Gerwyn Price, the Welsh darts powerhouse known as "The Iceman," has once again electrified the PDC circuit with a dominant display at Players Championship Six, held in Leicester on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. After a string of near-misses earlier in the year, Price powered through the field, culminating in a resounding 8-1 victory over Andrew Gilding in the final. This triumph not only marks his first PDC ranking title of the season but also propels him to the top of the 2026 Players Championship rankings and back into the coveted top ten in the PDC world rankings.
Price’s journey to this title was nothing short of sensational. The 40-year-old, hailing from Markham, had previously fallen just short in two Players Championship finals this year. Determined to go one better, he kicked off his Leicester campaign with a pair of 6-1 wins—first dispatching Cristo Reyes and then Dutchman Maik Kuivenhoven. His momentum never faltered as he breezed past Lukas Wenig and Scott Waites, the latter match featuring one of his most impressive performances of the day.
According to official tournament statistics, Price posted a blistering 109.48 average in his 6-1 last-16 victory over Waites. That wasn’t his only standout showing: he notched a 108.59 average in the quarterfinals against Kevin Doets, winning 6-4, and a 107.85 average in his earlier clash with Kuivenhoven. These numbers placed Price second, third, and fourth on the tournament’s average leaderboard, underlining the sheer consistency and excellence of his play throughout the day.
But the highest average of Players Championship Six didn’t belong to Price. Chris Dobey, nicknamed "Hollywood," produced a stunning 111.33 average in a 6-0 demolition of Maximilian Czerwinski in the last 64. However, Dobey’s run ended abruptly in the next round, as he succumbed 6-4 to Dutchman Christian Kist. Still, Dobey’s performance was a reminder of the fierce competition and high standards on display in Leicester.
The semi-finals brought an all-Welsh showdown, with Price facing off against Jonny Clayton. The contest lived up to its billing, but Price’s relentless form saw him prevail 7-4, booking his place in the final against Gilding. The final itself was a one-sided affair, with Price dismantling Gilding 8-1 in a display of clinical finishing and unshakeable composure. The triumph marked the 22nd Players Championship title of Price’s illustrious career.
Reflecting on his performance, Price was both candid and upbeat. "I thought I played decent," he said after lifting the trophy. "There were one or two games where I wasn’t at my best – even in the final – but I had enough in the tank." Price acknowledged the importance of this win as he looks ahead to further challenges. "It’s a big night for me in the Premier League, so it’s great to get a bit of confidence by winning this and I’m looking forward to [Thursday night] now."
That Thursday night fixture is a highly anticipated Premier League clash in Belfast, where Price is set to take on the formidable Michael van Gerwen. The timing couldn’t be better for Price, who is riding a wave of confidence and form. He also reflected on his journey over the past two years, noting, "Two years ago I had the worst year I’ve ever had in the PDC, so I’m defending absolutely nothing this year. Whoever is above me, I’m going to catch them!"
Andrew Gilding, Price’s final opponent, had a strong run of his own, notably defeating Martijn Dragt in the last 32. Dragt, another standout performer, posted a 107.24 average in his opening 6-2 win over Joe Hunt and also bested Gary Anderson before bowing out to Gilding. Gilding’s journey to the final was marked by resilience and sharp play, but he ultimately found Price’s level too hot to handle.
With this latest victory, Price not only cements his status as one of the sport’s elite but also sends a clear message to his rivals. His ability to maintain high averages across multiple matches in a single day is a testament to his preparation and mental fortitude. The Players Championship circuit is renowned for its grueling schedule and depth of talent, making Price’s consistency all the more impressive.
The sixth Players Championship of the season once again delivered fireworks for fans and players alike. High averages, dramatic finishes, and a mix of established stars and emerging talents kept the Leicester crowd on the edge of their seats. The tournament also underscored the global reach of darts, with competitors from across Europe and beyond vying for supremacy.
Looking ahead, the Players Championship will pause for just over a month, with the next installment scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2026, once again in Leicester. This break offers players a chance to regroup, refine their games, and prepare for the next round of fierce competition. For Price, the hiatus is simply another opportunity to build on his momentum and chase down the top spot in the world rankings.
Meanwhile, the broader PDC landscape remains as competitive as ever. With Chris Dobey and Martijn Dragt showing their capacity for high-scoring brilliance, and established names like Michael van Gerwen lurking in the Premier League, every tournament promises fresh storylines and potential upsets. Fans can expect more drama and excitement as the season unfolds.
As the dust settles on Players Championship Six, one thing is clear: Gerwyn Price is back in the winner’s circle and looking every bit the contender he once was. With his confidence restored and his sights set on further glory, the darts world will be watching closely to see just how far "The Iceman" can go in 2026.