Reigning champion Luke Littler, age 19, is the top seed for the upcoming Betfred World Matchplay, a 32-player event with a boosted £1 million prize fund. Littler aims to defend his title at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, having won last year's final against James Wade. The tournament, live on Sky Sports, will feature the top 16 from the PDC Werner Rankings and the top 16 from the one-year Pro Tour rankings.

Littler faces strong competition, including Luke Humphries, the No. 2 seed and recent US Darts Masters finalist. Other contenders looking to claim their first World Matchplay title include Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price. The field was finalized after Gabriel Clemens won Players Championship 24, while Luke Woodhouse, the runner-up in that event, secured a spot as the top Pro Tour qualifier.

The event runs from July 18-26, with £225,000 awarded to the winner. The draw is scheduled for July 9. With a significantly increased prize fund and a field packed with top talent, the World Matchplay promises intense competition as players vie for one of darts' most prestigious titles.