In a seismic development that has rocked the sport to its core, Gerwyn Price has officially claimed the 2026 World Matchplay title for himself—following the confirmation that Luke Littler has been found guilty of doping violations stemming from this July’s tournament at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
The 41-year-old Welshman, who lost 18–9 to Littler in that final just four weeks ago, did not wait for the PDC’s formal ruling to assert his position. In an incendiary social media post early this morning, Price declared: “The cheater has been caught. That trophy belongs to me. Always did. Always will.”
Price’s claim comes hours after leaked documents obtained by The Bulletin confirmed that Littler’s A-sample from the final tested positive for a prohibited stimulant—the same substance that has been the subject of fierce speculation since Stephen Bunting’s explosive ultimatum earlier this week.
The PDC has yet to officially strip Littler of the title, but sources indicate that a formal disqualification is now “all but inevitable,” with a full disciplinary hearing scheduled for later this week.
Price: “I Knew Something Was Wrong”
Speaking exclusively to The Bulletin from his home in Wales, an animated Price did not hold back.
“Let me tell you something—I’ve been in that final. I’ve felt the pressure. I’ve felt the heat of that stage,” Price said, his voice crackling with indignation. “The way he was scoring—the doubles he was hitting under pressure—it wasn’t human. I knew something was off. I said it to my team after the third session. Nobody listened.”
The final, which took place on July 19 before a capacity crowd at the iconic Winter Gardens, saw Littler produce what was widely described as one of the greatest final performances in Matchplay history—averaging 107.8 and hitting 68% of his doubles.
Price continued: “I walked off that stage with my head held high. I shook his hand. I congratulated him. And all along, he knew. He knew he had an illegal advantage. That’s not sport. That’s fraud.”
A Title in Limbo
The PDC’s anti-doping regulations are clear: any player found to have used a prohibited substance during a tournament may be disqualified from that event, with all rankings points, prize money, and titles forfeited.
If Littler is stripped of the title, the convention would be to award it to the runner-up—Gerwyn Price. However, the PDC has not yet confirmed this process, with a spokesperson stating: “We are in the final stages of the disciplinary process. All outcomes will be announced in due course. We ask for patience and respect for the integrity of the procedure.”
Legal experts suggest Price is within his rights to make the claim publicly, though the official recognition remains pending. Sports lawyer Mark Delaney commented: “Morally, Price has every right to feel aggrieved. Legally, the title is Littler’s until the PDC formally vacates it. But given the weight of evidence, it’s a matter of ‘when,’ not ‘if.'”
Bunting Welcomes Price’s Stance
Stephen Bunting, who earlier this week vowed to quit darts if Littler escaped consequences, has thrown his support behind Price’s declaration.
“Gerwyn is absolutely right,” Bunting said in a statement. “I said I’d walk if the sport protected him. Now that the truth is out, the sport must do the right thing. Hand that trophy to the man who earned it fair and square. Gerwyn Price is my World Matchplay champion. Full stop.”
The endorsement adds weight to what is rapidly becoming a unified front among veteran players, many of whom have expressed quiet relief that the sport’s integrity is being upheld—even as Littler’s career hangs by a thread.
Littler’s Camp Remains Silent
The 19 year-old prodigy, already reeling from partner Faith Millar’s relationship ultimatum issued just 48 hours ago, has not publicly responded to the doping confirmation or to Price’s claim.
His management team released a brief statement this afternoon: “Luke is heartbroken. He maintains his innocence and is exploring all legal avenues. We ask for privacy during this devastating time.”
Close friends have reportedly described Littler as “inconsolable,” with the young star spending the day away from his practice board for the first time in years—a telling sign of the psychological toll.
Price: “I Want That Trophy in My Hands”
When asked whether he would accept the title if offered, Price was unequivocal.
“Absolutely. Without hesitation,” he said. “I lost to a cheat. That’s not a loss. That’s a robbery. I want that trophy on my mantelpiece, and I want it there before the year is out. Not because I need another title—but because the sport needs to send a message: you cheat, you lose everything.”
Price also addressed the irony of Littler’s personal turmoil, adding: “I feel for the kid and his girlfriend—that’s a mess no 18-year-old should deal with. But that’s separate. That’s personal. This is professional. This is about every clean player who ever stepped on that stage and played by the rules.”
What Happens Next?
The PDC’s disciplinary panel is expected to convene on Thursday, with a final ruling likely within 48 hours. If Littler is formally disqualified:
· His World Matchplay title will be vacated and awarded to Price.
· His £200,000 prize money will be forfeited.
· He faces a potential ban of up to four years, effectively ending his professional career.
For Gerwyn Price, the wait is almost over. For Luke Littler, the nightmare continues. And for the sport of darts, a reckoning is finally at hand.