A family moment on the Alexandra Palace stage is driving Gerwyn Price in his bid to join the list of back-to-back World Champions.
Last year saw completed his rise from unknown former rugby player to World Champion and world number one as he defeated Gary Anderson 7-3 in the final.
But on the greatest night of his sporting life Price had just the Sid Waddell Trophy for company in his hotel room due to restrictions.
For Price the absence of family from his crowning moment was tough to take and has made him even more determined to win it in front of a full house this time around.
“After winning it last year I just went straight back to my hotel room, slept and drove home the following morning, that was basically it,” said Price.
“It would be a completely different experience winning it this year; to win it with my family there would mean the world to me.
“That's the only pressure I’m putting on myself because I want to win it in front of a crowd so badly.
“I want those memories to enjoy with my family. I want to get them on stage and in the pictures.
“You have to make a lot of sacrifices to be a top player, and winning the Worlds makes all those sacrifices worthwhile.
“I can remember saying to my wife Beth ‘I’m going to give the rugby up and play darts’ - she thought it was a crazy idea at the time but I think it turned out to be the right decision!”
Price is become just the fourth back-to-back PDC champion, joining Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson and Adrian Lewis.
The 36-year-old is set to face a new level of expectation at this year’s World Championship, but believes he is well equipped to deal with the extra pressure that comes with being the title holder.
“I’m looking forward to John announcing me as reigning and defending champion in front of fans,” Price smiled.
“To be part of a small number of players who are back-to-back World Champions would be special.
“I’ve done it before at the Grand Slam and on the European Tour, so I seem to perform well when that sort of pressure is put on me.
“I believe 100% that I can win it. I am going to win it.”
Read the full feature with Price in the official William Hill World Darts Championship programme.
Tickets for some sessions remain available through SeeTickets.
The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and RTL7, and on PDCTV (excluding UK and Netherlands based subscribers).