Gerwyn Price is set to embark on one of the most unusual chapters of his sporting career after confirming his entry into the UK Open Pool Championship, a major cue sports event that will see him compete in a completely different discipline alongside broadcaster Andy Goldstein.
The move has sparked widespread curiosity, not least because Price is best known as one of the most intense and competitive figures in professional darts. A former world champion and a consistent contender on the PDC circuit, he has built his reputation on precision, mental toughness, and an unmistakable on-stage presence. Now, he is preparing to transfer those same qualities from the dartboard to the pool table in a crossover that few saw coming.
The tournament will take place at the Brentwood Centre in Essex and is scheduled to run over five days beginning May 25. It is one of the most open and inclusive pool competitions on the calendar, attracting a huge field of players from across the globe. The format is designed to blend elite professionals with emerging talent and experienced amateurs, creating a dynamic environment where reputation alone does not guarantee success.
For Price, this is a fresh challenge, but not an entirely unfamiliar concept. Long before he became a household name in darts, he made a major career switch from professional rugby to darts, a transition that ultimately led him to becoming a world champion. That history of adapting to new environments has become a defining feature of his sporting identity, and this latest move into pool continues that theme.
While darts remains his primary focus, Price has never hidden his interest in other cue sports. He has occasionally spoken about enjoying pool socially and has taken part in exhibition appearances in the past, where he demonstrated a natural feel for the game. However, stepping into a competitive international tournament represents a significant escalation, placing him directly against seasoned professionals in a sport where margins are extremely fine.
The UK Open Pool Championship itself is one of the standout events in the pool calendar. With 256 participants expected, including 128 professional players representing more than 50 countries, it offers a rare blend of accessibility and elite competition. Matches are typically fast-paced, and the double-elimination format ensures that even top names can find themselves under immediate pressure if they start slowly.
What makes Price’s participation even more intriguing is his partnership with Andy Goldstein, a well-known sports broadcaster who has long been associated with football coverage and radio hosting. Goldstein’s involvement adds a light-hearted but competitive dimension to the event, as both he and Price will be stepping into unfamiliar territory together. Their pairing has already generated discussion, with many eager to see how a high-profile darts figure and a media personality will cope in a professional pool environment.
Despite the novelty of the situation, Price’s competitive instincts remain unchanged. Throughout his darts career, he has built a reputation as someone who thrives under pressure, often performing at his best in high-stakes situations. That mentality will be crucial as he transitions into a sport that demands exceptional positional control, shot planning, and calm decision-making over extended periods.
The challenge, however, is significant. While darts and pool share elements of precision and focus, they differ greatly in technique and rhythm. Pool requires a different type of spatial awareness, cue control, and strategic thinking, particularly in longer frames where tactical safety play becomes just as important as potting ability. Even experienced cue sports players can struggle with the consistency required at elite level, making Price’s entry all the more compelling.
Adding another layer of complexity is the timing of the tournament. It overlaps with a critical stage of the professional darts season, where players are battling for qualification spots in major events and playoff positions. Price himself remains heavily involved in those races, meaning he will need to balance his commitments carefully if he hopes to maintain momentum in both sports.
Still, his decision to participate appears driven more by curiosity and competitive spirit than by necessity. Price has often expressed a desire to challenge himself beyond darts, and this opportunity provides a rare chance to do so in a structured, competitive setting rather than a casual exhibition environment.
The event also highlights a growing trend of crossover participation between sports, where athletes test their skills in unfamiliar disciplines either for enjoyment, publicity, or personal challenge. In Price’s case, it seems to be a combination of all three. His presence alone is expected to draw attention to the tournament, but his actual performance will determine how seriously his transition is taken by the cue sports community.
There is also an element of unpredictability that makes his involvement particularly interesting. Unlike established pool professionals who rely on years of technical repetition and ingrained tactical systems, Price will approach the game with a different perspective shaped by his darts background. That could either be an advantage in terms of creativity and adaptability or a disadvantage when facing opponents with deeper technical experience.
For fans, the appeal lies in that uncertainty. Watching a world-class darts player step into a completely different sporting arena offers a rare opportunity to see how transferable elite competitive skills truly are. Pressure management, focus, and decision-making are universal traits across sport, but execution varies significantly depending on discipline.
Price’s journey into pool also comes at a time when his darts career remains firmly in the spotlight. Known for his fiery on-stage persona and emotional celebrations, he continues to be one of the most recognisable figures in the game. His success has been built not only on talent but also on resilience, having risen through the ranks after switching sports entirely earlier in his life.
That background may prove valuable as he adapts to the pool table. While the technical demands are different, the psychological pressures of competition remain similar. Matches can swing on a single mistake, and maintaining composure under scrutiny is essential—something Price has demonstrated repeatedly throughout his darts career.
As the UK Open Pool Championship approaches, anticipation is growing around how he will perform. Some view his participation as a novelty, while others see it as a genuine test of adaptability and competitive instinct. Either way, his involvement has already succeeded in drawing attention to the event beyond the traditional pool audience.
Whether he progresses deep into the tournament or exits early, Gerwyn Price’s decision to compete marks a bold and unconventional step in his sporting journey. It reflects a willingness to challenge boundaries, embrace new environments, and continue testing himself against different forms of competition.
And as he prepares to swap darts for a cue, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on how “The Iceman” handles life away from the oche and whether his trademark intensity can translate to a completely different stage.
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