Phil Taylor’s Winter Gardens reign looms over Luke Littler’s Matchplay title defence

Luke Littler eyes a decade’s first with Phil Taylor’s Winter Gardens legacy in play

Phil Taylor’s 15 World Matchplay titles at the Winter Gardens still define Blackpool’s darts stage. Now Luke Littler, the 2026 champion, attempts to become the first player in a decade to defend the crown at the tournament that once belonged to Taylor.

The World Matchplay returns to the Winter Gardens from July 18-26, live on Sky Sports. Littler, the world No 1, opens his 2026 defence against Nathan Aspinall in round two after beating Niko Springer 10-6 in the opener. His average of 109.53 and seven 180s signalled intent, but Aspinall awaits as the standard demands perfection.

What happened at the World Matchplay?

From 1994 to 2014, Phil Taylor won 15 of his 21 World Matchplay appearances at the Winter Gardens. His control was total: the trophy now bears his name after he retired in 2018. Then Michael van Gerwen matched Taylor’s feat in 2015 and 2016, beating James Wade and Taylor himself in successive finals.

Van Gerwen entered those tournaments with a haul of major titles: the World Grand Prix, European Championship, Masters and UK Open in 2015; plus the World Matchplay, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts, Players Championship Finals, Masters, UK Open and Premier League in 2016. He was world No 1 on both occasions, yet never added a World Championship in those years.

Why it matters for Phil Taylor’s legacy

Littler’s 2026 campaign is the latest chapter in a tournament Taylor dominated for two decades. His 15 wins at the Winter Gardens outnumber the rest of the field combined. The trophy’s renaming in his honour underscored his grip on the event.

Van Gerwen’s double in 2015-16 briefly extended Taylor’s shadow. But since then, no one has retained the title. Luke Humphries won in 2023, Littler claimed it in 2025 and now eyes a second straight crown. A loss would force Littler to rethink his 2026 schedule.

What comes next for Luke Littler?

Littler’s 2026 hopes hinge on a clean sweep of majors. He already holds the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, Players Championship Finals, World Championship, World Masters, UK Open, Premier League and World Cup titles. A Matchplay repeat would cap a historic year.

Aspinall, the world No 16, stands in the way. The pair meet in round two with Littler’s 109.53 average in round one setting the pace. Van Gerwen’s 2015 quote still echoes: “If I could choose, I would swap all the other tournaments I won for this one.”

The Winter Gardens stage is set. Littler’s defence begins against Aspinall on July 22.