The tournament will remain at 32 teams this year, with the top 8 teams being seeded and the remaining 24 teams being unseeded in the first round. Like last year, there are no groups in 2018 with the tournament being a straight knockout.
First round: Best of nine legs doubles. Second round, quarter and semi-finals: Two best of seven legs singles matches. If the scores are tied a best of seven legs doubles match will settle the match. Final: Three points needed to win the title. Two best of seven legs singles matches are played followed by a best of seven doubles match. If necessary, one or two best of seven legs singles matches in reverse order are played to determine the champion.
Prize money
Total prize money remained at £300,000, like last year. The prize money will be per team:
Position (no. of teams)
Prize money (Total: £300,000)
Winners
(1)
£60,000
Runners-Up
(1)
£32,000
Semi-finalists
(2)
£20,000
Quarter-finalists
(4)
£14,000
Last 16 (second round)
(8)
£8,000
Last 32 (first round)
(16)
£3,000
Teams and seedings
The Top 8 nations based on combined Order of Merit rankings on 14 May were seeded.
Three match wins were needed to win the title. Two best of seven legs singles matches followed by a best of seven doubles match. If necessary, one or two best of seven legs reverse singles matches are played to determine the champion.