World Matchplay Darts: Schedule & How to Watch

 The World Matchplay Darts tournament, hosted at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, is a thrilling highlight on the darting calendar. Bringing together the world's top-32 arrowsmiths, it's a fierce battle for one of the PDC's most coveted prizes.

History and Legacy: The World Matchplay holds a special place in the hearts of darts enthusiasts as it is one of the longest-running tournaments in the PDC. The inaugural event took place in 1994, and since then, it has become a prestigious fixture on the darting stage. As one of the three events in the triple crown, the World Matchplay's rich history is defined by unforgettable moments and legendary performances.

The Defending Champion: In the previous edition, Michael van Gerwen, a dominant force in darts, claimed the title by defeating Gerwyn Price 18-14 in a blockbuster final. As the defending champion, all eyes will be on Van Gerwen as he seeks to retain his crown and cement his status as one of the game's greats.

Date and Schedule: Darts fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the 2023 World Matchplay, scheduled to take place from July 15th to 23rd. Over these nine action-packed days, the Winter Gardens will be abuzz with electrifying matches, nerve-wracking encounters, and unforgettable drama.

World Matchplay First-Round Draw:

Top Half: (1) Michael Smith v Steve Beaton (16) James Wade v Chris Dobey (8) Danny Noppert v Martin Schindler (9) Nathan Aspinall v Krzysztof Ratajski (4) Gerwyn Price v Stephen Bunting (13) Joe Cullen v Mike De Decker (5) Rob Cross v Daryl Gurney (12) Dave Chisnall v Gary Anderson Bottom Half: (2) Peter Wright v Andrew Gilding (15) Ryan Searle v Raymond van Barneveld (7) Jonny Clayton v Gabriel Clemens (10) Dimitri Van den Bergh v Ross Smith (3) Michael van Gerwen v Brendan Dolan (14) Damon Heta v Josh Rock (6) Luke Humphries v Jose de Sousa (11) Dirk van Duijvenbode v Kim Huybrechts

The tournament kicks off with the first round, spanning four sessions across the initial three days. From there, the field narrows down to 16 players who will fiercely compete in the second round over two sessions.

The final weekend promises a spectacular showdown, featuring the semi-finals and the highly anticipated final, where the two remaining contenders will vie for darting glory. Additionally, the Women's World Matchplay final will be held on Sunday, further adding to the excitement.

How to Watch: Darts enthusiasts need not miss a moment of this thrilling competition. The World Matchplay will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, ensuring fans across the globe can witness the darting brilliance and emotions as they unfold in real-time. You can find all lists of TV channels on the website livestrea.fan

Venue and Atmosphere: The Winter Gardens in Blackpool serves as the perfect setting for the World Matchplay. With its illustrious history dating back to 1878, the iconic venue adds an enchanting touch to the tournament. Nestled within the entertainment complex, the Empress Ballroom sets the stage for extraordinary moments and a captivating atmosphere that darts fans cherish.

A Total Prize Fund of £800,000: The stakes are high at the World Matchplay, with a total prize fund of £800,000 up for grabs. The ultimate victor will claim a substantial slice of the prize money, with the winner taking home a cool £200,000 as a testament to their darting prowess and tenacity.

Historic Triumphs and Legends: Throughout the years, the World Matchplay has witnessed some awe-inspiring performances. Phil Taylor, the darting legend, holds an unmatched record with 16 World Matchplay titles to his name. His love affair with the tournament and remarkable successes on the Blackpool stage have etched his name in darting lore.

While Taylor's dominance was unparalleled, Michael van Gerwen and Rod Harrington have also secured multiple victories in this prestigious event. Other world-class players like Rob Cross, James Wade, Peter Wright, Colin Lloyd, and Gary Anderson have tasted success in Blackpool, etching their names into the tournament's history.

With its thrilling history and the world's top players competing, the 2023 World Matchplay promises to be a darts extravaganza that fans will not want to miss. With the electrifying atmosphere of the Winter Gardens and live coverage on Sky Sports, darting enthusiasts can witness the drama, skill, and passion of this prestigious tournament from the comfort of their homes.