Step into the electrifying atmosphere of Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, the spiritual home of the World Matchplay since 1994. This tournament consistently delivers unparalleled drama, legendary rivalries, and moments that etch themselves into darts history. For those seeking the ultimate thrill, we’ve compiled a definitive look back at ten of the most unforgettable finals – matches packed with nail-biting finishes, record-breaking averages, and incredible comebacks that captivated audiences worldwide. Prepare to relive the greatest spectacles the Matchplay has ever offered.
The Winter Gardens: A Stage for Darts Immortality
The iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool has been the spiritual home of the World Matchplay since 1994. Its unique atmosphere and rich history have consistently provided the perfect backdrop for some of darts’ most thrilling encounters, making any thought of moving the tournament almost sacrilege. As we anticipate future editions, let’s journey back through time to celebrate the finals that truly defined this magnificent event.
Reliving the Drama: Iconic World Matchplay Finals
10. Phil Taylor vs. Raymond van Barneveld (2007)
This final marked the **only time these two darts titans clashed in a World Matchplay final**, and it was a cracker, as expected. Despite it being Van Barneveld’s first and only appearance in this final, both players averaged over a hundred. Barney kept pace with Taylor early on, trailing just 11-9, but **Taylor, as he so often did, found another gear**, rocketing away to secure yet another Matchplay crown with his signature dominance.
9. Dennis Priestley vs. Peter Evison (1998)
‘The Menace’ Dennis Priestley had suffered defeat in the previous two finals, making many believe the third time would be his charm. However, Peter Evison was enjoying the week of his darting life, having famously **knocked out Phil Taylor in the second round**. Evison surged into a **14-11 lead**, but crucially missed doubles that would have extended his advantage to 15-11. Priestley capitalized, leveling the game at 14-14. Evison then produced a **clutch 13-darter** on his throw and broke in 12 darts in the next leg to claim his first PDC major title, finishing with an average over a hundred.
8. Luke Littler vs. James Wade (Most Recent Final)
The most recent final delivered everything fans could wish for: the young prodigy against a seasoned veteran who was arguably playing the darts of his life. **Wade got off to a perfect start, storming to a 5-0 lead** at the first break. Yet, Littler, showcasing his incredible composure, rallied to make it 5-5. Despite Littler averaging an astounding 107, Wade hung on, only 11-9 down at the fourth break. But from there, **Littler pulled away at 14-11**, nursing his lead to outlast Wade in a true war of attrition. Littler finished with an average of **107.24**, the third-highest in a final and the highest achieved by anyone not named Taylor.
7. Luke Humphries vs. Michael van Gerwen (Modern Classic)
This final was a modern classic, pitting Luke Humphries, then the world’s best player, against a resurgent Michael van Gerwen, who had defeated Luke Littler in an early round. Despite Humphries consistently holding a slight lead, the game was a **back-and-forth struggle**, reaching critical junctures at 13-12 and 17-15. The tension peaked when **Van Gerwen missed four crucial darts to keep the final alive**, allowing Humphries to seize the moment with a **spectacular 100 finish, using two double tops**, to clinch the title.
6. Phil Taylor vs. James Wade (2010)
Of the four stunning Blackpool finals these two contested, this was arguably the closest James Wade came to overcoming Phil Taylor. The final was **neck and neck at ten legs all** before Taylor surged into a 15-11 lead, seemingly sealing the deal. However, **Wade fought back with consecutive checkouts of 112 and 114**, followed by a double six to trim the deficit to just one leg. He then agonizingly wired his favourite double ten for a 140 finish that would have leveled the game at 15-15. Taylor capitalised on this miss, eventually securing an 18-15 victory.
5. Colin Lloyd vs. Peter Manley (2005)
‘The Prince of Style,’ Colin Lloyd, never had an easy path to victory in his World Matchplay finals. This was certainly the case when he faced Peter Manley, who had famously beaten Phil Taylor in the semi-finals. This match is forever remembered for **Manley’s audacious attempt at the first live televised nine-darter**, going treble 18, tops, bull on 144, only to wire the bullseye. While not featuring the highest averages, the game itself was a classic, with **Manley rallying from 16-13 down to remarkably level the game at 17-all**. Lloyd then won two legs on the spin, including a **clutch 136 checkout**, to win the title for a second time and become the first man in history to successfully retain it.
4. Phil Taylor vs. John Part (2002)
What a year 2002 was for the Matchplay! Phil Taylor had already averaged an incredible **112.17** and hit the **first televised PDC nine-darter** against Chris Mason in the quarter-finals, before narrowly edging past a resurgent John Lowe 17-15 in an all-time classic semi-final. He then faced John Part, a World Champion in his own right, but one whom Taylor had dominated in previous major finals. Despite this, the final was **neck and neck all the way**, with Part even leading 15-14 and 16-15. Taylor ultimately won three legs on the spin to pip Part at the post. Part left with his head held high, later stating his performance gave him the confidence to finally defeat Taylor in the 2003 World Championship final.
3. Rod Harrington vs. Ronnie Baxter (2001)
This was the **first Matchplay final to go into overtime** and a true classic. Ronnie Baxter, who had knocked out Phil Taylor in the quarter-finals, was looking to win the title while still being a BDO player, making this a battle across the darting divide. It looked like Baxter had it won with a **17-14 lead**, but Harrington fought back valiantly to force a tiebreak. Harrington then executed a **spectacular 125 checkout (treble 15, tops, tops)** to take the lead, securing the win in the next leg. This was one of the first high-profile instances of the ‘tops, tops’ finish on 80 and marked the beginning of Ronnie Baxter’s heartbreaking run in major finals.
2. Gary Anderson vs. Mensur Suljovic (2018)
This was the **longest game in Matchplay history** and had everything: averages well over a hundred, a close contest, and drama at every turn. Despite the final being tight early on, with Suljovic scoring better than expected, Anderson surged into a **17-13 lead**, making victory seem inevitable. Yet, Suljovic had other ideas, roaring back with some incredible bullseye finishes to eventually take an **18-17 lead**, just one leg away from the title. Anderson, however, fought back to reclaim the lead at 19-17. He then had a shot at 121 for the win, but his dart at the bullseye (which landed in) **bounced out**. Suljovic punished this misfortune to level again at 19-19, but two missed darts at double for 20-19 in the next leg proved costly. Anderson then broke Suljovic’s throw and held his own to win an **absolute darting marathon** and one of the greatest games of all time.
1. Phil Taylor vs. Adrian Lewis (2013) – The Pinnacle
In terms of sheer standard, this is widely regarded as the **greatest World Matchplay final of all time**. Phil Taylor averaged an astonishing **111.23**, the highest in any final on the Winter Gardens stage. Adrian Lewis’s **105.92** is still the highest losing average of any game in Matchplay history. Had ‘Jackpot’ been playing almost anyone else that night, he would have undoubtedly claimed the title. But this was Taylor at his **imperious best** over such an extended format, and he was nigh on unbeatable, delivering a performance that cemented his legend and set an unprecedented benchmark for final quality.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
