These are the five must-watch first-round matches at 2025 World Matchplay

2. Luke Humphries vs Gian van Veen

Current world No. 1 Luke Humphries opens his title defence against rising star Gian van Veen, and it could prove to be one of the most explosive ties of the round. Humphries stormed to his first World Matchplay title in 2024, defeating Michael van Gerwen 18-15 in a thrilling final after an impressive run through the field.

Van Veen, the reigning PDC World Youth Champion, returns for his second appearance at the Winter Gardens after narrowly losing a 13-12 thriller to Rob Cross in last year’s first round. At just 23, Van Veen is widely regarded as one of the PDC’s most promising talents and will be desperate to make his breakthrough on the big stage.

Can ‘Cool Hand Luke’ start strong in his bid to retain the title, or will Van Veen deliver a major upset?

3. Nathan Aspinall vs Wessel Nijman

Reigning 2023 World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall takes on debutant Wessel Nijman in what could be another thrilling contest. Aspinall produced a dominant display last year, crushing Jonny Clayton 18-6 in the final, and enters Blackpool in excellent form.

Nijman, 25, is enjoying a breakout season and, like Van Veen, is seen as a future major winner. The Dutchman has shown he can mix it with the best, and his fearless style could pose a real challenge for ‘The Asp’, who will have the Blackpool crowd firmly behind him.

This could be a classic "experience vs youth" battle—and Nijman will be hoping to make an emphatic statement on debut.

Aspinall claimed the 2023 Phil Taylor Trophy in emphatic fashion.

4. Jonny Clayton vs Martin Schindler

Perhaps a sleeper pick for match of the round, this encounter between Jonny Clayton and Martin Schindler has the potential to be a hidden gem. Both players come into the tournament in impressive form. Schindler topped the Pro Tour Order of Merit, underlining his consistency, and has already captured both a Players Championship title and a European Tour crown in 2025.

Clayton, meanwhile, has also been thriving, claiming a Players Championship and Euro Tour title of his own. The Welshman impressed at the recent Baltic Sea Darts Open, averaging over 103 in the quarterfinals despite defeat to Gary Anderson, and over 106 in a previous round.

With both men in red-hot form, this one could go down to the wire—form on the day will likely decide it.

5. Gerwyn Price vs Daryl Gurney

Rounding out our list is a high-stakes clash between Gerwyn Price and Daryl Gurney. ‘The Iceman’ is back in top form and, while his last individual major came at the 2022 Players Championship Finals, he’s hungry to add more silverware. Price, currently ranked No. 9 in the world, looks well-positioned to launch a serious title challenge.

But Gurney shouldn’t be overlooked. The Northern Irishman recently partnered Jonny Clayton to victory in the PDC World Cup of Darts and has shown he can still perform on the big stage. A former major winner himself, ‘Superchin’ could cause a shock if he brings his best game to Blackpool.

A Tournament That Delivers From the Start

With 16 top-tier matchups in the first round alone, the 2025 World Matchplay is once again set to deliver high drama from the very first dart. These five fixtures headline the early action, but plenty more potential upsets and classics lie in wait.

Which match are you most looking forward to? Vote in our poll and join the conversation!