Gerwyn Price has sparked a storm of debate across the darts world after calling suggestions that Beau Greaves should be given a Premier League place “a joke.” The Welsh star, known for his fiery personality and blunt opinions, didn’t hold back as he weighed in on the growing conversation around who deserves to be part of next year’s prestigious Premier League lineup.
Price, a former world champion and one of the sport’s most consistent performers, was asked for his thoughts on whether 21-year-old Greaves — one of the brightest young talents in the game — should be offered a wildcard for the 2026 Premier League Darts season. His response was as direct as ever: “I think that’s a joke,” he said, shaking his head at the idea that a player who has yet to make a deep run in major mixed events could leap straight into one of the most demanding competitions in the sport.
The Premier League is one of darts’ most high-profile stages, a grueling weekly tour that features eight elite players battling it out across multiple cities over several months. It is a blend of ranking qualification and promotional selection — with four automatic spots based on world rankings and four wildcards chosen by the PDC. These wildcard choices often stir controversy, as they can go to players with big personalities, strong fan bases, or momentum from recent form.
This year, the debate has centered around Beau Greaves, the women’s darts prodigy who has taken the game by storm. Greaves has dominated the Women’s Series and impressed in her appearances against top male pros. Her smooth throw, calm temperament, and fearless approach have earned her admiration from fans and players alike. Some believe that giving her a Premier League slot would not only reward her talent but also break new ground for the women’s game.
However, Price firmly disagrees. His view is that the Premier League should remain reserved for players who have earned their spot through consistent performance on the PDC circuit, rather than for the sake of headlines or promotional appeal. “You’ve got players who’ve worked all year, fought through qualifiers, and played week after week to prove themselves,” Price argued. “There are guys in the top 10 who miss out — and you’re talking about putting someone in who hasn’t done it at that level? Come on.”
Price’s reaction reflects a broader sentiment among traditionalists in the sport who feel that the Premier League must remain an elite competition based on merit, not marketing. They argue that while Greaves’ achievements in women’s darts are impressive, she still has to prove herself consistently against the very best on the men’s tour before being handed such a massive platform.
But there’s another side to the argument — one that champions the idea of change and opportunity. Supporters of Greaves point out that she has already accomplished more at her age than many male players twice her senior. She has shown poise under pressure and has been a flagbearer for the growing strength of women’s darts. Inviting her to the Premier League, they argue, would send a powerful message that talent, not gender, defines a player’s worth.
Greaves herself has responded to the debate with humility and maturity beyond her years. While she admitted that a Premier League call-up would be an incredible opportunity, she also acknowledged that it might be too early. “I wouldn’t say no if I got the call,” she said with a smile. “But honestly, I just want to keep improving and proving myself. If it happens one day, great — but for now, I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing.”
For Price, the issue is less about gender and more about timing. He maintains that Greaves’ time will come, but the Premier League should feature the most battle-hardened competitors. “She’s talented, no doubt about it,” he added. “But you can’t just skip steps. Everyone has to go through the same process — playing on tour, earning ranking points, showing consistency. That’s how you earn your place.”
The exchange between Price’s tough stance and Greaves’ composed response has sparked widespread discussion among fans, players, and pundits. Some say Price’s comments were unnecessarily harsh, while others applaud him for defending the competitive integrity of the sport. Social media has been divided, with one camp accusing him of gatekeeping and another praising his honesty.
Regardless of where one stands, the controversy underscores how much Greaves has already changed the conversation in darts. The fact that a 21-year-old woman is being seriously discussed for a Premier League spot shows how far the sport has come — and how fast it’s evolving. Her rise has inspired a new generation of female players and brought fresh attention to the women’s circuit, which continues to grow in quality and visibility.
As the PDC prepares to announce its next Premier League lineup early next year, all eyes will be on whether the organizers will take a bold step or stick with experience. For now, Price’s words have ensured that the debate will rage on — a sign that darts, like any great sport, thrives on passion, rivalry, and the constant tension between tradition and change.
One thing is certain: Beau Greaves has already won something far more valuable than a Premier League spot — the respect and attention of the entire darts world. And whether or not she gets the call, her time in the spotlight is only just beginning.
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