Defiant Gerwyn Price Starts the Mind Games with Luke Littler Ahead of Blockbuster World Grand Prix Quarterfinal
The 2025 World Grand Prix is already delivering drama, and the quarterfinals promise even more fireworks as Gerwyn Price launches early psychological warfare against teenage sensation Luke Littler. The Welsh world No. 7, a two-time PDC major winner, has declared himself “not scared of anybody” and vowed to “put [Littler] under pressure” in their last-eight clash on Friday, October 10, at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. Price’s combative comments, made in a GB News interview after his dominant 3-0 second-round demolition of Josh Rock, set the stage for a mouthwatering showdown between the 40-year-old veteran and the 18-year-old world champion, with £25,000 on the line for the winner.
Price’s Warning: “I Am Not Scared—I’ll Put Him Under Pressure”
Price, the 2020 Grand Prix champion, has never shied away from mind games, and his pre-quarterfinal barbs were no exception. “I really wanted to have a game against Luke [Littler]. I am playing well enough. I need to up my scoring game but if I put him under pressure it will be a good game,” Price told GB News. He doubled down on his fearlessness: “He is playing well – I can’t take that away from him – but I am here to win and I am not scared of anybody. If my A-game is there, I win—it’s that simple. But sometimes that doesn’t happen.”
The Welshman’s words carry weight—he’s 2-1 up in their head-to-head, including a 10-6 win at the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts and a 6-5 Players Championship thriller earlier this year. Price’s “not scared” mantra echoes his reputation as darts’ “Iceman,” known for ice-cold checkouts under duress, but it’s a clear attempt to rattle Littler, who has admitted the Grand Prix’s double-in/double-out format is one of the “toughest” majors. Analysts like Glen Durrant see it as classic Price: “Gerwyn’s starting the mind games early—he knows Luke thrives on pressure, so he’s flipping the script.”
Littler’s Response: “Bring It On”
Littler, fresh off a 3-0 demolition of defending champion Mike De Decker (averaging 98.45 with a flawless 100% on double-ins), remained unfazed when asked about Price’s digs during his Sky Sports interview. “Gerwyn’s a tough opponent—I’ve lost to him before, but I’m ready,” the world No. 2 said with his trademark grin. “If he brings his A-game, it’ll be a classic. I’m here to win it all.” Littler’s confidence is backed by form: His first Grand Prix win after two prior first-round exits, including a 105.58 average against van Veen’s record 106.47 in the opener. At 18, he’s 3-2 lifetime against Price, but the Welshman’s experience in this format—his 2020 title came via a 5-1 final over Dave Chisnall—makes it a true test.
The pair’s rivalry dates to 2023, with Price edging a 10-8 Premier League night and Littler retaliating in the Grand Slam final (16-7). Price’s recent 3-0 rout of Rock (eight straight legs, 109.98 average in Set 2) shows he’s peaking, hitting four 180s and converting 60% of checkouts.
The Stakes: £25,000 and a Path to Glory
A win catapults the victor to the semifinals, worth £40,000, and a shot at the £120,000 title—Littler’s fourth major of 2025 after his Triple Crown. Price, seeded seventh, eyes his first Grand Prix crown since 2020, while Littler chases his maiden in the “toughest” event. Their quarterfinal, the third session on Friday (7 PM BST, Sky Sports), could draw 3,000 fans, with #PriceVsLittler already trending.
| Head-to-Head | Wins for Littler | Wins for Price | Key Match |
|————–|——————|—————-|———–|
| Overall | 3 | 2 | Grand Slam of Darts Final 2024 (Littler 16-7) |
Fan Frenzy: Mind Games or Motivation?
Social media lit up with #PriceLittlerMindGames, fans divided: “Gerwyn’s ice-cold—Littler’s youth won’t save him!” vs. “Nuke thrives on pressure; Price’s talk is smoke.” Wayne Mardle predicted a “classic,” while Paul Nicholson warned: “Price’s A-game is lethal—Littler must start strong on doubles.”
As the £600,000 event heats up, Price’s defiant mind games set the tone for a showdown that could define darts’ next rivalry. Littler’s ready; Price is coming—bring the popcorn.
