The darts world was dealt a shock on August 25, 2025, when Gerwyn Price, the Welsh darts titan known as “The Iceman,” was forced to withdraw from Players Championship 24 in Milton Keynes due to a debilitating hand injury. The 40-year-old, ranked world No. 6 and riding a wave of stellar form, shared a gut-wrenching update on social media, posting a picture of his severely swollen right hand alongside the caption: “Just what I didn’t want, back to hospital it is.” The image, showing his throwing hand alarmingly inflamed, sent ripples of concern through the darts community, especially given Price’s history of hand injuries. As he faces a crucial stretch of the season, this setback threatens to derail his momentum at a pivotal moment.
Price’s absence from the Players Championship 24 draw was a stark surprise for fans and competitors alike. The Welshman had been a favorite to claim the title, fresh off a sensational 2025 campaign that included victories at Players Championship 9, the Poland Darts Masters, and the Baltic Sea Darts Open. His withdrawal came just hours before the tournament began, leaving a void in a field brimming with talent. The image he shared on Instagram revealed a hand so swollen it echoed a similar injury from 2022, when a fractured hand forced him to miss a Premier League night in Brighton. Remarkably, even then, Price showed his grit by winning a Players Championship event while injured, a testament to his resilience. “So I’ve been playing with a fractured hand all along,” he said in 2022, opting for a splint over a cast to keep competing. This time, however, the severity of the swelling suggests a potentially more serious issue.
The timing of this injury couldn’t be worse. With the Flanders Darts Trophy, Czech Darts Open, and World Series Finals looming in the coming weeks, Price faces an uphill battle to maintain his competitive edge. These tournaments are critical for the former world champion, who has won seven PDC majors, including the 2021 World Championship and two World Series Finals. His recent form, highlighted by a 112 average in a demolition of Ryan Searle at the German Darts Grand Prix, had positioned him as a player to watch. “I was still in discomfort with my hand so I went back to the hospital,” Price recalled in 2022, a sentiment that resonates now as he returns to medical care. The darts community awaits updates on his condition, with fears that a prolonged recovery could jeopardize his participation in these high-stakes events.
Price’s career is a story of grit and defiance. A former rugby player, he transitioned to darts in his late 20s, quickly rising to world No. 1 by 2021. His aggressive style and fierce competitiveness have earned him 42 PDC titles, including three Grand Slam of Darts crowns and two World Cups with Jonny Clayton. Yet, injuries have been a recurring hurdle. In 2022, he played through a fractured hand, wearing a splint and still reaching a Premier League semi-final in Nottingham. “The usual course of action would be to be put in plaster for four weeks, but with the Premier League and other events that’s not something I wanted,” he said at the time, showcasing his determination to push through pain. Fans are hopeful this same spirit will see him back on the oche soon.
The darts world has rallied around Price, with social media buzzing with messages of support. His withdrawal paved the way for others to shine, as Jeffrey de Graaf claimed the Players Championship 24 title, defeating Stephen Bunting 8-7 in a thrilling final. Yet, the absence of “The Iceman” was felt deeply. As he heads back to the hospital, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery looms large. Will Price return in time to dominate the autumn tournaments, or will this injury force a longer hiatus? For now, the darts community holds its breath, rooting for their warrior to overcome yet another challenge and return to the board stronger than ever.
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