The Price of Pressure and Why the Darts WM Shocked Gerwyn Price

The PDC Darts World Championship has always been a pressure cooker, but as the 2026 tournament enters its hottest phase, the intensity has reached a breaking point. In his latest column for SPORT1, expert Robert Marijanovic dives deep into the most stunning exit of the tournament so far: the early departure of former World Champion Gerwyn Price.

A Shock Exit for the Iceman

For many, Gerwyn Price was the definitive favorite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy this year. However, his 0-3 defeat against Wesley Plaisier sent shockwaves through the Alexandra Palace. Marijanovic describes the loss as “a shock and a huge surprise for many, including Price himself.”

The “Iceman,” usually known for his iron-clad nerves and explosive stage presence, seemed uncharacteristically vulnerable. This exit highlights a growing trend in modern darts: the gap between the top 32 and the qualifiers has vanished. On any given day, a “giant-killer” like Plaisier can dismantle a world-class seed if they aren’t at 100%.

The PDC and the Burden of Success

Marijanovic points out a deeper issue within the sport: the mental toll of the PDC’s rapid expansion. With record-breaking prize money and a larger-than-ever participant field, the World Championship has become a massive, “bloated” spectacle.

While this growth is a testament to the sport’s global popularity, it comes at a cost. “The PDC has likely co-caused this pressure,” Marijanovic notes. We are seeing more players—from Cameron Menzies to Gerwyn Price showing signs of mental fatigue. The weight of expectation from the public and the media has never been heavier, and even the most seasoned professionals are feeling the strain.

German Hopes and the “Blue Wave” in London

Despite the international shocks, the German contingent is enjoying a historic run. For only the second time, 50% of the German starters have made it past the Christmas break.

Key German Matchups to Watch:

• Ricardo Pietreczko: Faces Andreas Harrysson in what looks like a favorable draw for “Pikachu.”
• Martin Schindler: Enters his match against Ryan Searle as the slight favorite, looking to solidify his status as Germany’s number one.
• Arno Merk: The tournament’s Cinderella story. After beating Peter Wright, he faces the ultimate test against Michael van Gerwen.
• Gabriel Clemens: Faces a monumental task against world number two Luke Humphries.

A New Era of Darts

As we move into 2026, the Darts World Championship is proving that it is no longer just a game of skill, but a game of mental survival. The “Shock” felt by Gerwyn Price is a warning to every other seed in the tournament: in the modern era of the PDC, no one is safe, and the pressure will only continue to rise.