PDC World Matchplay 2027

17 July – 25 July 2027 · Winter Gardens (Empress Ballroom), Blackpool

The PDC World Matchplay 2027 takes place from 17 to 25 July 2027 at the Empress Ballroom of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. 32 players compete for the Phil Taylor Trophy and £225,000 in winner's prize money out of a total of £1,000,000.

Alongside the World Championship, the World Matchplay is the oldest and most prestigious tournament of the Professional Darts Corporation. It has been staged since 1994, and its traditional venue is the Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens of Blackpool. According to the PDC calendar, the 2027 edition is scheduled for 17 to 25 July 2027, with Betfred once again as sponsor. The field consists of 32 players: the top 16 of the PDC World Rankings (Order of Merit) and the top 16 of the PDC Pro Tour Rankings. It is played as a knockout over legs, with the distance increasing from round to round – from best of 19 legs in the first round to 18 winning legs in the final. Every match must be won by two clear legs; after a maximum of five additional legs, a sudden-death leg decides the winner. The total prize money is £1,000,000, as in the previous year, with the champion receiving £225,000. Since 2018 the trophy has been called the Phil Taylor Trophy – named after the record winner, who claimed 16 titles in Blackpool. The defending champion is Luke Littler, who won the 2026 final 18-9 against Gerwyn Price and set the highest final average in the tournament's history with 111.53. On the closing day, 25 July 2027, the Winter Gardens also host the Women's World Matchplay. A total of £40,000 is paid out there; the winner receives £15,000 and a place at the Grand Slam of Darts.

At a glance

  • Date: 17 to 25 July 2027
  • Venue: Empress Ballroom, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
  • Participants: 32 players
  • Total prize money: £1,000,000
  • Winner's prize: £225,000
  • Defending champion: Luke Littler
  • Record champion: Phil Taylor (16 titles)
  • Trophy: Phil Taylor Trophy
  • Sponsor: Betfred
  • First edition: 1994

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FAQ

When and where does the World Matchplay 2027 take place?

The PDC World Matchplay 2027 takes place from 17 to 25 July 2027. The venue is, as usual, the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Who is the defending champion at the Darts Matchplay 2027?

The defending champion is Luke Littler. He won the World Matchplay 2026 with an 18-9 win in the final against Gerwyn Price, claiming his second title in a row in Blackpool.

What is the prize money at the PDC World Matchplay 2027?

The total prize money is £1,000,000, the same as last year. The winner receives £225,000, the runner-up £125,000, and first-round losers get £12,500.

What format is played at the Matchplay Darts 2027?

The World Matchplay is a knockout tournament with 32 players and is played over Legs: round 1 Best of 19, round 2 Best of 21, quarter-finals Best of 31, semi-finals Best of 33 and the final Best of 35 Legs. Every match must be won by two clear Legs; after a maximum of five extra Legs, a sudden-death Leg decides it.

How do you qualify for the World Matchplay 2027?

The top 16 of the PDC World Ranking (Order of Merit) and the top 16 of the PDC Pro Tour Ranking are eligible to play. The cut-off date for qualification is 6 July 2027.

Where is the World Matchplay Darts 2027 shown on TV and stream?

Sky Sports broadcasts the World Matchplay as one of the PDC majors. In Germany, DAZN holds the streaming rights to PDC events; in the Netherlands, Poland and the Nordic and Baltic countries, Viaplay shows the tournament.

Who is the record winner at the World Matchplay?

The record winner is Phil Taylor with 16 titles. After he retired, the PDC renamed the winner's trophy the Phil Taylor Trophy in 2018.

Is there also a women's tournament in Blackpool in 2027?

Yes, on the final day of the World Matchplay, 25 July 2027, the Women's World Matchplay takes place at the Winter Gardens. A total of £40,000 is paid out, with the winner receiving £15,000 and a place at the Grand Slam of Darts.

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