When it comes to performing on the iconic Alexandra Palace stage, few can rival the legendary Gary Anderson. The Scottish star, affectionately known as The Flying Scotsman, has etched his name into darts history as one of only three players to secure back-to-back World Championship titles in the PDC era, joining Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis in that exclusive club.
Anderson’s record of 51 wins at Ally Pally is second only to Michael van Gerwen, further heightening the excitement of a potential last-16 clash between the two titans. Additionally, only Taylor and Van Gerwen—widely regarded as the greatest darts players of all time—have recorded more ton-plus averages at the World Championship than Anderson, showcasing his consistency on the sport’s biggest stage.
The Magic of Ally Pally
For Anderson, the allure of Alexandra Palace never fades. Speaking ahead of his 16th consecutive World Championship appearance, the two-time champion reflected on the tournament’s significance:
“The World Championship… Ally Pally – it’s what every dart player aims for. It’s an iconic building and perfectly suited for the World Championship. Driving up that hill and seeing the Palace up there, it’s some feeling.”
Anderson also empathized with first-time qualifiers experiencing the tournament’s grandeur for the first time:
“That’s when the stomach starts to churn, and I’ve done it for many years. So, imagine the feeling for a first-timer coming up that hill and seeing it. That is what it’s all about.”
A Stellar 2024 Season
Anderson’s 2024 season has been a resurgent one. He secured three ranking titles, including the European Darts Grand Prix in April—exactly a decade after his first European Tour triumph. He also clinched two Players Championship titles, delivering breathtaking performances throughout the year.
Notably, Anderson’s seasonal average of 99.86 is the highest among all Tour Card Holder Qualifiers, surpassing the likes of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. In July, he set a personal record with a jaw-dropping average of 123.83.
“I probably am playing better than ever,” admitted Anderson. “The amount of 110+ averages I’ve hit – I’ve had averages over 120, I’ve had 114s, 113s, 112s. I just turn up and enjoy it. The ProTour events I love. We have a bit of banter, I chuck a few arrows, and it seems to be working a treat for me!”
Big Stage Aspirations
Despite his success on the floor, Anderson’s performances on the televised stage have been less consistent. However, his run to the semi-finals at the Grand Slam of Darts last month showcased his enduring brilliance. Anderson defeated stars like Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting, and Gian van Veen before narrowly losing 16-15 to rising sensation Luke Littler in a classic encounter.
His impressive form also extended to the World Cup of Darts, where he led Scotland to the semi-finals alongside Peter Wright. Reflecting on his upcoming World Championship campaign, Anderson is cautiously optimistic:
“I’m not on stage as much nowadays, but it’s coming good. If my floor game goes on to the stage every game, it would be looking good, but whether that happens is a completely different story. It would be nice to win this title again, but I don’t look that far ahead!”
A Tough Path Ahead
Anderson will enter the tournament in the second round, where he will face either Sweden’s Jeffrey de Graaf or debutant Rashad Sweeting. His quarter of the draw includes formidable opponents such as Michael van Gerwen and Ross Smith, setting the stage for a challenging but exciting journey.
“Before, you could pick a dozen potential winners. Now, you’ve got two or three dozen players who could lift the title,” Anderson observed. “You’re going to have your favorites – Luke Humphries, [Michael] Van Gerwen, young Luke Littler. Then you’ve got outsiders like Mike De Decker, Ritchie Edhouse, and Ryan Searle. It’s going to be some battle. I think there’s going to be that many top players all at the same level, and it’s going to be some battle. It could kick up some stink. There could be someone who comes from out of the blue to win it.”
The Flying Scotsman’s Legacy
At 54, Anderson continues to defy the odds, delivering world-class darts and inspiring fans around the globe. Whether he can reclaim his World Championship crown remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—The Flying Scotsman will light up Ally Pally once again.
The World Championship kicks off soon, and the darts world eagerly awaits another chapter in Gary Anderson’s illustrious career.
Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.