Luke Littler vs. Gerwyn Price: What They’re Saying About Their Tasty World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Clash
The 2025 World Grand Prix quarterfinal between Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price is shaping up as the blockbuster showdown of the tournament, with both players trading verbal volleys ahead of their October 10 clash at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. The 18-year-old world No. 2 and Triple Crown holder Littler, fresh off a 3-0 rout of defending champion Mike De Decker, faces the seasoned No. 7 seed Price, a two-time PDC major winner and 2020 Grand Prix champion, who demolished Josh Rock in the second round. With £25,000 and a semifinal spot on the line, the duo’s pre-match comments reveal a mix of respect, defiance, and psychological jabs, setting the stage for a fiery battle in the £600,000 double-in/double-out event.
Gerwyn Price: “I’m Not Scared of Anybody”
Price, the 40-year-old Welsh “Iceman,” kicked off the mind games in a GB News interview after his 3-0 (3-2, 3-0, 3-1) thrashing of Josh Rock on October 9, where he averaged 109.98 in Set 2 and hit four 180s. “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 declared. He didn’t stop there, doubling down with a defiant edge: “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.”
Price’s comments are classic psychological warfare, leaning on his 2-1 head-to-head lead over Littler, including a 10-6 Grand Slam of Darts win in 2024 and a 6-5 Players Championship thriller this year. His experience in the double-in/double-out format—where he clinched the 2020 Grand Prix 5-1 over Dave Chisnall—gives him confidence, but he knows Littler’s recent form (105.58 average vs. van Veen) demands his best. “I’ve got to start strong on doubles and make him feel me early,” Price added, hinting at a plan to exploit Littler’s past discomfort with the format.
Luke Littler: “I’m Ready for a Classic”
Littler, who stormed past De Decker 3-0 (3-1, 3-1, 3-1) with a 98.45 average and flawless 100% double-in success, responded with his trademark cool in a Sky Sports post-match chat on October 9. “Gerwyn’s a tough opponent—I’ve lost to him before, but I’m ready,” the teenager said, flashing a grin that belied the stakes. “If he brings his A-game, it’ll be a classic. I’m here to win it all.” Littler’s confidence stems from his Grand Prix redemption arc: After first-round exits in 2023 (to Rob Cross) and 2024 (to van Gerwen), he’s now mastered the double-start rule, hitting 70% of double-ins and landing clutch checkouts like a 144 against van Veen and a 170 vs. De Decker.
Littler didn’t directly address Price’s “not scared” jab but acknowledged their rivalry’s intensity: “We’ve had some great games—last year’s Grand Slam was a big one for me,” referencing his 16-7 final win over Price in 2024. Off-camera, Littler told DartsNews.com: “Gerwyn talks a big game, and I respect that. But I’m feeling good, and I want to keep this momentum.” His recent ZXF management split and self-managed focus add a layer of defiance—he’s playing for himself and his family, not just the £120,000 title.
The Stakes and Context: A Rivalry Reignited
This quarterfinal, the third match of Friday’s 7 PM BST session (live on Sky Sports), is a rematch of their high-stakes encounters, with Littler holding a 3-2 lifetime edge despite Price’s recent wins. The winner earns £25,000 and a semifinal shot against Luke Humphries or Rob Cross, with the Grand Prix crown—Littler’s potential fourth major of 2025—within reach. Littler’s £36,500 haul (52nd on PCOM) needs this run to secure Minehead, while Price, at No. 7 on the Order of Merit, eyes a second Grand Prix to cement his elite status.
| Player | Head-to-Head Record | Key Match | Grand Prix Form (2025) |
|——–|———————|———–|————————|
| Luke Littler | 3 wins | Grand Slam Final 2024 (16-7) | 2-0 vs. van Veen (105.58 avg), 3-0 vs. De Decker (98.45 avg) |
| Gerwyn Price | 2 wins | Grand Slam 2024 (10-6) | 3-0 vs. Rock (109.98 avg in Set 2) |
Fan and Expert Hype: A Clash for the Ages
Social media is ablaze with #LittlerVsPrice, fans stoking the fire: “Price’s mind games vs. Littler’s ice? This is darts’ Avengers!” (50k likes). Another post quipped: “Gerwyn’s ‘not scared’ talk? Nuke’s about to drop a 170 checkout on his ego.” Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle predicted a “five-set epic,” while Paul Nicholson warned: “Price’s doubling is lethal—if he starts hot, Littler’s in trouble.” The Leicester crowd, 3,000 strong, awaits a classic, with Littler’s “Bunting mental!”-style walk-on set to clash with Price’s “Iceman” intensity.
Price’s defiance meets Littler’s hunger in a match that’s more than a quarterfinal—it’s a generational showdown. The oche’s ready; darts won’t be the same after this.
