World Matchplay Darts 2024: Schedule, format, players list, TV channel and live stream as Littler makes Blackpool debut

THE World Matchplay returns to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool NEXT WEEKEND.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler will take part in the event for the first time after taking the world of darts by storm at the world championships earlier this year.

Luke Littler will be in action at the World Matchplay this yearPA

The top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit are invited to compete at the World Matchplay.

And the 16 top players on the PDC ProTour Order of Merit will complete the 32-player field.

Last year, Nathan Aspinall beat Jonny Clayton 18-6 to win the prestigious title for the first time in his career and take home the £200,000 jackpot.

But when will the World Matchplay take place this year and who is competing?

When does the World Matchplay take place?

• The World Matchplay will begin on Saturday, July 13.
• And tournament will run until Sunday, July 21.
• The Winter Gardens in Blackpool will host.

What TV channel is the World Matchplay on and can it be live streamed?

• The World Matchplay will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Arena.
• Sky Sports customers can live stream the action via the Sky Sports or NOW app.
• Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog for all the latest from the Winter Gardens.

What is the World Matchplay format?

The World Matchplay is a legs format, with the number of legs required to win increasing as the rounds go on.

Each match must be won by two clear legs unless the score is level after six legs.

• Round 1: first to 10 legs (sudden death at 12-12)
• Round 2: first to 11 legs (sudden death at 13-13)
• Quarter-finals: first to 16 legs (sudden death at 18-18)
• Semi-finals: first to 17 legs (sudden death at 19-19)
• Final: first to 18 legs (sudden death at 20-20)

World Matchplay schedule

First round (best of 19 legs)

July 13-15

(1) Luke Humphries v Ricardo Pietreczko

(16) Stephen Bunting v Ryan Joyce

(8) Jonny Clayton v Raymond van Barneveld

(9) Dimitri van den Bergh v Martin Schindler

(4) Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney

(13) Ross Smith v Josh Rock

(5) Nathan Aspinall v Luke Woodhouse

(12) Danny Noppert v James Wade

(2) Michael van Gerwen v Luke Littler

(15) Joe Cullen v Brendan Dolan

(7) Dave Chisnall v Krzysztof Ratajski

(10) Peter Wright v Andrew Gilding

(3) Michael Smith v Gary Anderson

(14) Chris Dobey v Ritchie Edhouse

(6) Rob Cross v Gian van Veen

(11) Damon Heta v Ryan Searle

Second round (best of 21 legs)

July 16-17

Quarter-finals (best of 31 legs)

July 18-19

Semi-finals (best of 33 legs)

July 20

Final (best of 35 legs)

July 21