Gerwyn Price, the fiery Welsh darts sensation known as “The Iceman,” has kicked off his 2025 World Series of Darts Finals campaign in Amsterdam with a blend of relaxation and excitement. Before stepping onto the oche for one of the sport’s most electrifying tournaments, the 40-year-old took a break from the tungsten grind to indulge in a unique experience: an exclusive tour of the iconic Johan Cruijff ArenA, home of Ajax Football Club. This detour into the world of soccer offered Price a rare moment of calm before the storm of competition, showcasing his ability to balance intense focus with off-stage enjoyment.
On Friday, September 12, 2025, with the World Series of Darts Finals set to ignite the AFAS Live arena, Price was invited by Ajax for a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary stadium. Decked out in a red-and-white Ajax shirt, he posed for photos alongside fellow darts star Ross Smith and Ajax players Davy Klaassen and Wout Weghorst, who warmly welcomed the darts contingent. The visit included a glimpse into the players’ dressing room, a moment that left Price buzzing with excitement. Sharing his enthusiasm on Instagram, he wrote, “Great afternoon at the @afcajax stadium with @wout.weghorst @ross_smith180 @davyklaassen thanks for the invite and tour.” For a player known for his intense on-stage persona, this lighthearted excursion provided a refreshing pause after a grueling darts season marked by a painful hand injury that forced him to miss several tournaments in August.
The timing of the Ajax tour couldn’t have been better for Price, who has faced a rollercoaster year. After struggling with form in 2024, the former world champion has roared back in 2025, reclaiming his status as a darts titan. His season highlights include victories at the Nordic Darts Masters, where he defeated Rob Cross 8–5, and a dominant 8–1 thrashing of Luke Littler in the Australian Darts Masters final. Price also clinched Players Championship 26 in September, averaging an astonishing 109.28 and landing 13 maximums in an 8–5 win over Gian van Veen—a sweet revenge after a 6–0 loss to the same opponent days earlier. These triumphs have propelled him to the top of the Players Championship rankings and solidified his No. 3 seed status for the World Series Finals.
As the tournament kicks off, Price faces American Danny Lauby Jr. in the first round on Saturday, September 13, during the afternoon session at 12:45 local time. The matchup, part of a star-studded 32-player draw, pits Price’s experience against Lauby’s emerging talent. The Welshman enters as a heavy favorite, having won all three of their previous encounters this season, including a 6–0 rout in Players Championship 4. However, Lauby’s composure on big stages, as seen at the UK Open, suggests he could pose a challenge. Should Price advance, he’ll face either Cor Dekker or Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld in the second round, setting the stage for a potential clash with top contenders like defending champion Luke Littler or home favorite Michael van Gerwen later in the tournament.
The World Series of Darts Finals, running from September 12 to 14, is a non-ranking event but carries immense prestige, with £80,000 awaiting the winner and a total prize fund of £400,000. The tournament features eight seeded players, including Stephen Bunting, Littler, and Price, alongside qualifiers from the World Series Order of Merit, PDC Order of Merit, and Tour Card Holder Qualifier. The format is unforgiving—first and second rounds are best-of-11 legs, escalating to best-of-19 in the quarter-finals and best-of-21 in the semi-finals and final. Fans can expect a thrilling weekend, with the event broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK, DAZN in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and PDCTV worldwide.
Price’s journey to Amsterdam has been about more than darts. His Ajax adventure reflects a player rediscovering balance after a challenging period. The 2021 PDC World Champion, who once juggled a rugby career with darts, has faced boos from crowds for his fiery demeanor but has embraced his polarizing persona. His recent resurgence, including a semi-final run at the 2025 Premier League and a European Tour win in Kiel, signals a return to peak form. As he steps into the AFAS Live spotlight, Price is not just chasing a third World Series Finals title—he’s aiming to cement his legacy as one of darts’ most relentless competitors. With the crowd’s energy and the stakes sky-high, all eyes are on whether “The Iceman” can deliver another unforgettable performance.
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