ChatGPT's crystal ball: these are all the predicted results for the 2025 World Matchplay

A week of darting drama awaits as the 2025 World Matchplay returns to the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. To get a glimpse into what might unfold, we turned to ChatGPT for a full tournament simulation — and the results didn’t disappoint.

Opening Round: Tension Without Too Many Shocks

According to the AI-generated forecast, the first round features plenty of drama, with several matches going the distance. However, there are relatively few upsets among the seeded players — just three of the top 16 are tipped to fall at the first hurdle.

Veteran James Wade is predicted to bow out early, with Joe Cullen getting the better of him. Jermaine Wattimena is tipped to spring a surprise against Peter Wright, while Josh Rock is forecasted to edge out Ross Smith in what would be a minor upset on paper.

One of the standout ties of the opening round is expected to be Chris Dobey vs. Ricardo Pietreczko — a nail-biting clash that, according to the simulation, goes all the way to a deciding leg. Dobey is predicted to scrape through 12–10.

Last 16: Cullen Continues Run, Humphries and Bunting Advance

In the second round, Cullen continues his giant-killing run by ousting 2022 champion Nathan Aspinall 11–9 — a bitter blow for ‘The Asp’, who would be defending a hefty haul of ranking points.

Elsewhere, Luke Humphries is predicted to survive a tough challenge from Danny Noppert, while Stephen Bunting is tipped to comfortably dispatch Gary Anderson.

Michael van Gerwen, the lone Dutchman projected to reach the quarterfinals, is expected to overcome Josh Rock 11–7. He’ll be joined by Jonny Clayton, Luke Littler, Rob Cross, and Gerwyn Price in a star-studded last eight.

Quarterfinals: Price Ends MvG’s Hopes, Littler Charges On

The quarterfinals, per the prediction, deliver high-quality action. Gerwyn Price ends Michael van Gerwen’s campaign in a gripping contest that finishes 18–16 after extra legs. Humphries puts a stop to Cullen’s impressive run, while Clayton and Littler also book their spots in the semifinals.

Semifinals: Clayton Stuns Humphries, Littler Reaches Blackpool Final

In a dramatic semifinal showdown, Jonny Clayton is forecasted to pull off a major upset by defeating world number one Luke Humphries 19–17 in a thriller. Luke Littler, meanwhile, continues his remarkable rise by getting past Gerwyn Price 17–14 to reach his first World Matchplay final.

The Final: Littler Lifts the Trophy

In the final showdown at the Winter Gardens, ChatGPT predicts that Luke Littler will go all the way, defeating Jonny Clayton 18–12 to lift the Phil Taylor Trophy. It would be redemption of sorts for Clayton, who also finished runner-up in 2023.

World Matchplay 2025 Prediction (via ChatGPT)