With the World Matchplay 2025 around the corner, we asked the Sky Sports Darts experts who they think are the favorites who go on a surprise run, and why this tournament is so special …
Sky Sports Darts’ Mark Webster
What makes the matchplay so special?
The matchplay is very special. Only trying to qualify for the event is extremely difficult, so it is worth it when you arrive there – you have to be consistent for 12 months.
I know that when I came across, I qualified for the worlds and you want to clearly make the worlds, but I really wanted to make the match play.
It is a brilliant tournament in a brilliant time of the year. The location is fantastic, it is also a decent size.
Every player who comes there has a little shape and a little consistency. Yes, players come in who are a bit fragmentary, but in those 12 months you earn your place.
There is a real sense of achievement when qualifying just, but if you can go there on a deep run, it is a fantastic trophy to win.
Who wins the matchplay?
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Luke Humphries celebrates last year’s victory
I love the draw of Luke Humphries. It is clear that the first round, first to 10, is a fairly long size and it has a difficult opening round [against Gian van Veen] But he has the know -how.
I don’t see him having too much trouble reaching the quarterfinals and as soon as it is the quarters, it plays in the hands of these players.
It is the first to 16, then 17, then 18 and they are going to hit something.
I think Humphries is again the man to beat, but it will be difficult because he is a defender.
He certainly got it in him to win that title and he will be confident after winning the Premier League.
Who is going on a surprise run?
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Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney were in tears after winning the World Cup Darts title after an epic Dega on the last legs
I’m going to say Josh Rock, but is that a huge surprise given the way he played at the World Cup?
In the past he did not run the ground in terms of the matchplay and he has received a rematch with Ross Smith, whom he played there before.
I just think he’s a little more equipped now – he looked smooth and shot at the World Cup.
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Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock both touch nine-darters in Players Championship 20 in Leicester
He must bring that mentality of ‘representing your country’ to the Matchplay.
I think it’s time to start. He had a brilliant first year and he let his career go steadily, but it’s time to have that explosive run now. I would not be Goobsmacked if he had a decent run.
Sky Sports Darts’ Emma Paton
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Luke Humphries wins the World Matchplay title with a sensational 100 -finish against Michael van Gerwen
What makes the matchplay so special?
I think if I described the World Matchplay in one word, it would be magical!
It is a tournament that players often emphasize as their favorite event of the year.
One thing is the location – De Wintertuinen is iconic. It is the sound, the heat, the balconies, the lights – pure theater!
And of course you have the history – Phil Taylor makes it a lot of his home. We have had such memorable moments, whether they are nine-darters or crazy comebacks, so hopefully there will be more where this year that came!
And what can I not call the fans – a real darts – that is absolutely fond of a party!
Who wins the matchplay?
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Gerwyn Price Hit Tops, Tops to place Wales in the World Cup Final
The two Lukes (Humphries and Littler) will be the favorites, being the world number one and two, but I’m going for Gerwyn Price, who is currently the Vormeler. A Euro Tour title a few days ago, three victories on the Pro Tour in 2025 Plus a victory of the World Series – maybe it’s time for him to pick up a major.
He is a former second place and I support him to crack the code this year.
Who is going on a surprise run?
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Damon Heta produces an amazing nine-darter against Luke Woodhouse and the pair of four together on the stage in Alexandra Palace!
Would a Damon Heta -run be a surprise?! Probably not, but I support the world no. 7 to string some winning performances together on a large stage. He plays great things, but maybe this is his time to have a deep run on a large TV tournament.
Sky Sports Darts’ Rod Studd
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The Story of Women’s Finals Day at the World Matchplay
What makes the matchplay so special?
Ask someone who is connected to professional darts, from players to fans to commentators, to call their favorite tournament and the vast majority will answer ‘the world matchplay’.
A tournament steeped in tradition and history played in the most graceful and iconic location with the strongest field at elite level in world dave. Only the great ones of the game win in the winter Gardens.
Who wins the matchplay?
