Darts fever is about to grip Blackpool! The iconic Winter Gardens will once again host the PDC World Matchplay starting July 18th. This year, Luke Littler and Lisa Ashton are set to defend their titles. But for those wondering who truly rules this hallowed stage, look no further: Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor stands supreme with an incredible sixteen titles. Joining him in the pantheon of legends are Michael van Gerwen and Rod Harrington, while Beau Greaves has swiftly become the dominant force in the Women’s Matchplay. This article dives into the extraordinary careers of these champions, revealing who has etched their names deepest into the history of the Winter Gardens.
The Winter Gardens in Blackpool isn’t just a venue; it’s a landmark, a cultural hub that has hosted everything from theatre to concerts. But for darts fans, it holds a special significance as the home of two of the sport’s most prestigious annual events: the PDC World Matchplay and the Women’s World Matchplay. As the excitement builds for the upcoming tournaments, let’s look back at the players who have truly conquered this legendary stage.
The Undisputed King: Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor
When you talk about darts legends, Phil Taylor’s name is always at the forefront. While his sixteen World Championship trophies are legendary, his dominance at the Winter Gardens is equally staggering. Taylor matched his World Championship tally with an incredible sixteen World Matchplay titles, solidifying his status as the greatest of all time.
- Total Appearances: 24, starting with the very first World Matchplay in 1994.
- First Title: 1995, defeating the legendary Dennis Priestley 16-11.
- Era of Domination: From 1995 to 2017, Taylor won 16 out of 23 possible trophies.
- Unbeaten Streak: A remarkable run of seven consecutive titles between 2008 and 2014, where he remained undefeated.
- Grand Finale: ‘The Power’ bowed out in style, winning his final appearance at the Winter Gardens in 2017, beating Peter Wright 18-8 to claim the last major title of his illustrious career.
Mighty Mike’s Mark: Michael van Gerwen
Michael van Gerwen, often dubbed ‘Mighty Mike’, has also carved out a significant legacy at the Winter Gardens. Despite facing early challenges, the Dutch superstar has become a formidable force in Blackpool.
- Total Appearances: 16, with three World Matchplay titles to his name.
- Victories: He secured his titles in 2015, 2016, and 2022.
- Breaking the Mold: Van Gerwen famously defeated Phil Taylor 18-10 in the 2016 final, achieving an impressive 103.93 average.
- Overcoming Challenges: His journey wasn’t without hurdles, including an early final loss to Phil Taylor. However, he broke Taylor’s seven-year winning streak by claiming his first title against James Wade in 2015.
As he returns to Blackpool this year, Michael van Gerwen will be intensely focused on securing his fourth Matchplay title, further cementing his place in the tournament’s history.
The Prince of Style: Rod Harrington’s Brief Brilliance
Despite a significantly shorter career at the Winter Gardens due to knee surgeries, Rod Harrington’s impact remains profound. ‘The Prince of Style’ stands as the third most successful player in the event’s history, a testament to his exceptional talent.
- Limited Appearances: Just nine appearances, yet he secured two titles.
- First Title: 1998, a thrilling 19-17 victory over Ronnie Baxter.
- Historic Defense: In 1999, Harrington became the first player ever to successfully defend the Matchplay crown, defeating Peter Manley 19-17.
- A Unique Record: Despite his historic win, Harrington also holds the record for the lowest-ever average in a World Matchplay final (85.95) during his 1999 victory over Peter Manley, proving that sometimes grit triumphs over statistics.
His back-to-back victories in an era shared with Phil Taylor ensure his name is forever etched in the darting history books.
Women’s World Matchplay: A New Era of Champions
The Women’s World Matchplay, a much younger but equally important tournament, holds a unique place on the PDC calendar. It’s the only women-exclusive televised PDC event and the sole women-only major tournament.
Beau Greaves: The Reigning Force
Since its inception in 2022, one name has dominated: Beau Greaves. She has made an incredible start to her Winter Gardens career.
- Debut and Victory: Greaves debuted in 2023 and immediately claimed the title, beating Mikuru Suzuki 6-1 in the final.
- Historic Defense: The following year, she successfully defended her title, overcoming Fallon Sherrock 6-3 and setting the highest-ever Women’s World Matchplay average of 98.75.
- Chasing a Third: Though she narrowly missed a third consecutive title in 2025, losing to eventual winner Lisa Ashton, Beau Greaves returns this year aiming to reclaim her crown.
Lisa Ashton: The Latest Champion
Lisa Ashton, a formidable player in her own right, broke Beau Greaves’ winning streak in 2025, claiming the title and proving that the Women’s Matchplay is a battleground for the sport’s elite.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Make History Next?
The upcoming World Matchplay events promise more thrilling darts action. Will Luke Littler and Lisa Ashton successfully defend their titles, further solidifying their places in history? Or will new champions emerge, ready to challenge the established legends and create their own legacies at the magnificent Winter Gardens?
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
