This is how much Luke Littler could earn by defending his World Matchplay title

The Betfred World Matchplay is one of the PDC's most prestigious majors, and when the tournament begins on July 18, Luke Littler will be looking to defend his crown.

Littler has enjoyed another dominant year in darts. Beginning with his second World Darts Championship triumph in January after beating Gian van Veen in the final, 'The Nuke' has gone on to win another three major televised titles, including the UK Open, World Masters and Premier League.

The 19-year-old even tasted his first World Cup of Darts victory alongside Luke Humphries in June, with the world-class duo overpowering second seeds Michael van Gerwen and Van Veen to win a record-extending sixth trophy for England.

But it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows for the world No.1, as he most recently lost against Humphries in the US Darts Masters after 'Cool Hand' edged out a deciding leg final 8-7 at New York's Madison Square Gardens.

Speaking after the event in June, the 31-year-old was complimentary of the venue and praised his biggest rival following another absorbing battle.

"This is the most iconic venue I think darts will ever go to,” Humphries said after lifting his third World Series title.

“Every year we come here, it gets better and better, and the fans have been absolutely amazing. It’s been insane.

“It’s great to go back-to-back. I’m always out to set records and do things that not many players have done.

“Me and Luke always have fantastic games, and it’s just another brilliant game in the saga of Luke v Luke.

“I feel if I can keep performing like this, then I can keep pushing him, because he’s unbelievable. He’s the toughest player in the world to beat.”

Littler, who beat James Wade 18-13 in last year's final, will now be eyeing the World Matchplay as an opportunity to bounce back and win his 13th PDC major, with SPORTbible bringing you everything you need to know about the tournament.

When is the World Matchplay and where is it held?

Hosted at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool from July 18 to 26, the World Matchplay is one of the most eye-catching events on the PDC circuit.

The tournament features a 32-player field, with the star-studded lineup consisting of the top 16 players from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder and the 16 top-performing players from the one-year ProTour rankings.

The list of players competing for the Phil Taylor trophy was officially confirmed following Players Championship 24 on Tuesday.

What is the World Matchplay format?

The World Matchplay uses a leg format rather than sets, with the required number of legs increasing as the tournament progresses.

• First round: First to 10 legs
• Second round: First to 11 legs
• Quarter-finals: First to 16 legs
• Semi-finals: First to 17 legs
• Final: First to 18 legs

All matches must be won by two clear legs, although a sudden-death leg can apply if the match reaches the maximum extended scoreline.

What is the prize money for the World Matchplay?

The prize money for the event has increased to £1,000,000 from £800,000 in 2025, with the winner receiving £225,000 and the Phil Taylor trophy. Here is a breakdown of the prize money for the event.

• Winner: £225,000
• Runner-up: £125,000
• Semi-finalists: £65,000
• Quarter-finalists: £35,000
• Second round: £22,500
• First round: £12,500

Who are the favourites for the World Matchplay?

Littler (1/1) is unsurprisingly the overwhelming favourite to win his 13th PDC major, and he is followed by world No.2 Humphries, who secured an 18-15 victory over Van Gerwen to win his first World Matchplay in 2024.

Third on the list is Dutch dynamo Wessel Nijman (11/1), who has enjoyed a record-breaking 2026, capturing a remarkable eight ranking titles - including six Players Championships and two European Tour events - to climb to world No.14.

Nijman is narrowly ahead of Gerwyn Price (14/1). The Welshman last won a televised major PDC title in September 2022 when he defeated Peter Wright in the World Series of Darts Finals, while Van Veen and Van Gerwen - currently third and fourth in the rankings - are 20/1 to lift the trophy in late July.

Van Gerwen has won the World Matchplay on three occasions, but it would take a monumental ask for him to make it a fourth, as the quality of competition has increased massively since he last won this event in 2022.

Premier League semi-finalist Jonny Clayton (28/1), Josh Rock (33/1), Gary Anderson (33/1) and Stephen Bunting (40/1) make up the top 10 in the bookmakers' odds.