From its groundbreaking start in 1994 with Larry Butler’s surprising victory, the World Matchplay has evolved into one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments, crowning legends like Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor and showcasing incredible drama at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens. Recent years have seen new stars like Luke Littler etch their names into history, completing a PDC ‘triple crown’ and joining an elite group of back-to-back champions. The tournament has also proudly launched the Women’s World Matchplay, celebrated by pioneers such as Fallon Sherrock and Beau Greaves, proving that the ‘Summer of Darts’ continues to deliver unforgettable moments and forge new heroes in the sport.
The Genesis of a Darts Spectacle
The World Matchplay, launched in 1994, quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the professional darts calendar. Its inaugural champion, American outsider Larry Butler, defied all expectations. Ranked outside the sport’s elite, his triumph remains a testament to the tournament’s capacity for unexpected heroes.
While most winners have been top-tier players, a notable exception to the Winter Gardens rule was Dimitri Van den Bergh, who uniquely lifted the trophy in 2020 when the event was held behind closed doors due to global circumstances. He later came incredibly close to a second win on the iconic Blackpool stage.
Generally, the World Matchplay crown has been reserved for the sport’s heavyweights – players who were already, or would soon become, World Champions or major title holders.
Kings, Queens, and Unforgettable Finishes
When it comes to the World Matchplay, one name stands above all: Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor. Widely regarded as the undisputed ‘King of Blackpool,’ Taylor’s dominance is unparalleled, with a record number of titles that may never be broken.
Beyond Taylor’s reign, the tournament has delivered countless moments of sheer brilliance and drama:
- Colin Lloyd’s 170 checkout: Often cited as the single greatest moment in World Matchplay history, this perfect finish to win the title was a breathtaking display of skill under immense pressure.
- Dennis Priestley’s heartbreak: Despite reaching three consecutive finals, ‘The Menace’ agonizingly never managed to lift the trophy, a testament to the tournament’s unforgiving nature.
- Epic Comebacks: While they didn’t ultimately win the title, moments like Andy Hamilton’s incredible rally against Simon Whitlock in 2011 and Joe Cullen’s thrilling run in 2018 captivated audiences with their against-the-odds spirit.
- Dominant Displays: For sheer one-sided brilliance, Peter Evison’s 8-1 demolition of Phil Taylor in the 1996 semi-final stands out as a performance for the ages.
In more recent memory, Phil Taylor’s final triumph in 2017, culminating in a masterful victory against Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, solidified his legendary status even further.
A New Era of Champions and Record Breakers
The World Matchplay continues to evolve, bringing new champions and fresh rivalries to the forefront:
- Peter Wright’s 2021 charge: ‘Snakebite’ played some imperious darts to secure the title, adding another prestigious trophy to his collection as he pursued a career Grand Slam.
- Michael van Gerwen’s 2022 resurgence: Returning from an operation just weeks prior, ‘Mighty Mike’ stormed to victory, reasserting his position at the summit of the game in a remarkable year.
- Maiden Winners: The tournament has recently celebrated a trio of first-time champions, with Nathan Aspinall and Luke Humphries etching their names onto the roll of honour.
- Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler’s Ascent: The teenage sensation has taken the darts world by storm. After a sensational debut, he lifted the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy at his second attempt, completing the PDC’s prestigious ‘triple crown’ of major titles. In defending his crown, he also expanded the exclusive club of back-to-back winners to four members: Rod Harrington, Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Luke Littler himself.
The Rise of Women’s Darts: The Women’s World Matchplay
Launched in 2022, the Women’s World Matchplay marked a pivotal moment for women’s darts. Designed to complement the PDC’s Women’s Series, it became the first fully televised women’s PDC major event.
Held concurrently with the men’s tournament at the same iconic venue, it was an immediate success:
- Fallon Sherrock: ‘The Queen of the Palace’ claimed the inaugural title, cementing her status as a trailblazer for women in darts.
- Beau Greaves: The sport’s own teenage superstar quickly followed, securing the next two titles with dominant performances.
- Lisa Ashton’s Historic Win: In 2025, four-time Women’s World Champion Lisa Ashton denied Greaves a hattrick, achieving a remarkable multi-code career grand slam at the age of 54 – a truly inspiring feat!
Each year, the World Matchplay continues to delight and surprise, adding new names to its illustrious honour roll and solidifying its place as one of darts’ most treasured events.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
