**Anticipation Builds for World Matchplay Darts 2025 at Blackpool’s Iconic Winter Gardens**
As summer reaches its zenith, darts aficionados across the UK and beyond are turning their gaze towards Blackpool, where the World Matchplay Darts tournament is set to ignite the famous Winter Gardens once again. In what has become an annual high point in the professional darts calendar, organisers and fans alike are buzzing with excitement ahead of the 2025 edition. This year, enthusiasts can delve even deeper into the action with a comprehensive 48-page preview magazine that covers every aspect of the tournament.
Reigning champion Luke Humphries heads into this year’s contest with the weight of expectation on his shoulders, following his stunning victory in 2024. After lifting the trophy for the first time, Humphries will be eager to defend his prestigious title. However, all eyes will also be on his biggest challenger, Luke Littler. The reigning world champion, who suffered an unexpected exit at the hands of Michael van Gerwen in the opening round last year, comes determined to make amends and recapture his form under the bright Blackpool lights.
The World Matchplay, widely regarded as the sport’s most coveted event after the World Championship, promises no shortage of star power. Alongside Humphries and Littler, the tournament will feature household names such as Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall and Welsh favourite Gerwyn Price—all gearing up to stake their claim to the trophy. With such an illustrious field, the stage is set for another gripping competition that could see the balance of power in darts shift once again.
To give supporters the ultimate heads-up on every twist and turn, a special magazine has been produced, providing in-depth analysis and exclusive features on the tournament’s top contenders. Profiles of the leading players are accompanied by behind-the-scenes insights and news, ensuring fans are thoroughly briefed ahead of the action. Form guides, key statistics and interviews help to paint a vivid picture of what’s to come in Blackpool.
Adding extra allure to the publication are exclusive interviews with darting legends Phil Taylor and John Part. Taylor, a 16-time World Matchplay winner, and Part, a three-time world champion, reflect on their careers and share their most memorable moments at the Winter Gardens. For followers of the sport, their expert perspectives offer an invaluable window into what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Dutchman Vincent van der Voort brings his trademark candour to the conversation, offering an unfiltered assessment of the current state of professional darts. The publication also goes behind the scenes with the hypnotherapist credited with helping Stephen Bunting unlock his potential and become a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
The scope of the preview doesn’t stop there. Notably, it shines a spotlight on the rapidly evolving Women’s World Matchplay. With six pages dedicated to the women’s tournament, the piece explores Beau Greaves’s bid to retain her crown and charts the remarkable growth of the female darts scene. Exclusive interviews discuss the significance of the event and analyse emerging talent within the women’s game.
Rounding out the package are contributions from sports promoter Jason Francis, who runs the World Seniors Darts, and commentary from Sky Sports insiders, offering their take on coverage enhancements following the network’s recent broadcast deal. Such coverage underscores the growing prominence of darts, not just as a sporting contest, but as a major televised spectacle enjoyed by millions.
The World Matchplay Darts 2025 preview magazine is available to order online for delivery to your door, or can be picked up in participating supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents across the UK. While online purchases are subject to postage fees, this collectible special represents the perfect prelude for fans gearing up to enjoy the showpiece tournament in Blackpool.
As the countdown to the first arrows being thrown at the Winter Gardens intensifies, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the drama, intrigue and excitement of the World Matchplay than by securing your preview guide—an essential companion for every darts fan this summer.