Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries are poised to contest the World Grand Prix final on Sunday, each chasing a second title in the unique double‑start format at Leicester's Mattioli Arena. Both men have already demonstrated why they are among the sport's elite, and the showdown promises to be a compelling narrative of redemption, rivalry, and the pursuit of major silverware. Price, who lifted the trophy in 2020, entered the semi‑finals with confidence after a convincing 5‑2 victory over Nathan Aspinall.
The Welshman displayed his trademark power, opening with a 13‑dart finish, following it up with a flawless 15‑dart leg, and then sealing the first set with a decisive double ten. He continued to dominate, breaking Aspinall’s throw early in the second set and extending his lead to 3‑0.
Although Aspinall fought back with a brilliant 132 checkout that featured two bullseyes, Price’s consistency proved too much, and he closed the match 5‑2, securing his place in a fourth Grand Prix final – a feat he previously achieved in 2021, 2022 and 2023. On the opposite side of the draw, Luke Humphries, the 2023 champion, navigated a tense semi‑final against James Wade. After a tightly contested first five legs, Humphries claimed the sixth set on his own throw, having already taken three of the first four sets.
Wade, who had impressed earlier in the tournament with a 141 checkout in the second set, struggled to hit the opening double that is mandatory in the Grand Prix, allowing Humphries to seize the momentum. Humphries responded with back‑to‑back 137 finishes, breaking Wade’s throw in the eighth set and ultimately winning 5‑3.
This victory marked Humphries’ fourth consecutive appearance in the final, echoing his dominance over the past few years. Both finalists arrive at Leicester with something to prove. Humphries has not won a premier title since his 2025 Premier League triumph, a gap of over a year that has left his fans eager for another major win. Price, meanwhile, last captured elite-level glory at the 2022 World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, meaning that a victory in Leicester would end a four‑year drought for the former world champion.
The final will be contested over a first‑to‑six‑sets format, with the champion taking home £150,000 and the runner‑up £80,000. Humphries will be looking to improve on his previous Grand Prix final performances, where he fell 6‑4 to Michael van Gerwen in 2024 and 6‑1 to Luke Littler in 2025. Price, on the other hand, will be eager to add another major title to his résumé and to re‑establish himself as the pre‑eminent force in darts. In the lead‑up to the final, both players offered candid reflections.
After his semi‑final win, Price expressed frustration with Aspinall’s complaints about the noisy crowd, telling Sky Sports, "I was a bit annoyed. I said, ‘they're on your side, bud, I’m up against it.’" He added that while the crowd usually energises him, the atmosphere that day seemed to favour his opponent and may have affected his rhythm. Humphries, speaking after his victory over Wade, highlighted the mental shift that had taken place. "I told myself I would play a lot better, and I did – I felt much more relaxed.
That was the real me today, and I’m proud of that. It’s been a long time since I felt that level of control," he said.
He also emphasized the historic nature of reaching four consecutive Grand Prix finals, noting, "It’s special, but unless I lift that trophy, the history means nothing." The tournament’s earlier rounds set the stage for this high‑stakes encounter. In round one, a mixture of seasoned veterans and rising stars battled for a place in the knockout stages. Notable results included Danny Noppert’s 2‑1 win over Niko Springer, Ross Smith’s 2‑1 triumph over Cameron Menzies, and a surprise upset as Chris Dobey fell 0‑2 to Jermaine Wattimena. The second round saw Price assert his dominance with a 3‑0 whitewash of Jonny Clayton, while Humphries dispatched James Wade 3‑1, confirming his status as a top contender.
Quarter‑final action featured tight contests, such as Price’s 3‑2 win over Jonny Clayton after a grueling back‑and‑forth, and Humphries’ 3‑0 demolition of James Wade, which underscored his clinical finishing ability. The semi‑finals, played over a best‑of‑nine‑sets format, delivered the drama fans expect from a Grand Prix. Aspinall’s 5‑2 defeat to Price and Wade’s 5‑3 loss to Humphries set up the inevitable clash of styles: Price’s heavy‑handed, high‑scoring approach versus Humphries’ measured, precision‑driven game. Beyond the on‑stage action, the event highlights the unique double‑start rule that distinguishes the World Grand Prix from other major darts tournaments.
Players must begin each leg by hitting a double, adding a layer of strategic complexity and increasing the pressure on the opening darts. This rule often leads to early breaks of throw and can dramatically swing momentum, as seen in both semi‑finals where the winners capitalised on early opportunities. Looking ahead, the final promises to be a showcase of skill, mental fortitude, and the ability to handle pressure.
If Price can maintain his aggressive scoring while staying composed under the crowd’s scrutiny, he could secure his second Grand Prix crown and re‑ignite his dominance on the circuit. Conversely, Humphries, buoyed by his recent form and the confidence of a relaxed mindset, will aim to replicate his 2023 triumph and finally convert his string of final appearances into another title. Fans can catch the live action on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event starting at 8 p.m.
on Sunday. The broadcast will feature expert commentary, in‑depth analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes interviews that delve into the players’ preparation and mindset.
Whether you are a die‑hard darts enthusiast or a casual viewer, the clash between Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries offers a compelling narrative of two world‑class competitors vying for redemption and glory at one of the sport’s most distinctive venues. In summary, the 2023 World Grand Prix final is more than just a match; it is a convergence of personal ambition, historical significance, and the unique challenges posed by the double‑start format.
With £150,000 on the line and the weight of recent disappointments pressing on both men, the stage is set for a memorable showdown that could shape the trajectory of their careers for years to come.