Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries are set to clash once more in the decisive match of the World Grand Prix, the unique double‑start darts tournament held in Leicester. Both men are chasing a second title in the event, having each already lifted the trophy once before.
The showdown on Sunday will be a repeat of the 2020 final, when Humphries overcame Price with a 5‑2 victory, and it promises to deliver another high‑octane encounter for fans of the sport. Price entered the semi‑finals as the 2020 champion and demonstrated why he remains one of the game’s most feared competitors. He dispatched Nathan Aspinall 5‑2, displaying a blend of heavy scoring and clinical finishing. In the opening set, Price surged ahead 3‑0, compiling two 13‑dart legs and a stunning 15‑dart leg to take the first set without reply.
He continued his dominance in the second set, breaking Aspinall’s throw and sealing the set before the third, where he again broke early and held his own throw to go up 3‑0. Aspinall fought back in the fourth set, producing a spectacular 132 checkout that featured two bullseyes, but Price’s consistency proved too much, and he closed out the match with a break in the seventh set after a brief exchange of legs.
After the match, Price addressed the atmosphere in the arena, noting that the crowd had largely sided with his opponent. He told Sky Sports, "I was a bit annoyed because the fans were on his side. They’re cheering for him, and that can affect your rhythm. I’m good friends with Nathan, but sometimes you have to block out the noise and focus on your own darts." His comments highlighted the mental challenges that even top‑level players face when the audience is divided.
On the opposite side of the draw, Humphries earned his place in the final by beating James Wade 5‑3. The Englishman, known as "Cool Hand," took the sixth set on his own throw after Wade had claimed the first five sets 3‑1 when throwing second. Wade produced a brilliant 141 checkout in the second set, but his inability to consistently hit the opening double cost him crucial legs. Humphries, however, responded with back‑to‑back 137 finishes, breaking Wade’s throw in the eighth set and ultimately sealing the match.
Earlier in the tournament, Humphries had dispatched a strong field that included Dave Chisnall, Jermaine Wattimena and Niels Zonneveld, showing the depth of his form. Humphries reflected on his performance, saying, "I promised myself I would play a lot better, and I did. I felt relaxed and in control, which is something I haven’t felt in a while. Making it to four consecutive Grand Prix finals is a special achievement, but a trophy is what truly matters.
I need to win on Sunday because I’ve let too many major finals slip away. Gezzy is playing well, but if I replicate today’s level, it will be a cracking game." His remarks underline the personal stakes for Humphries, who has not captured a premier title since his 2025 Premier League triumph, over a year ago.
The final will be contested over a first‑to‑six‑sets format, with the champion taking home £150,000 and the runner‑up receiving £80,000. Both players have experienced disappointment in recent finals: Humphries fell 6‑4 to Mike De Decker in 2024 and 6‑1 to Luke Littler in 2025, while Price’s most recent major silverware dates back to the 2022 World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. The Mattioli Arena will therefore witness a potential end to two separate title droughts.
For viewers, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event from 8 p.m. on Sunday. The tournament’s earlier rounds featured a packed schedule of best‑of‑three, best‑of‑five and best‑of‑nine matches, with notable results such as Danny Noppert’s 2‑1 win over Niko Springer, Ross Smith’s 2‑1 victory over Cameron Menzies, and a series of upsets that saw players like Jonny Clayton and Gary Anderson eliminated before the quarter‑finals. In the quarter‑finals, Price edged past Jonny Clayton 3‑2, while Humphries dispatched James Wade 3‑0, setting the stage for their semi‑final rematch.
Beyond the immediate drama, the World Grand Prix holds a unique place in the darts calendar because of its double‑start requirement, meaning players must begin each leg with a double before they can score any points. This rule adds an extra layer of pressure and often leads to surprising turnarounds, as seen in Price’s early breaks against Aspinall and Humphries’ decisive breaks against Wade. The format rewards precision and mental resilience, qualities both finalists have displayed throughout the week. Looking ahead, the final promises not only a substantial financial reward but also a significant boost to world rankings and momentum heading into the remainder of the season.
A win for Price would cement his status as one of the sport’s modern greats, adding a second Grand Prix crown to his résumé. For Humphries, a victory would mark a comeback to the top tier of darts, ending a year‑long wait for a premier title and reinforcing his reputation as a consistent finalist. In summary, the 2023 World Grand Prix final pits two of darts’ most compelling personalities against each other in a battle of skill, strategy, and nerves.
Whether the match ends in a repeat of the 2020 scoreline or produces an entirely new narrative, fans can expect a high‑quality contest that showcases the very best of professional darts. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the world will be watching as Price and Humphries vie for the coveted trophy and the prestige that comes with it.