Gerwyn Price hits back at Van der Voort’s controversial weight-loss criticism as Bradley Brooks slams Dutch ex-pro
Gerwyn Price Fires Back at Van der Voort’s Weight Loss Jabs, as Bradley Brooks Labels Him “Out of Order”
Gerwyn “The Iceman” Price, the 40-year-old Welsh darts powerhouse, has clapped back at Vincent van der Voort’s recent criticism of his dramatic three-stone (42-pound) weight loss, insisting the transformation has him feeling “better than ever” both physically and mentally. The response, shared on Instagram on November 2, 2025, comes amid a blistering resurgence for Price – four Players Championship wins, the Baltic Sea Open title, and a Poland Darts Masters triumph – that’s catapulted him back into the PDC top 15. But van der Voort’s podcast shade on *Darts Draait Door* (October 30) – calling Price “a kid in his shirt” and warning he’s “gone too far” – drew swift backlash from rising star Bradley Brooks, who slammed the Dutchman as “out of order” and “unprofessional.”
Price’s Defiant Response: “Haters Gonna Hate”
Price, who slimmed down from XL to medium shirts through diet, gym grind, and the PDC’s relentless schedule, posted a shirtless training montage from his home gym, flexing a leaner, more defined physique alongside a pointed caption:
> **”I feel and look better than ever. Lost over 3 stone, sleeping better, playing better. Haters gonna hate, but I’m just getting started. Thanks for the concern, Vinnie – but I’ll take the compliments on the results! 💪 #IcemanMode #DartsLife”**
The post, racking up 150k likes and shares within hours, featured clips of him deadlifting 150kg and shadow-throwing darts with improved stamina. Price elaborated in a follow-up Story: **”It’s not about size – it’s about feeling good. The schedule’s brutal, no rest, but this body’s ready for Ally Pally.”** His form backs it: a World Grand Prix quarterfinal loss to Littler (October 2025, 3-1) was his only blip in a 12-3 run since August, with averages ticking up to 98.2 (from 95.4 last year).
Van der Voort’s comments – made alongside co-host Damian Vlottes – were framed as “friendly advice,” but crossed lines for many: **”He used to be massive with muscle… now he looks like a kid! Pretty soon Bradley Brooks will be beating him up.”** Price, ever the ice man, laughed it off privately but used the fuel publicly, echoing his post-Australian Darts Masters vibe (August): **”Dieting, gym, no McDonald’s – feeling sharp.”**
Brooks’ Slam: “Out of Order and Uncalled For”
Enter Bradley Brooks, the 21-year-old PDC challenger tour standout (recently beating Price 6-4 in a PC34 qualifier), who didn’t mince words on X after van der Voort’s clip went viral:
> **”Out of order from Vinnie. Gerwyn’s killing it on the board – who cares about the scales? Unprofessional to body-shame a mate like that. Respect the grind, not the gut. #SupportGerwyn”**
Brooks, who’s climbed to No. 78 on the Order of Merit with three challenger wins in 2025, knows the Welshman’s fire firsthand – their October 29 clash saw Price rally from 4-2 down for the win. The Mancunian prodigy, mentored by Gary Anderson, added in a *Dartsworld* interview: **”I’ve lost weight myself for stamina – it’s personal. Van der Voort’s a legend, but that’s not cool. Gerwyn’s top 15 for a reason.”**
The darts community split: fans rallied with #GerwynGains memes (“Iceman’s melting the doubters!”), while some echoed van der Voort’s “concern” (e.g., “Lost too quick – health first”). No bad blood from Price toward the Dutchman – they’ve shared laughs at events – but the episode spotlights body talk in a sport where mental edge trumps physique.
Price’s Transformation Timeline: From Bulk to Bullseye
| Phase | Weight Lost | Key Achievements | Motivation |
|——-|————-|——————|————|
| **Pre-2025** | N/A | 2021 World Champ; injury-plagued ’24 | Rugby build for power |
| **Aug-Oct 2025** | ~3 stone | 4x Players Champs, Poland Masters | “No rest on tour – gradual drop” |
| **Nov 2025+** | Stabilizing | Grand Slam (Nov 8-16); Worlds defense | “Mentally sharper, stamina up” |
At 40, Price (now 6th on Pro Tour Order of Merit) eyes a Premier League return and Ally Pally deep run – his leaner frame’s already yielding longer sessions without fatigue. Van der Voort? Silent since, focusing on his own PC grind (last-32 exit October 30).
This spat? Just darts drama – Price’s retort turns critique to catnip. As he preps for Wolverhampton’s Grand Slam (Group H with Humphries, Aspinall), the message is clear: Ice never melts under fire. Who’s next on his hit list: scales or skeptics? 🎯
