The 2025 Betfred World Matchplay rolls into the Winter Gardens next week, bringing with it thirty-two dart-flinging hopefuls, £800,000 in prize money, and a strong scent of ambition.
So dust off those deckchairs and brace yourselves – the countdown for darts’ answer to Glastonbury (with fewer tents) is truly underway. And the first-round draw has thrown up ties far tastier than the promenade burgers.
Defending champion Luke Humphries – world number one and current holder of the Phil Taylor Trophy – begins his campaign against World Youth Champion Gian van Veen, a man with talent as big as his points.
In a match drenched in Dutch nostalgia, three-time champ Michael van Gerwen will slug it out with his old sparring partner Raymond van Barneveld, who’s been threatening retirement longer than most of us have had a mobile phone.
Reigning King of the Palace Luke Littler goes hunting for something he remarkably hasn’t yet won – facing off against Ryan Searle, a man with the hair of a Norse god and the eyesight of a bat. Still, he’s bloody good considering. Meanwhile, Jonny Clayton takes on German number one Martin Schindler, which should be a belter.
Stephen Bunting and Ryan Joyce renew their yearly tradition of meeting in round one, while Nathan Aspinall – part man, part energy drink – plays debutant Wessel Nijman.
Other juicy ties involving former Matchplay champs include the colourful Peter Wright against Jermaine Wattimena. The Machine Gun has been firing incredibly of late – but will he have the antidote for a Snakebite? Rob Cross versus Dirk van Duijvenbode promises noise, fireworks, and all the makings of a maxfest.
Gary Anderson continues his one-man crusade to prove grumpiness is a performance enhancer, facing Luke Woodhouse. Meanwhile, James Wade makes his twentieth consecutive appearance – in his wife’s hometown, no less. The Machine plays Joe Cullen, who was one millimetre away from becoming Premier League champ. That’s darts for you, Joseph!
Elsewhere, Gerwyn Price renews World Cup final rivalries as he takes on Daryl Gurney in a match oozing with energy and character. Superchin’s compatriot Josh Rock and Ross Smith collide in another contest to salivate over. And Chris Dobey will try to outwit the highest-ranked player whose name would score the most in a game of Scrabble – Ricardo Pietreczko. Especially on a triple word score.
Finally, Damon Heta faces Andrew Gilding – with gold being the theme there. Think about it. Dave Chisnall goes head to head with reigning Grand Prix champ Mike De Decker in what looks like one that could go deep. Oh, and keep an eye on Cameron Menzies – surprisingly making his Winter Gardens debut – who will be looking to freeze out Danny Noppert.
The Empress Ballroom awaits. Try to pick your winner – because here at Darts World, we haven’t got a clue either.
2025 Betfred World Matchplay
Draw Bracket
(1) Luke Humphries v Gian van Veen
(16) Danny Noppert v Cameron Menzies
(8) Nathan Aspinall v Wessel Nijman
(9) James Wade v Joe Cullen
(4) Stephen Bunting v Ryan Joyce
(13) Gary Anderson v Luke Woodhouse
(5) Jonny Clayton v Martin Schindler
(12) Dave Chisnall v Mike De Decker
(2) Luke Littler v Ryan Searle
(15) Peter Wright v Jermaine Wattimena
(7) Damon Heta v Andrew Gilding
(10) Rob Cross v Dirk van Duijvenbode
(3) Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld
(14) Ross Smith v Josh Rock
(6) Chris Dobey v Ricardo Pietreczko
(11) Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney
Session Schedule
Saturday July 19 (1900 BST)
James Wade v Joe Cullen
Danny Noppert v Cameron Menzies
Luke Humphries v Gian van Veen
Nathan Aspinall v Wessel Nijman
Sunday July 20
Afternoon Session (1300 BST)
Damon Heta v Andrew Gilding
Rob Cross v Dirk van Duijvenbode
Peter Wright v Jermaine Wattimena
Dave Chisnall v Mike De Decker
Evening Session (1900 BST)
Gary Anderson v Luke Woodhouse
Jonny Clayton v Martin Schindler
Luke Littler v Ryan Searle
Stephen Bunting v Ryan Joyce
Monday July 21 (1900 BST)
Chris Dobey v Ricardo Pietreczko
Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney
Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld
Ross Smith v Josh Rock
——ENDS—–
Images: PDC
