World Matchplay Darts 2025: Outright free betting tips as Humphries defends crown against Littler

The Betfred World Matchplay returns to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens with 32 of the world’s best chasing the Phil Taylor Trophy and a share of £800,000 in prize money.

The tournament is one of the most prestigious events on the calendar, and with the first-round draw now confirmed, it’s time to dig into the outright markets.

We’ve picked out three outright betting angles worth considering. There’s a strong favourite to back, a big-priced each-way shot, and a final pairing that feels more likely than the odds suggest.

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(All odds are correct at the time of article publication)

 

Luke Humphries to win the 2025 World Matchplay

Cool Hand Luke arrives in Blackpool as defending champion, world number one and reigning World Cup and Masters winner.

He’s been the most consistent player on the circuit over the past 18 months, winning eight of his last ten matches and keeping pace with Luke Littler in both results and performances.

While Littler has generated more headlines, Humphries has been the steadier presence.

Their Premier League final was a reminder that there’s little to separate them on stage, and their head-to-head record confirms it.

Crucially, Humphries is priced at 7/2 with Betfred, implying just a 22% chance of winning. That’s generous for someone in this kind of form, especially with Littler priced odds-on in some places.

Humphries opens against Gian van Veen, the reigning World Youth Champion. It’s no gimme, but it’s a manageable path, and if he plays to his recent level, he’ll take some stopping.

 

Nathan Aspinall each-way at 33/1

While most eyes are on the two Lukes, there’s real value further down the board.

Nathan Aspinall is a former World Matchplay winner and runner-up, and has nine PDC titles to his name.

He’s already added to that in 2025, winning the European Darts Trophy with a gritty run that included victory over Gary Anderson.

He starts against debutant Wessel Nijman in a tie that should give him a platform to build from. With each-way terms paying out for a semi-final place, the 33/1 outright odds look too big. He’s proven over this format, has the temperament for deep runs, and won’t be fazed by the big names.

Aspinall is ranked ninth in the PDC Order of Merit, ahead of players like Gary Anderson, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Ryan Searle, all of whom carry shorter or similar odds despite lesser form. The bookies are sleeping on him again.

 

Humphries vs Littler final

This is the matchup most fans are expecting, and on current form, it’s hard to argue against it.

Littler has already won the UK Open this year, adding to a 2024 haul that included the World Series, Premier League, and Grand Slam. He’s ranked number two in the world and has banked over £1 million in prize money across the last two seasons. Only Humphries is matching him for titles and earnings.

Their recent head-to-heads have been tight, but both tend to dispatch the rest of the field with ruthless efficiency.

Unless Van Gerwen rediscovers his best form, it’s hard to see anyone derailing them before the final. Price, Anderson and Aspinall could cause problems, but over this long format, consistency wins out.

Anything around even money or better for a Humphries vs Littler final should be considered good value.

 

Summary of 2025 World Matchplay Darts Outright Tips

To win: Luke Humphries @ 7/2

Each-way outsider: Nathan Aspinall @ 33/1

Name the finalists: Humphries vs Littler

 

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