Blackpool Verdict: Who Will Stop the Usual Suspects at World Matchplay 2026?

The pundits have spoken and the consensus is clear: the usual names dominate the conversation ahead of the World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens. Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price are being canvassed as the headline favourites, on pedigree and recent returns to form. The stakes feel higher than ever — Matchplay is a different animal, and every expert knows the format eats reputations for breakfast.

Van Gerwen's raw power and Humphries' composure top most lists, while Price's physicality and match temperament keep him in the mix. Michael Smith’s heavy scoring means he cannot be discounted on any night, especially when legs get tight and checkouts decide momentum. Pundit analysis is consistent: depth matters, but so does the ability to turn late pressure into clinical finishing.

The real value lies with the dark horses: Nathan Aspinall for his late-stage consistency, Dimitri Van den Bergh for timing and temperament, and Josh Rock for uncapped aggression that can blow open halves. Rob Cross and a resurgent Nathanial player or two could upset seeded lines if the early rounds throw up tight, swing-y encounters. Remember — the Matchplay format magnifies streaks; a four-leg burst can decide a favourite and hand glory to a nameless outsider.

The Guru's call is precise: I expect a van Gerwen–Humphries final and I back van Gerwen to take the title, but not without caveats. For wagers, play a straight win on a favourite and allocate small each-way stakes to Aspinall and Rock — they offer the purest value if form meets nerve. In Blackpool, temperament beats headlines; trust the scorer who can close a ragged leg, and keep your stakes measured.