"Gezzy Has Had a Lot Going On": Does Gerwyn Price deserve his Premier League spot?

Gerwyn Price is one of the greatest darting talents the world has ever seen. You know he means business when you hear a thud and see his dart strike the outer rim, followed by a roar that would make a lion proud. The Welshman’s passion and will to win are evident every time he steps up to the oche. Love him or hate him, Price is one of the sport’s most entertaining players, always capable of putting on a show. His fiery and passionate demeanour ensures you can’t take your eyes off him when he’s competing.

Even though 2024 was a poor year for the Iceman by his usual high standards, his showmanship and electrifying style still make him a fan favourite. So, it was no great surprise to see him included in the 2025 Premier League lineup. However, the decision has been met with criticism. Given Price’s pedigree and skill, however, it is hard to argue against his selection.

Like many young athletes growing up in Wales, Price initially aspired to make a name for himself on the rugby pitch. He even wore the famous red jersey at under-21 level, playing alongside Jamie Roberts, Alun Wyn Jones, and Aled Brew. At club level, he competed for Neath RFC as part of the Welsh All Blacks.

However, in 2014, he decided to swap the rugby ball for a set of darts—a decision that would change his life. That same year, he claimed his PDC Tour card, which kickstarted his meteoric rise to the top of the sport.

Price climbed rapidly through the rankings and by 2021, he had reached the pinnacle of darts, becoming world number one. Since then, he has won nearly everything there is to win in the sport. The Welshman is a three-time Grand Slam of Darts champion and a World Grand Prix champion. His first PDC World Championship title came in 2021 with a dominant 7-3 victory over the legendary Gary Anderson.

Beyond his individual success, Price has also shone on the international stage. Alongside fellow Welsh star Jonny Clayton, he has twice led Wales to World Cup glory—first in 2020, and again in 2023.

Price is one of the most prolific scorers in the game, holding the fifth-highest average in PDC history at 97.11, with only darting legends like Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor ahead of him. Another astonishing feat came during the 2022 World Cup of Darts, when he recorded an incredible 117.88 match average—the eighth-highest televised average in history.

Between 2018 and 2023, Price was unstoppable, making his 2024 drop-off feel particularly disappointing. However, even in a year that did not meet his usual standards, glimpses of the old Iceman remained—a testament to his resilience and determination. Now, the focus shifts to 2025, where Price will look to silence his critics and return to his best.

Wales may be a small nation, but it has produced some of the greatest athletes in sporting history. Names like Gareth Bale, Geraint Thomas, and Joe Calzaghe immediately come to mind. Rugby has also provided countless legends, including Alun Wyn Jones, Barry John, and Gareth Edwards.

However, when considering Price’s achievements, his impact on darts—and sport in Wales—cannot be overlooked. Alongside Jonny Clayton, he has helped elevate Welsh darts to a new level, proving that the country has serious talent in the sport. Their World Cup victories have given Welsh fans plenty to celebrate, and you wouldn’t rule out them winning a third title.

The Welsh sporting fanbase is passionate, and with Cardiff being one of the Premier League’s key stops, it makes perfect sense to have a Welsh superstar competing in the event. Price’s influence on darts, both in Wales and globally, is something that all fans of the sport can appreciate.

It is easy to forget that, at the end of the day, the Premier League is an entertainment spectacle. Unlike other tournaments, it does not affect the world rankings—it is purely about bringing the best players together and creating must-watch matches.

When it comes to entertainment, few players match Price. Whether the crowd is cheering him on or booing him before he even steps on stage, the 39-year-old always evokes a reaction. That kind of presence draws people in and makes for compelling viewing.

Despite his inconsistent form in 2024, Price remains world number seven—a testament to his consistency at the top level. He has also been a Premier League regular since 2018, reaching the final in 2023.

Some of Price’s most iconic moments have come in the competition, including hitting two nine-darters in one night in Belfast in 2022. His rivalries with Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, and Luke Littler add to the excitement, and fans will relish the chance to see those matchups again.

Despite his credentials, Price’s inclusion in the 2025 Premier League has been met with criticism. Fellow player Dave Chisnall publicly expressed his disappointment at Price and Nathan Aspinall being picked ahead of Mike De Decker and Damon Heta.

Chisnall’s comments echo the frustrations of many fans, particularly those who felt De Decker was deserving of a place after winning a World Grand Prix title in 2024.

However, his stats over the last 12 months show that he was still producing at a high level, despite 2024 being considered an off-year. Price boasts a higher winning average (96.83) compared to De Decker’s 95.08, a better checkout percentage (39.80%), as well as a higher first-nine darts average and average against the throw.

While De Decker has stronger stats in certain areas, the numbers suggest that Price was still performing at an elite level, even in a so-called "down year."

Price remains one of darts’ biggest stars and boasts a huge following. His Premier League inclusion may be debated, but there is no doubt that he will bring entertainment and passion to the competition.

Now, all eyes turn to 2025—a year in which Price will look to prove the doubters wrong. Will this finally be the year that the Iceman adds a Premier League title to his already stacked résumé?