2025 Gerwyn Price incident
The 2025 Gerwyn Price incident refers to a series of controversial events involving professional Welsh darts player Gerwyn Price, culminating in a mid-match walk-off during a 2025 Premier League Darts fixture, a live on-stage outburst, and a formal suspension by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The situation sparked widespread debate about sportsmanship, double standards, and tensions between Price and rising star Luke Littler.
Background[edit | edit source]
Gerwyn Price, a former PDC World Darts Championship winner, has long been known for his intense and vocal playing style, which includes celebratory roars and confrontational behaviour. Though popular among some fans, Price has also drawn criticism throughout his career for unsportsmanlike conduct and volatile interactions with opponents and crowds.
In 2025, growing friction between Price and teenage darts prodigy Luke Littler intensified following several matches where the two traded subtle barbs in interviews and on social media. While Littler remained largely composed publicly, Price repeatedly expressed frustration with perceived preferential treatment of Littler by both fans and the PDC.
Incident[edit | edit source]
On 24 July 2025, during Night 11 of the Premier League Darts in Glasgow, Price faced James Wade in a televised match. After missing double 16 to go 9–8 down, Price abruptly walked off stage during Wade's next visit. He slammed his darts onto the table and took a microphone from the MC to address the audience directly.
In a live, unscripted rant, Price stated:
- “This sport’s a joke now. One rule for me, another for their golden boy. Littler throws shade and they pat him on the back. I breathe too loud and I’m the villain. You want me gone? Say it to my face. This ain’t darts anymore — it’s a popularity contest.”
The match was abandoned. Wade was awarded the win by default. The moment was cut from the live broadcast after initial airings, and the crowd reaction ranged from stunned silence to boos.
Reactions[edit | edit source]
The PDC issued a short statement the same evening confirming that an internal investigation had begun. On social media, Littler appeared to respond indirectly with a post reading “He said I needed to respect my elders. Guess that goes both ways.”
Prominent darts figures such as Michael van Gerwen, Wayne Mardle, and Barry Hearn criticized Price's behaviour, while some commentators suggested the PDC had failed to adequately manage player tensions in prior weeks.
On 25 July 2025, the PDC held private meetings with both Price and Littler. Sources close to the matter reported that Littler was “quietly supported” behind closed doors, while Price was said to have left his meeting “furious.”
Disciplinary decision[edit | edit source]
On 27 July 2025, the PDC released a formal statement announcing that:
- Price would be suspended from all PDC events for a period of 60 days;
- He would be fined £25,000;
- He would receive a final written warning for unsportsmanlike conduct and abandonment of a live match.
The PDC emphasized that it “remains committed to upholding the integrity, professionalism, and global reputation of the sport.”
Interview and further fallout[edit | edit source]
Following the suspension, Price appeared in a YouTube interview on the channel Full Send Darts: Uncensored, where he doubled down on his criticisms. He accused the PDC of playing favourites and claimed Littler was “protected like he’s made of glass.” The interview drew mixed reactions, with many fans and fellow players viewing it as an unprofessional escalation.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
The incident was widely regarded as the most dramatic meltdown in modern darts history. It prompted the PDC to review stage conduct policies and media training requirements for players. Though Price returned to competition later in the year, his reputation suffered significantly. Littler, meanwhile, remained focused on competition and continued to receive support from fans and officials alike.