The draw for the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay, held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens from July 19-27, revealed challenging first-round matchups for defending champion Luke Humphries and world champion Luke Littler. Humphries, the world No. 1, faces rising Dutch star Gian van Veen, who previously defeated him 8-3 at Players Championship 6 in 2025, per *The Mirror*. Littler, the 18-year-old No. 2 seed and tournament favorite at 13/8 odds, takes on Ryan Searle, a 2023 quarter-finalist, in a bid to erase his first-round exit to Michael van Gerwen last year, per *Daily Star* and *PDC.tv*.[]
Humphries, aiming to retain the Phil Taylor Trophy and £200,000 prize, acknowledged van Veen’s threat, saying, “He’s a tough draw, but I’m ready to defend my title,” per *Sky Sports*. Littler, who has won all three prior televised matches against Searle, including a 10-6 Premier League win in 2024, is confident, stating, “I’m in a better place than last year,” per *Runcorn and Widnes World*. A potential second-round clash awaits Littler against Peter Wright or Jermaine Wattimena, while Humphries could face Danny Noppert or Cameron Menzies, per *Sports Mole*.
The tournament, the PDC’s second most prestigious event, features blockbuster ties like van Gerwen vs. Raymond van Barneveld and Gerwyn Price vs. Daryl Gurney, per *Sky Sports*. Littler’s draw is notably tough, with potential later-round matchups against Rob Cross, Damon Heta, or van Gerwen, per @TheSeigeDFS. Humphries, at 7/2 odds, remains a strong contender, per *PDC.tv*.[]
