The darts world was rocked by the sudden absence of former world champion Gerwyn Price from Players Championship 24 in Milton Keynes, a setback that halted the Welsh star’s momentum just as he was rediscovering his top form. Known as “The Iceman,” Price was poised to dominate the ProTour event at Arena MK on August 25, 2025, following a string of impressive performances. However, when the draw was revealed, his name was conspicuously missing, leaving fans and analysts puzzled until a candid social media post shed light on the reason: a recurring hand injury that required an urgent hospital visit. “Just what I didn’t want, back to the hospital it is,” Price shared on his Instagram story, alongside an image of his visibly swollen right hand, a haunting echo of a past injury that had once sidelined him.
Price’s withdrawal came at an inopportune moment. The 39-year-old, ranked world No. 6, had been riding a wave of confidence after a challenging 2024 season marked by early exits and missed opportunities. Recent exhibitions and practice sessions with close friend Barrie Bates had reignited his spark, with Price declaring, “I think I’m playing some of the best darts I’ve ever played.” His absence from Players Championship 24, a key event in the PDC ProTour calendar, raised concerns about his participation in upcoming tournaments, including the Flanders Darts Trophy, Czech Darts Open, and World Series Finals. The timing was particularly cruel, as Price’s form had been peaking, with a renewed hunger to reclaim his status among darts’ elite.
The injury itself is a familiar foe for Price. In 2022, he fractured his throwing hand, forcing him to withdraw from a Premier League night. Remarkably, he competed in a Players Championship event that year despite the injury, clinching a title while managing significant pain and swelling. The recent Instagram image, showing his hand once again swollen, suggests a recurrence or complication of this issue. While Price did not specify the exact nature of the injury in his post, the visual evidence and his history point to a serious concern that could require medical intervention. “So I’ve been playing with a fractured hand all along,” he wrote in 2022, revealing his determination to push through pain. Fans now wonder if he’ll need to don a splint or cast, as he did previously, to continue competing.
Price’s absence paved the way for an unforgettable tournament, where Jeffrey de Graaf made history as the first Swedish player to win a PDC ranking title, defeating Stephen Bunting 8-7 in a thrilling final. The event also saw Luke Littler’s return to the ProTour, though he fell in the last 16 to Rob Cross. Despite the spotlight on these performances, Price’s withdrawal dominated discussions, with fans flooding social media with messages of support. “Gutted for Gezzy, he was looking sharp again,” one fan posted, echoing the sentiment of many who had hoped to see Price continue his resurgence.
The Welshman’s career is a testament to resilience. A former rugby player for Neath, Cross Keys, and Glasgow Warriors, Price transitioned to darts full-time in 2014, earning his PDC tour card under the guidance of Barrie Bates. Since then, he’s claimed 42 PDC titles, including the 2021 World Championship and three Grand Slam of Darts titles. His aggressive style and fiery persona have made him a polarizing yet captivating figure, often thriving under pressure but occasionally clashing with crowds or conditions, as seen in his 2024 withdrawal from Players Championship 1 over “pathetic” venue conditions.
As Price heads back to the hospital, the darts community holds its breath, hoping this setback is temporary. His recent comments reflect a steely resolve: “I’m easy to beat when I’m not playing at my best, but beat me at my best? There’s no reason why I can’t win.” With a packed schedule ahead, including major PDC events, Price’s recovery will be critical. For now, fans await updates, rooting for The Iceman to return stronger, his hand healed and his competitive fire undimmed.
Leave a Reply