The air was electric at the Alexandra Palace as Gary Anderson, the iconic darts player also known as The Flying Scotsman, prepared to kick off his 16th campaign at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship. Celebrated on this Sunday for his 54th birthday, Anderson faced Jeffrey de Graaf, eager to start his quest for a historic third title.
Anderson, who previously retained the PDC World Darts Championship title back in 2016, found himself reflecting on the longevity of his career. Despite contending with age-related challenges—what he described as feeling “creaking and cracking”—he remains determined and well-prepared to compete against younger, rising stars.
"There’s a lot of young Luke Littlers kicking about, I can tell you. There’s hundreds of them," he noted, acknowledging the growing competition. This season, Anderson is not just another participant; he is the third favorite to win, trailing behind promising young talents like 17-year-old Luke Littler and reigning champion Luke Humphries.
His remarkable track record at the venue is highlighted by holding the record for the most wins at Ally Pally, having triumphed 51 times—second only to Michael van Gerwen. This era marks not just yet another championship attempt but also celebrates the evolution of the sport as it welcomes fresh talent.
Anderson's history with the championship is colors with nostalgia. Emphasizing his nuanced relationship with the sport and personal milestones, he remarked, "A hat-trick would have been nice, but it wasn't meant to be. To win it once is a job done, so any more is a real bonus, but I like the stat about winning the most games at Ally Pally. It floats my boat."
On the opening day of the tournament, Anderson's slide onto the stage was met with resounding support from the crowd, who have shifted from the criticism he faced early on. At present, he is recognized as somewhat of a crowd favorite. "When I started I used to get dog’s abuse... But it’s changed over the years, they’ve just started to give me a wee bit of support now," he acknowledged, showing gratitude for the love and passion from the fans.
But competition is fierce. The championship radiated excitement from its outset, with thrilling matchups taking center stage. The likes of Luke Littler made headlines for their promising debuts against more seasoned opponents, and the defending champion, Luke Humphries, smoothly commenced his title defense.
Meanwhile, Michael Smith, the 2023 champion, faced unexpected defeat against newcomer Kevin Doets, showcasing the unpredictable nature of this tournament. Anderson, rising from the sidelines, reflected on his competitor's challenges, stating, “I might be wrong about this, but I’m sure I’ve played three games before Christmas in the past. Ask any of the boys; it’s just getting past the first round. There are going to be some great upsets this year, I think.”
His career, though adorned with accolades, has not come without its sacrifices. Embracing his reputation for being laid-back, Anderson remarked on his approach to the game. “It’s not cocky, but I’ve always just been able to walk to the dartboard and throw. It’s always come naturally to me. My biggest downfall is I should have taken it more seriously. It’s always been more of a hobby than my job.”
Yet, the competitive spirit rages within. Anderson's dedication to his craft shines through, even as he juggles life outside of the oche, with family and personal interests. "I’ve got my life split three ways—my fishing rights, my kids, and then my darts—so hopefully it’ll work out," he said, portraying his commitment to balance as instrumental to his current mindset.
Further reflecting on his historical reads of the sport, Anderson praised the format changes to the World Championships, which will expand the field next year. “Every time they come up with a change, you think it’s not going to work, and it does. There are 128 players, so why shouldn’t they have their shot at the Worlds? The way it’s going now, you could have someone ranked 128 get to the final.”
His ultimate goal, he reaffirmed, transcends personal ambition; it involves solidifying the place and prestige of darts as it moves forward. Anderson's presence carries the weight of legacy, yet he is painfully aware of the impending threat from youthful competitors who share the stage. He remarked on the rising talents, “Josh is starting to come good. I think he was under pressure... but Josh is a cracking player, and he’ll be good.”
The excitement surrounding Gary Anderson's participation serves as both motivation and reassurance to fans and aspiring players alike. His final words resonate with those whose eyes are set on the future: “It’s been great sport, I’ve seen the world with it, and I’ve done alright with it.” With the tournament well underway, darts fans collectively hold their breath, anticipating each display from not only the veteran but the thrilling resurgence of young talent.
With the championship promise returning to the Ally Pally over the Christmas period, the rallying cries for The Flying Scotsman remind us of the enduring drama and passion of darts, captivating audiences worldwide as they eagerly prepare for what may lie just around the corner.
