The PDC World Matchplay is the ultimate mid-summer crown in professional darts. Hosted inside the iconic Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, this tournament provides unmatched drama over its nine days.
As the 2026 edition gets underway, we look back at the rich history of the event, the legendary figures who have lifted the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy, and the complete list of all-time winners.
The World Matchplay Roll of Honour
Below is the complete list of every World Matchplay final since the tournament's inception in 1994 up to Luke Littler taking the crown in 2025.
1994 - Larry Butler bt. Dennis Priestley: 16-12
1995 - Phil Taylor bt. Dennis Priestley: 16-11
1996 - Peter Evison bt. Dennis Priestley: 16-14
1997 - Phil Taylor bt. Alan Warriner: 16-11
1998 - Rod Harrington bt. Ronnie Baxter: 19-17
1999 - Rod Harrington bt. Peter Manley: 19-17
2000 - Phil Taylor bt. Alan Warriner: 18-12
2001 - Phil Taylor bt. Richie Burnett: 18-10
2002 - Phil Taylor bt. John Part: 18-16
2003 - Phil Taylor bt. Wayne Mardle: 18-12
2004 - Phil Taylor bt. Mark Dudbridge: 18-8
2005 - Colin Lloyd bt. John Part: 18-12
2006 - Phil Taylor bt. James Wade: 18-11
2007 - James Wade bt. Terry Jenkins: 18-7
2008 - Phil Taylor bt. James Wade: 18-9
2009 - Phil Taylor bt. Terry Jenkins: 18-4
2010 - Phil Taylor bt. Raymond van Barneveld: 18-12
2011 - Phil Taylor bt. James Wade: 18-8
2012 - Phil Taylor bt. James Wade: 18-15
2013 - Phil Taylor bt. Adrian Lewis: 18-13
2014 - Phil Taylor bt. Michael van Gerwen: 18-9
2015 - Michael van Gerwen bt. James Wade: 18-12
2016 - Michael van Gerwen bt. Phil Taylor: 18-10
2017 - Phil Taylor bt. Peter Wright: 18-8
2018 - Gary Anderson bt. Mensur Suljović: 21-19
2019 - Rob Cross bt. Michael Smith: 18-13
2020 - Dimitri Van den Bergh bt. Gary Anderson: 18-10
2021 - Peter Wright bt. Dimitri Van den Bergh: 18-9
2022 - Michael van Gerwen bt. Gerwyn Price: 18-14
2023 - Nathan Aspinall bt. Jonny Clayton: 18-6
2024 - Luke Humphries bt. Michael van Gerwen: 18-15
2025 - Luke Littler bt. James Wade: 18-13
The leg-only format and Triple Crown
Unlike the set-play, as you see at the World Championship, the Matchplay relies strictly on a leg-play structure, meaning every single leg counts.
Furthermore, matches must be won by two clear legs, leading to historic, extended tie-breaks. It is widely considered the ultimate test of a player's darting stamina and mental fortitude.
Along with the World Championship and the Premier League, the World Matchplay is part of the prestigious PDC Triple Crown, which only a select group of elite players have ever achieved.
The Kings of Blackpool
When discussing the history of the World Matchplay, one name towers above the rest, Phil 'The Power' Taylor. Taylor dominated the Empress Ballroom throughout his career, winning 16 titles between 1995 and 2017.
Taylor's connection to the tournament is so profound that the trophy was permanently renamed in his honour following his retirement.
In the post-Taylor era, Michael van Gerwen has established himself as the best in Blackpool, lifting the trophy three times (2015, 2016, 2022) as he continues to be a potential winner every year.
The unseeded giant-killers
While the top seeds usually dictate the business end of the tournament, Blackpool is famous for major upsets. Over its 32-year history, three unseeded underdogs have shocked the darting world to win the title.
Larry Butler (1994): The American made history by winning the inaugural tournament, defeating top seed Dennis Priestley.
Peter Evison (1996): Produced a stunning run to lift the trophy, proving that seedings mean very little under the hot Blackpool lights.
Dimitri Van den Bergh (2020): Playing inside a closed-doors arena during the pandemic, the debutant put on a clinical masterclass to storm his way to the title.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who has won the most World Matchplay darts titles?
Phil Taylor holds the record with 16 titles. Michael van Gerwen is second with three tournament wins.
Who is the reigning World Matchplay champion heading into the 2026 tournament?
Luke Littler is the defending champion, winning his maiden Matchplay title in 2025.
Has an unseeded player ever won the World Matchplay?
Yes, it has happened three times in tournament history. Larry Butler (1994), Peter Evison (1996), and Dimitri Van den Bergh (2020) all lifted the trophy as unseeded players.
Who was the first-ever winner of the World Matchplay?
American star Larry Butler won the inaugural tournament back in 1994 by defeating Dennis Priestley 16–12 in the final.
Which darts players have completed the prestigious PDC Triple Crown?
Only five players in history have completed the clean sweep: Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Michael Smith, and Luke Littler.
What trophy does the World Matchplay champion receive?
The champion is awarded the Phil Taylor Trophy, which was renamed in 2018 to honour the legendary winner.
What is the highest final average ever recorded in a World Matchplay final?
Phil Taylor holds the record, averaging 111.23 during his 18–13 victory over Adrian Lewis in the 2013 final.