World Matchplay Darts LIVE! Price, Wade, Van Veen in action

The 2026 World Matchplay Darts is set to commence on Saturday, 18 July, and will run through to Sunday, 26 July. This prestigious tournament will be hosted at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, a venue renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history in the sport. Fans can expect thrilling matches and high-stakes competition as the tournament unfolds over its nine-day span.

As the World Matchplay Darts approaches the quarterfinals, key players like Gerwyn Price, Gian van Veen, James Wade, and Wessel Nijman are in the spotlight. Price decisively defeated Rob Cross, a performance that underscores his presence in the tournament. Meanwhile, James Wade secured a hard-fought 11-8 victory over Ryan Searle. Gian van Veen, a rising star, will be looking to capitalize on his recent form as he competes for a spot in the next round. Notably, Luke Littler, the reigning champion from the 2025 edition, will also be a player to watch as he aims to defend his title.

The World Matchplay Darts features a substantial prize fund of £1,000,000, with the winner set to take home £225,000. The tournament consists of 32 players, ensuring a competitive field. These participants include the 16 highest-ranked players from the Professional Darts Corporation's (PDC) Order of Merit, alongside 16 of the best players who have qualified through various means. This structure highlights the elite talent in the sport and adds to the excitement as players vie for both prestige and financial rewards.

At 43 years old, James Wade, born on April 6, 1983, has established himself as a presence in the world of darts. With an impressive tally of 50 career titles, Wade boasts a winning percentage of 67.73%. His accolades include three major tournament wins, a testament to his ability to perform under pressure. As he competes in the World Matchplay Darts, Wade's experience and tactical acumen will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by his opponents.

Gerwyn Price continues to assert his dominance in the world of darts, boasting an impressive record of seven PDC major singles titles and a total of 45 PDC titles throughout his career. His prowess is further highlighted by ten European Tour titles. Price's ability to deliver under pressure is exemplified by his five nine-darters in Premier League history. As he heads into the World Matchplay Darts, Price's recent performance against Rob Cross serves as a reminder of his presence.

The World Matchplay, the second longest-running event in the PDC calendar, first took place in 1994 and has since become a cornerstone of professional darts. Fans can catch the thrilling action of the 2026 World Matchplay Darts live on SkySports Action starting at 7pm BST. This tournament carries a rich history, making it a must-watch event for darts enthusiasts around the globe.