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After stretching his Premier League nine-darter record to five, then view all the previous nine of Gerwyn Price in the competition
The number crunchers and data analysts tell me that Luke Littler is the man to go back, but I am always reluctant to withdraw from the proven serial winner – Luke Humphries
And I love the way former finalist Gerwyn Price was played. I tipped half the field by the time the first arrow is thrown!
Who is going on a surprise run?
Somewhat contradicted my previous answer, but I love Gian van Veen.
Yes, he plays the title defender in the first round, but better to meet Humphries about the best of 19 than later in the event about a longer format and if the young Dutchman jumps a surprise there, the trek would be reasonable for the world champion of the world. He is a wonderful talent.
Sky Sports Darts’ Stuart Pyke
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Speaking of love the darts, Paul Nicholson and Michael Bridge discuss the form of Michael van Gerwen on his way to the World Matchplay, where he plays Raymond van Barneveld in the first round.
What makes the matchplay so special?
For me, the Matcheplay evokes so many memories that go all the way back to 2003 – it was my first tournament ever for Sky Sports.
I was supposed to shade Sid Waddell, Dave Lanning and John Gwynne, but when I arrived at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool, I was met by the big Sid, who told me that we were going to do the first game of the day together, what John Lowe was against Keith Deller!
He was a star, a good friend and a leading light until we unfortunately lost him in 2012
That is why it remains my favorite to this day. A special place and a special atmosphere
By the way, Sky Sports’ own Wayne Mardle reached the final in 2003. For 20 legs he went for Dart with Phil Taylor before he lost 18-12.
Who wins the matchplay?
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Luke Littler hit three tops to beat Jules van Dongen in the first round of the American darts masters. Photos thanks to ITV Sport.
Luke Littler is still smart about losing the Premier League final. In the meantime, Gerwyn Price is in the same half and in a large test.
Who is going on a surprise run?
Gary Anderson is a big run in a TV major and this can be the one!
Sky Sports Darts’ Laura Turner
What makes the matchplay so special?
The PDC World Matchplay combines atmosphere, tradition and elite level arrows in a unique leg-based size, making it a crown jewel in the PDC calendar.
The location is iconic and the matchplay has yielded so many memorable moments, from nine-dart finishes to epic comebacks, it has delivered some of the most exciting moments in the history of the darts.
Who wins the matchplay?
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View Gary Anderson’s Incredible Start to Players Championship 9 while the Flying Scotsman Perfection hits!
It is difficult not to look at the two Lukes who pick up each title, but recent results have shown that they are not invincible and the field is so strong. The will of Dobey, Price, Anderson and others can still cause considerable disturbances.
Who is going on a surprise run?
With a field so strong, I don’t think a run would be like a complete surprise. Anderson and Price have found a good shape lately, but I also think that the winner of the meeting of Josh Rock and Ross Smith can go on a deep run.
Sky Sports Darts’ Polly James
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Dimitri van den Bergh Hits A Nine-Darter Against Martin Schindler in the World Matchplay
What makes the matchplay so special?
It is one of the most prestigious events on the calendar and I think it’s great how the whole Blackpool comes behind the tournament.
The city is going crazy and the summer buzzes on the coast is so much fun. It goes without saying, the winter gardens are iconic and the fans are die-hard.
Who wins the matchplay?
I will have to say 2023 champion Nathan Aspinall or the in-form Gerwyn Price.
Who is going on a surprise run?
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Another look at how Alexandra Palace’s audience was wild for Damon Heta’s nine-darter on the World Darts Championship
I know it would not be that big, but I hope Damon Heta will go far and the business end will go in Blackpool.
Sky Sports Darts’ Glen Durrant
What makes the matchplay so special?
The winter gardens in Blackpool are just iconic …
The iconic winter gardens. Blackpool in the summer and the legacy of Phil Taylor.
Who wins the matchplay?
I’m going to say Luke Littler. He lost last year to Michael van Gerwen during his World Matchplay debut, but since then he has been another animal.
Who is going on a surprise run?
Watch out for ‘The Heat’ during this year’s World Matchplay
Watch out for Damon Heta. The Aussie secured its second ranking on the Players Championship 20 Final last week. It is in good shape.
View the World Matchplay Live on Sky Sports from 19-27 July or Stream without a contract.
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