The 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy, set to unfold in Antwerp’s Lotto Arena this weekend, promises to be a thrilling chapter in the PDC European Tour. With a stacked field of 48 players, including darts’ biggest names and rising stars, the tournament’s best-of-11 format ensures that every leg counts, and even the slightest dip in form could spell disaster for top seeds. Among them is Gerwyn Price, the Welsh former world champion whose recent form has been electric but whose participation is clouded by a troubling hand injury. As the darts world converges on Belgium, predictions point to a tough weekend for Price, with a host of contenders ready to capitalize on any weakness.
Price, known for his fiery intensity and pinpoint accuracy, has been a dominant force in 2025, with standout performances on the European Tour and World Series. His thrilling 6-5 victory over Josh Rock in a deciding-leg epic at the New Zealand Darts Masters showcased his resilience, even as he fell 7-2 to Luke Littler in the semi-finals. “I’m feeling very confident,” Price said earlier this year, a sentiment that carried him through a string of high-stakes matches. However, a recent hospital visit for a hand issue, which he shared on social media, has raised concerns about his ability to compete at his peak. “Gerwyn Price posted this week that he was at the hospital with a hand issue, so we will see if he has to withdraw,” noted observers, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his condition. Even if he takes the oche, the injury could hamper his grip and throw, making him a risky pick to go deep in Antwerp.
The Flanders Darts Trophy’s format adds to the challenge. The best-of-11 legs in the early rounds mean that top seeds like Price, who receive byes until the second round, face immediate pressure to perform. A single off-day could lead to an early exit, especially against a field brimming with talent. Stephen Bunting, fresh off a stellar Pro Tour and World Series campaign, is a prime contender despite a tough draw. “Stephen Bunting has been playing phenomenal darts,” analysts have observed, pointing to his consistency in short-format events like this one. Bunting’s recent nine-darter and ability to handle high-pressure moments make him a favorite to challenge for the title.
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, the world’s top two, are also in the mix, with Littler’s 108 average against Price in New Zealand underscoring his dominance. “Both Lukes are in action this weekend, so they’ll be contenders to be taken seriously,” insiders have noted. Littler’s ability to string together high-scoring legs and Humphries’ clinical finishing make them formidable threats. Meanwhile, non-seeded players like Martin Schindler, a European Tour stalwart, and Belgium’s own Mike De Decker, who reached a final in his home country earlier this year, could capitalize on home support and favorable draws. Josh Rock, with his explosive scoring, is another name to watch, particularly if he brings his A-game. “Josh Rock is bound for a deep run if he gets a favorable draw or plays his A/B game,” experts predict.
Price’s path is fraught with peril. If he progresses past the second round, he could face Schindler or De Decker, both of whom thrive in front of European crowds. A potential quarter-final against Bunting or Littler would test his resilience, especially if his hand injury limits his precision. “Even if he plays, his hand could give him issues,” analysts warn, suggesting that Price’s recent form—impressive as it is—may not be enough to overcome physical constraints. The Welshman’s mental toughness will be key, as he’s known for thriving under pressure. “I’m up to the task,” Price declared after his New Zealand win, but Antwerp’s unforgiving format and deep field will demand every ounce of his skill.
The tournament, running from Friday to Sunday, kicks off with first-round matches on September 5, followed by second-round action on Saturday and the final rounds on Sunday. With a £30,000 top prize at stake, the Flanders Darts Trophy is a high-stakes battleground where consistency is king. For Price, it’s a chance to defy the odds and silence doubters, but the injury cloud looms large. As fans pack the Lotto Arena and viewers tune in globally, the stage is set for an unpredictable weekend where new heroes could emerge, and even giants like Price could stumble.
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