PDC·Major TV
World Matchplay
The World Matchplay at the Winter Gardens Blackpool is one of the most prestigious titles in darts — and the only PDC major played in the legs-only matchplay format throughout. Blackpool in July is the sport’s most atmospheric week outside of Ally Pally.
2026 edition
Field, schedule, draw and event details
Format
First round10 legs
Second round11 legs
Quarter-finals13 legs
Semi-finals16 legs
Final18 legs
Records
The matchplay format differenceUnlike most PDC majors, the World Matchplay uses pure legs format with no sets — and the leg counts are much larger than a typical tour event. The final is first to 18 legs. There is nowhere to hide.
Contenders for 2026Top 32 from the PDC Order of Merit qualify. Premier League players are the core of the field.
What makes it different
Unlike most PDC majors, the World Matchplay uses pure legs format with no sets — and the leg counts are much larger than a typical tour event. The final is first to 18 legs. There is nowhere to hide.
Previous winners
YearWinnerCountry