The World Matchplay is one of the most prestigious professional darts tournaments in the world. It takes place every July at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool, England. Fans and players consider it the “summer version” of the World Championship because of its high stakes and long history.
How the Tournament Works
Unlike many other tournaments, the World Matchplay uses a leg-play format rather than sets.
- Legs Only: To win a match, a player must win a specific number of legs (usually first to 10 in the opening round).
- The Two-Clear-Legs Rule: Players cannot win a match on a tie. If the score reaches 9-9 in a “first to 10” match, the game continues until someone leads by two clear legs. This often creates long, dramatic battles.
- The Participants: The tournament features 32 players. The top 16 players in the world rankings qualify automatically, and the top 16 players from the ProTour Order of Merit join them.
Key Features
- The Venue: The Empress Ballroom is famous for its heat and intense atmosphere. Players often struggle with the high temperatures on stage, which adds an extra layer of difficulty.
- The Trophy: The winner receives the Phil Taylor Trophy. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) named the prize after Phil Taylor because he won the tournament a record 16 times.
- The Prize: It offers one of the biggest prize pots in the sport. Winning this tournament significantly boosts a player’s world ranking.
Why Fans Love It
The World Matchplay is a “pure” test of stamina. Because matches can go on indefinitely due to the two-clear-legs rule, players must maintain their focus and accuracy for a long time. It usually produces some of the highest-quality darts of the entire season.