Top 5 Contenders for 2026 World Matchplay Darts

Why Blackpool Is the Focus of the Darts Calendar

The World Matchplay sits as the second‑best major on the calendar and kicks off in just over a week. Thirty‑two of the sport’s top performers will descend on Blackpool, each required to win five consecutive matches to claim the title. The event’s reputation for depth makes it one of the toughest tournaments to win each year. Fans know that the Lukes are expected to dominate, but a handful of others could spoil the party for the past two champions.

Luke Littler: The Current Major Dominator

Littler has captured the last seven major titles and enters Blackpool unwilling to end that streak. He thrives in longer match formats, turning 20‑leg boundaries into a fortress where opponents struggle to keep up. The 32‑player field adds extra pressure, but his recent track record suggests he remains the standout favorite.

Potential route to the trophy

• Quarter‑final possibilities: Josh Rock or Stephen Bunting.
• Semifinal challengers: Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, Gary Anderson.
• Final opponents could include Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, or Gian van Veen.

Luke Humphries: The Rising Favorite

Humphries is often tipped as the main challenger to Littler’s reign. He secured a victory over Littler in the 2026 U.S. Darts Masters final, and many of his defeats to the younger star have come by slim margins. Recent head‑to‑heads show a competitive balance between the two, keeping the tournament exciting for fans.

Key recent Littler/Humphries showdowns

• 2026 U.S. Darts Masters: Humphries 8‑7 Littler (legs)
• 2026 Premier League: Littler 11‑10 Humphries
• 2026 World Masters: Littler 6‑5 Humphries

Should Humphries hit his “A” game, he believes he can outclass almost any opponent in the draw.

Potential route to the trophy

• Second round: Ross Smith or Kevin Doets.
• Quarter‑final: Gerwyn Price, Danny Noppert, or Rob Cross.
• Semifinal: Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman, James Wade.
• Final: Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting, Jonny Clayton.

Stephen Bunting: Mental Toughness Meets Title Hunger

Bunting already enjoys a major championship in his résumé but has yet to capture a ranked event. He arrives at the end of the 2026 season with significant prize money on the line, hoping a strong run will boost his standing for the upcoming major season. His mindset appears solid, and form spikes at crucial moments, suggesting Blackpool could be the perfect stage to capitalize.

Potential route to the trophy

• Quarter‑final: Luke Littler or Nathan Aspinall.
• Semifinal: Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, Gary Anderson.
• Final: Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Gian van Veen.

Gerwyn Price: Deep Runs Without a Final Since 2023

Price has not reached an individual final since 2023, but his résumé includes seven semifinal appearances at majors after that year’s Premier League. The draw places manageable opponents in his first two rounds, giving him a clear path to the quarter‑finals if he stays focused. A solid mindset and adequate form could see him advance far, as he believes his experience shines in those later stages.

Potential route to the trophy

• Second round: Danny Noppert or Rob Cross.
• Semifinal: Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman, James Wade.
• Final: Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting, Jonny Clayton.

Wessel Nijman: Pro Tour Leader Looks to Prove Himself at a Major

Nijman has been the talk of the PDC for months, holding the record for the most Pro Tour victories in the current cycle. This event offers him a platform to silence critics who doubt his ability to shine on the major stage. The bottom quarter of the draw is viewed as the most open, with unpredictable performances from van Veen and Wade adding intrigue.

If Nijman maintains his usual standard, he should have no trouble in the opening round against Chisnall and could well progress to the semifinals. This tournament could be his best chance to climb into the top‑10 of the Order of Merit before the year ends.

Potential route to the trophy

• Second round: Gian van Veen or Krzysztof Ratajski.
• Semifinal: Luke Humphries or Gerwyn Price.
• Final: Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting, Jonny Clayton.

Other Contenders to Watch

While the top five dominate the conversation, several other players could emerge as surprise packages. Gian van Veen’s form is notoriously inconsistent, making him a threat in any round. James Wade continues to show flashes of brilliance, and newcomers like Krzysztof Ratajski bring experience that can unsettle higher seeds. Keep an eye on these names as the competition tightens.

More Darts Coverage

For additional insight into the 2026 World Matchplay, explore guides covering the draw, schedule, prize money, and format. Check out analysis of qualifiers and recent qualifiers to stay ahead of the game. The darting world will continue to provide fresh storylines as players build toward the year’s closing majors.