winter Gardens for practically twenty years, making going again to again appear to be gentle work.
He bossed the Blackpool stage and it appeared as if defending the title at such a match was a easy ask. He dominated a lot that, after he retired, the trophy was named after him.
Then, alongside got here Michael van Gerwen who continued the pattern.
The Dutchman secured Matchplay supremacy in 2015 and 2016, beating James Wade then Taylor himself to make it a double on the seaside.
MVG’s accolades heading into each of these tournaments made unimaginable studying.
Going into the 2015 Matchplay he held the World Grand Prix, European Championship, Masters and UK Open crowns.
Then, going into the 2016 Matchplay, he possessed the World Matchplay, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts, Gamers Championship Finals, Masters, UK Open and Premier League titles.
He was additionally world No 1 on each events and received a ridiculous 11 Euro Tour occasions out of 18 throughout 2015 and 2016.
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Michael van Gerwen hits a nine-darter on the 2012 World Matchplay
Whereas Matchplay dominance had seemed a certainty, it was a pattern that was then rapidly bucked as a result of Van Gerwen solely managed it as soon as regardless of his dominance through the late 2010s and Luke Humphries failed on the first hurdle, a smattering of winners coming within the interlude between two gamers on high.
The present champion is world No 1 Luke Littler who additionally boasts the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, Gamers Championship Finals, World Championship, World Masters, UK Open, Premier League and World Cup titles.
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We have a look again at another stunning exits which have occurred in Blackpool
Equally to Littler, Van Gerwen was untouchable as the most effective participant on the earth. His one downfall? He didn’t win the World Darts Championship on both event in 2015 or 2016 earlier than triumphing once more in 2017.
Littler has received the final two World Championships and is now seeking to turn out to be the primary participant in a decade to retain the Matchplay title and tick off one other little bit of historical past.
How the Matchplay goes actually decides the trajectory of Littler’s 12 months. If he retains, he continues his purpose of a clear sweep. He fails? Then what number of tournaments he enters for the rest of 2026 radically adjustments.
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Luke Littler hits a nine-darter on the 2025 World Matchplay
Littler did what Van Gerwen didn’t when he claimed World Darts Championship wins two years in a row.
“If I could choose, I would swap all the other tournaments I won for this one. It’s the most important one and I’m going to try and get my title back, but the standard is so high you’re not allowed to make any mistakes,” Van Gerwen stated in November 2015 forward of the Worlds.
Littler doesn’t should swap any silverware for the Sid Waddell Trophy as he retained the crown.
It’s now time to point out he can do it once more on the Matchplay stage too.
Will a win on the Matchplay deliver a title defence in Minehead?
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Talking on Love The Darts, Michael Bridge and Paul Nicholson talk about Luke Littler’s 2026 season
Sky Sports activities Information’ Michael Bridge…
“He will be on the ball, no doubt about it. He hasn’t played much lately, he’s obviously been in America for the World Series, he’s been doing a lot of PR events, but we know he’s not being part of the EuroTour at the moment.
“There are nonetheless query marks whether or not he’ll do any Professional Excursions in any respect. I believe he would possibly change his thoughts if he wins the Matchplay as a result of he’ll wish to win all the pieces.
“I know people in his team are denying that, but I think he will go for it if he wins the Matchplay.
“We all know Luke, we all know that when there’s a aim, he’s so extremely pushed.
“There has been a suggestion to me that it’s too late for him to get to Minehead, but there is definitely time. There is plenty of time.
“But when he does win this, then I believe it might propel him to perhaps go to Minehead.”
When is the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports?
The World Matchplay commences on Saturday July 18 and ends on Sunday July 26.
All nine days of the event will be shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage of the opening day commencing on Sky Sports+ at 7pm Not received Sky? Get on the spot entry with NOW
