Luke Littler has been installed as favourite to make a successful defence of his World Matchplay title as Blackpool's Winter Gardens prepares to host one of the PDC's most hotly-anticipated events this month.
The Nuke reigned supreme 12 months ago, producing a sensational 107 average to see off the spirited James Wade 18-13 in an enthralling final.
Since then, of course, Littler has captured a second World Championship title as well as a plethora of other ranking event successes, and will now be eyeing up his second World Matchplay triumph.
World Matchplay Darts Odds
(Odds will display when the market is available).
The nature of the World Matchplay means plenty of players will be toeing the oche with genuine ambitions of securing a record top prize of £225,000.
Littler's great tungsten foe Luke Humphries is second in the betting ahead of this year's competition having previously lifted the silverware in Blackpool in 2024.
Dutch star Michael van Gerwen - a three-time champion - boasts plenty of pedigree in the seaside town too, although it's his compatriot Wessel Nijman who possesses shorter pre-tournament odds having enjoyed seismic success on the tour in 2026.
Whilst the 26-year-old has yet to advance beyond the last 16 of a televised major, he's been in blistering form on the floor this year, winning an unprecedented six Players Championship events already.
Former world champion Gerwyn Price and the 2026 Alexandra Palace runner-up Gian van Veen will also have their backers over the next week or more, as will Premier League semi-finalist Jonny Clayton.
All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
