Draw World Matchplay 2025: Defending champion Luke Humphries opens against Gian van Veen

The draw has been completed for the 2025 World Matchplay between July 19-27, a top field will compete for the £200,000 title at the Winter Gardens led by World Number One and defending champion Luke Humphries.

Humphries lifted the Phil Taylor Trophy 12 months ago and the World Number One marks his Winter Gardens return with a clash against Gian van Veen, the current World Youth Champion.

Michael van Gerwen will begin his bid for a fourth World Matchplay title title against five-time champion Raymond van Barneveld who was runner-up back in 2010.

Luke Littler begins his title challenge against 2023 quarter-finalist Ryan Searle, while former runner-up Jonny Clayton will face the ProTour leader and German Number One, Martin Schindler.

Stephen Bunting faces Ryan Joyce in a repeat of their first round tie 12 months ago with Nathan Aspinall set to face of against Wessel NIjman. James Wade will make his 20th consecutive appearance and faces 2023 semi-finalist Joe Cullen.

Gerwyn Price takes on Daryl Gurney in a testosterone tungsten tussle as Josh Rock faces Ross Smith for the second straight year. Dave Chisnall faces Mike de Decker, while Rob Cross and Peter Wright take on Dirk van Duijvenbode and Jermaine Wattimena.

Dave Chisnall and Mike de Decker are also set to face off while Danny Noppert awaits Cameron Menzies in the opening round. They will compete for over £800,000 in Prize Money and the coveted title with Luke Humphries also pencilled in for the opening night as is tradition.

Luke Littler will be on Sunday as he will be installed as the favourite to lift his first title. 12 months on from his defeat to Michael van Gerwen while Humphries is second favourite to go back-to-back over the next few weeks on the seaside resort.