World Matchplay Darts: A Complete Guide to Previous Winners and History

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the World Matchplay Darts Tournament.

In this guide, we will explore the rich history of the World Matchplay Darts Tournament, notably the previous winners since its inception in 1994.

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Introduction to the World Matchplay Darts Tournament

The following section will provide a brief summary of what the World Matchplay Darts Tournament is, and provides some history into the context of the tournament.

What is the World Matchplay Darts Tournament?

The World Matchplay Darts Tournament is one of the most prestigious and long-standing professional darts tournaments in the world. It is organised by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and has been held annually since 1994.

The tournament features the top professional darts players from around the world competing in a knockout format. It is held in July at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, England, which has been the traditional venue for the event.

History and Evolution of the World Matchplay Darts: From 1994 to 2023

1994-1999: Early Years

The World Matchplay Darts Tournament was first held in 1994, with Larry Butler emerging as the inaugural champion. From 1995 to 1999, the legendary Phil Taylor and Rod Harrington established their dominance in the competition, winning the tournament twice each before the turn of the century.

2000-2013: Taylor’s Continued Reign and Emergence of New Champions

The early 2000s saw Phil Taylor’s reign continue as he clinched the World Matchplay title an astonishing twelve more times, solidifying his status as the tournament’s most successful player. However, there were notable challengers who managed to break Taylor’s dominance, including Colin Lloyd and James Wade.

2014-2020: Taylor’s Farewell and New Titleholders

In 2017, Phil Taylor secured his 16th and final World Matchplay title before retiring from professional darts. The tournament then witnessed a changing of the guard, with new champions stepping into the limelight. Players like Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Rob Cross emerged as the faces of the sport, claiming victory at the World Matchplay and showcasing their precision with the arrows.

2021-Present: New Champions and the Tournament’s Resilience

The World Matchplay Darts Tournament continued to thrive despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic. In 2021, Peter Wright secured his first World Matchplay title, defeating defending champion Dimitri Van den Bergh in a thrilling final, whilst Michael Van Gerwen won his third title in the most recent edition in 2022.

By this point, the total prize money had risen to £800,000, compared to the £42,000 at the first edition of the tournament.

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World Matchplay Darts Winners through the Years

Throughout the tournament’s history, certain players have left an indelible mark on the World Matchplay. Phil Taylor, often regarded as one of the greatest darts players of all time, stands out as the most successful competitor in the tournament’s history. With an astonishing 16 titles to his name, Taylor’s unparalleled achievements have set the bar high for future generations.