In the bustling energy of Alexandra Palace during the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship, former champion Gerwyn Price, known as “The Iceman,” entered his second-round match against Dutch qualifier Wesley Plaisier with sky-high confidence and the weight of bold predictions on his shoulders. Just days earlier, after a dominant 3-0 first-round victory over Adam Gawlas, Price had declared unequivocally to the world his intentions for the tournament.
The Welsh star, a 2021 world champion who had enjoyed a resurgent year with improved form and even a noticeable physical transformation through significant weight loss, felt unstoppable. Moments before stepping onto the stage for what would become his unexpected exit, his mindset was crystal clear. He had proclaimed, “I am winning. Honestly, I’m not losing. Nobody’s beating me this year.” This wasn’t mere bravado; it stemmed from a strong opening performance where he powered through with multiple maximums and a solid average, backed by a supportive crowd that had warmed to him in recent times.
Price’s journey to this point had been marked by determination. He had spoken about deleting social media apps from his phone during the championship to maintain focus, shielding himself from external noise and criticism. This mental preparation, combined with his on-stage dominance in round one, fueled his belief that a second Sid Waddell Trophy was within reach. Fans and pundits alike saw him as a genuine contender, potentially set for a blockbuster quarter-final clash with defending champion Luke Littler.
Yet, darts is a sport of fine margins and unforgiving pressure, and Plaisier—a world No. 92 still working a day job as a forklift driver—produced a masterclass in composure and clinical finishing. The match unfolded as a one-sided affair, with the Dutchman racing to a 3-0 whitewash victory, hitting crucial doubles at pivotal moments while Price struggled to find his rhythm. Plaisier sealed the upset in the deciding leg of the third set, holding his nerve on double 10 after both players traded missed opportunities.
As the final dart landed, Price could only applaud his opponent’s brilliance, showing sportsmanship in defeat despite the stinging disappointment. There were no outbursts or controversies this time—no echoes of past incidents where crowd interactions had led to memorable moments like protective gear stunts. Instead, a gracious acknowledgment that, on this night, the better player prevailed.
In the immediate aftermath, Price took to social media to reflect honestly on the loss, posting: “Absolutely gutted there had so much support which was amazing. Wesley was great at the right moments but I was way off and it showed.” His words captured the raw emotion of a player who had entered the arena believing he was invincible, only to be humbled by the depth of competition in modern darts.
This shock elimination, one of the tournament’s biggest upsets so far, not only ended Price’s campaign prematurely—the earliest World Championship exit for him in seven years—but also opened up the draw significantly for top seeds like Littler. Plaisier, roaring in triumph, advanced to the third round on just his second Alexandra Palace appearance, earning what he described as his career’s greatest win.
For Price, the defeat serves as a stark reminder of the sport’s unpredictability. Despite his pre-match conviction and preparation, the oche delivered a harsh lesson. As the championship continues toward its festive climax, “The Iceman’s” early departure adds another chapter to his colorful career, blending highs of bold confidence with the lows of unexpected setbacks. Fans will no doubt wonder how this will fuel his fire for the seasons ahead, as darts marches on with its trademark drama and surprises.
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