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The biggest darts stars on the planet head to Winter Gardens, Blackpool for the 2026 World Matchplay.
The latest staging of the tournament takes place between Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 26 as reigning champion Luke Littler looks to defend his title.
The 32-player event is one of the Professional Darts Corporation's (PDC) eight major events of the darting calendar.
The Sporting News has your full guide to the World Matchplay, including a full schedule, how to watch details and prize money.
How to watch World Matchplay darts 2026: TV channel, live stream
ESPN+ will stream every session of the World Matchplay throughout the week.
ESPN2 will show the final session on Sunday, July 26 meaning the action can also be streamed on fubo with new subscribers able to sign up for a FREE trial.
Catch all your favorite ESPN+ action with ESPN Select! Just download the ESPN app, sign in with your ESPN account, tap Subscribe to ESPN Select, and you're set to stream live sports, originals, and more—all in one place.
World Matchplay darts 2026 schedule
The World Matchplay takes place across nine days, beginning July 18 at Winter Gardens, Blackpool, UK.
There is an afternoon and evening session on the first Sunday.
The table below shows what time fans in the U.S. can catch the action.
| Date | Round | Start Time (ET) |
| Saturday, July 18 | First round | 2 p.m. |
| Sunday, July 19 | First round | 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. |
| Monday, July 20 | First round | 2 p.m. |
| Tuesday, July 21 | Second round | 2 p.m. |
| Wednesday, July 22 | Second round | 2 p.m. |
| Thursday, July 23 | Quarterfinals | 3 p.m. |
| Friday, July 24 | Quarterfinals | 3 p.m. |
| Saturday, July 25 | Semifinals | 3 p.m. |
| Sunday, July 26 | Final | 3 p.m. |
World Matchplay darts 2026 prize money
There's a healthy wedge of prize money on offer for the competing players in the tournament.
- Winner – £225,000 ($302,239)
- Runner-up – £125,000 ($167,915)
- Semifinal losers – £65,000 ($87,316)
- Quarterfinal losers – £35,000 ($47,015)
- Round 2 losers – £22,500 ($30,224)
- Round 1 loser – £12,000 ($16,119)
English (US)