Van Gerwen faces ranking slide at World Matchplay; Nijman emerges as title threat

The 2026 World Matchplay begins Saturday at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, with several high-profile storylines shaping the tournament. Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen enters under heavy ranking pressure, while rising star Wessel Nijman poses a genuine threat to reigning champion Luke Littler.

Van Gerwen, who won the World Matchplay in 2016, 2018, and 2022, is defending £100,000 in ranking points from his runner-up finish in 2024. A first-round loss to Andrew Gilding on Sunday could see him slide to world No. 7, a significant drop for the former world No. 1.

Van Gerwen's form and tough draw

The Dutchman has shown flashes of his best this year, winning World Series events and a Players Championship title in Leicester with a 122.34 average in the semi-finals. However, inconsistent displays on the ProTour and EuroTour, including averages in the mid-80s, have raised doubts. His first-round opponent, Andrew Gilding, has beaten him twice before—most recently 6-4 in Bratislava last month, and in the 2023 UK Open final.

• Van Gerwen defends £100,000 ranking points from 2024 final defeat to Luke Humphries.
• Could drop to world No. 7 if he loses to Gilding on Sunday.
• Gilding has a 2-0 record against Van Gerwen in 2025, including a Euro Tour win.
• Van Gerwen's recent title in Leicester saw him average 122.34 in the semis.

Nijman's emergence and other key matchups

Wessel Nijman has rapidly risen through the ranks and is now considered a serious contender for the title. The Dutchman, who impressed in recent ProTour events, could challenge Luke Littler's reign in Blackpool. Meanwhile, the first round concludes with a blockbuster tie between Danny Noppert and Rob Cross on Monday night. Noppert enjoyed a strong 2025 but has struggled since the new year, while Cross is on an upward trajectory after winning Players Championship 1 in February.

The tournament runs over nine days, with the final scheduled for Sunday, July 26. All matches are best-of-legs, with the standard Matchplay format of sets ranging from best-of-7 in the first round to best-of-13 in the final.

Defending champion Luke Littler will begin his campaign against a qualifier, aiming to secure back-to-back titles. His path could cross with Nijman in the later rounds, setting up a potential blockbuster showdown.