As the 2024/25 World Darts Championship approaches, Gerwyn Price, a former world champion and one of the sport’s top names, finds himself in uncharted territory. The Welshman, nicknamed The Iceman, enters the tournament as the 10th seed—far below his usual lofty standards. Despite his struggles, Price remains hopeful of turning things around on the grandest stage of them all.
A Season to Forget
Price’s 2024 season has been his most challenging in years, marked by disappointing performances on the big stage. His best major tournament result was a fourth-round exit at the UK Open, and he failed to qualify for the Grand Slam of Darts—an event he has won three times.
For a player of Price’s caliber, the drought is surprising. His last televised ranking title came in 2021 at the Grand Slam of Darts, a stunning statistic for the 2021 World Champion. However, Price is candid about the root of his struggles: a lack of confidence.
“I’ve been practicing well the last couple of weeks, but as soon as you get on stage, it just doesn’t happen,” Price admitted during a recent MODUS exhibition with Polly James. “That’s just because of having no confidence. But I’ve been in positions where I’ve played well all year and then rubbish in the World Championships, so fingers crossed it’s the other way around,” he joked.
A Lack of Preparation or a Strategic Break?
Price’s recent absence from major televised events has, in one sense, provided more preparation time. But for someone who uses matches as his primary form of practice, the lack of competitive action has been a double-edged sword.
“Sometimes it’s nice to have a break,” Price said, “but on the other hand, I like to use my games as my practice because I’m not a huge practicer.”
He also pointed to the absence of a regular practice partner as a hurdle. “Jonny Clayton lives miles away, so I haven’t got anyone to play against,” he explained.
Premier League Dilemma
Looking ahead to 2025, Price is ambivalent about the possibility of being included in the Premier League lineup. After a grueling 2024 campaign, he’s uncertain whether the event fits into his plans.
“It’s been a tough year for me, especially the Premier League,” Price admitted. “I’m not sure about the Premier League next year. Don’t think I’d even accept it if I get in anyway. I just want to concentrate on ranking events.”
The Ally Pally Challenge
Ally Pally has been a notoriously tough venue for Price. His infamous decision to wear noise-canceling headphones during his match against Gabriel Clemens in 2022 made headlines, highlighting his challenging relationship with the crowd.
This time, Price is taking a lighter approach to the fan dynamics. “I’ve dealt with worse crowds than Ally Pally,” he smiled. “The funny thing is, when I was playing well, everyone was against me. Now I’m playing the worst darts ever, I’ve got all the fans in the world. It’s quite sad.”
The Road Ahead
Price will kick off his World Darts Championship campaign against the winner of Kim Huybrechts vs. Keane Barry. With Ally Pally presenting a fresh opportunity to regain his form, Price is determined to let his darts do the talking.
Whether or not Price can recapture his best remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: The Iceman isn’t giving up without a fight.
Can Gerwyn Price defy the odds and reclaim his place among the darting elite? Follow the action at Ally Pally this December for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.