The Iceman Cometh: Price Freezes Out Humphries in Night 12 Thriller
The 2025 Premier League Darts season reached another electrifying crescendo in Liverpool as Gerwyn Price produced a trio of scintuitllating performances to claim his third nightly victory of the campaign. In a statement win that cements his place among this year’s elite, “The Iceman” defeated world number one Luke Humphries 6-4 in a gripping final that had the M&S Bank Arena crowd on the edge of their seats.
This victory couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for Price. With just four nights remaining before the playoffs, the Welshman has sent an unmistakable message to his rivals: underestimate him at your peril. His Liverpool triumph represents more than just another nightly win – it’s a resounding declaration that when the pressure mounts, few can match his combination of precision and mental fortitude.
Road to Glory: Price’s Path Through the Night
Quarter-Final: Price Thaws Dobey’s Challenge (6-2, 106.74 avg)
Price announced his intentions from the very first dart, dismantling Chris Dobey with a performance that blended power scoring and clinical finishing. The Welshman’s 106.74 average – his highest of the night – included three 180s and a spectacular 121 checkout that brought the Liverpool crowd to their feet.
“Dobey’s a dangerous opponent who can turn it on when he finds his rhythm,” Price noted post-match. “I knew I had to start strong and not give him a sniff, and thankfully the darts were flowing from the first leg.”
Semi-Final: Voltage Cut Off as Price Shocks Cross (6-2, 105.27 avg)
If his quarter-final display was impressive, Price’s semi-final performance against Rob Cross bordered on the ruthless. Maintaining an average north of 105, Price demonstrated why many consider him the sport’s most consistent big-stage performer.
The key moment came in the fifth leg with the score at 3-1. Cross, needing 84 to stay in touch, watched helplessly as Price produced a breathtaking 11-dart leg to break throw – a sequence that included back-to-back 180s and a clinical 81 finish on the bull.
The Final: A Clash of Titans
Humphries had earned his place in the final with arguably the performance of the night – a 6-3 demolition of Nathan Aspinall that featured a staggering 113 average, followed by a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen. The stage was set for a classic encounter between two of the sport’s fiercest competitors.
Leg-by-Leg: How the Final Unfolded
Leg 1: Price breaks immediately with a 14-darter (T20, T20, D12)
Leg 2: Humphries responds with a 12-darter (180, 140, T20, D10)
Leg 3: Humphries goes back-to-back 12-darters to lead 2-1
Leg 4: Price levels at 2-2 despite two missed doubles
Leg 5: Humphries edges ahead 3-2 after Price misses bull for 121
Leg 6: Price delivers a clutch 15-darter to make it 3-3
Leg 7: The crucial break – Price takes out 76 to lead 4-3
Leg 8: Price extends to 5-3 with another solid hold
Leg 9: Humphries keeps hopes alive with a 14-darter
Leg 10: Price seals victory with D20 for a 6-4 win
PRICE IS THE MAN ON MERSEYSIDE 👑
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 24, 2025
A brilliant evening for Gerwyn Price as he wins his third night in the 2025 BetMGM Premier League, beating Luke Humphries 6-4 in the final!
What a night in Liverpool for the Iceman 🧊
📺 https://t.co/CxOorrFXK9 #PLDarts25 pic.twitter.com/JzpvAYGIC7
Tactical Breakdown: What Won It for Price?
1. Superior Doubles Percentage
While both players averaged in the high 90s, the difference came on the outer ring. Price converted 48% of his double attempts compared to Humphries’ 42% – a seemingly small margin that proved decisive in such a tight contest.
2. Big-Moment Mentality
Time and again when Humphries threatened to build momentum, Price found an extra gear. His 76 checkout in the seventh leg, coming immediately after Humphries had missed two darts to level, was arguably the turning point.
3. Composure Under Pressure
Even when missing doubles (notably in legs 4 and 5), Price never allowed his head to drop. This mental resilience – a hallmark of his game at his best – was evident throughout the night.
What This Means for the Playoff Picture
With this victory, Price has:
- Moved to 28 points in the table (3rd place)
- Extended his lead over 5th-place Nathan Aspinall to 6 points
- Taken a significant step towards securing a playoff berth
- Sent a psychological message to his rivals
“People were starting to write me off after a couple of quiet weeks,” Price admitted in his post-match interview. “But I’ve been in this position before. When the business end of the season comes around, I know how to raise my game.”
Expert Analysis: What the Pundits Are Saying
Wayne Mardle (Sky Sports):
“This was vintage Gerwyn Price. When he gets that look in his eye, when he’s hitting those big finishes at crucial moments, he’s virtually unstoppable. That 76 checkout in the seventh leg was the dart of the night for me.”
Mark Webster (PDC TV):
“What impressed me most was how Price adapted after those missed doubles early on. Lesser players might have crumbled, but he regrouped magnificently. His ability to reset mentally is world-class.”
Looking Ahead: The Run-In
With four nights remaining before the playoffs at London’s O2 Arena, the battle for the top four intensifies. Price’s Liverpool heroics have put him in a strong position, but with trips to Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham and Sheffield to come, nothing is guaranteed.
Key fixtures to watch:
- Night 13 (Glasgow): Potential Price vs. Van Gerwen rematch
- Night 15 (Birmingham): Humphries seeking revenge
- Night 16 (Sheffield): Likely to decide final playoff places
Player Reaction
Gerwyn Price:
“To produce performances like that when the pressure is on is exactly why I play this game. Luke’s the best in the world right now, so to beat him in a final gives me massive confidence going into these last few weeks.”
Luke Humphries:
“Fair play to Gezzy – he was clinical when it mattered. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger. The playoffs are still the main goal and I’m in a good position to achieve that.”
By The Numbers: Price’s Night 12 Dominance
| Statistic | Quarter-Final | Semi-Final | Final | Night Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 106.74 | 105.27 | 98.6 | 103.53 |
| 180s | 3 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| Checkout % | 54% | 60% | 48% | 54% |
| High Finish | 121 | 81 (Bull) | 76 | 121 |
Conclusion: A Statement Performance
As the Premier League roadshow moves north to Glasgow, Gerwyn Price has reignited his title challenge in spectacular fashion. This wasn’t just a win – it was a demonstration of why the Welshman remains one of the sport’s most feared competitors when the stakes are highest.
With the playoffs on the horizon, Price has chosen the perfect moment to hit peak form. If he maintains this level, that coveted Premier League trophy might just be heading back to Wales come May.
Who do you think will make the top four? Can Price go all the way? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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.