Gary Anderson Reveals the Biggest Downfall That’s Held Him Back from Winning More in His Career

Gary Anderson continues to defy time at the PDC World Championship, beating new fan favourite Justin Hood 5-2 to reach an eighth semi-final and keep alive his quest to become the oldest ever PDC world champion.

The record is currently held by Phil Taylor, who lifted his final and 16th world title in 2013 at the age of 52. Anderson, now 55 after celebrating his birthday on December 22nd, has already surpassed that mark in age, but not yet in silverware.

Wayne Warren technically became the oldest darts world champion when he won the BDO World Championship in 2020 aged 57. However, the majority of the world’s elite players competing exclusively in the PDC at the time.

Deta Hedman is officially the oldest darts world champion of all time, winning the WDF Women’s World Championship in 2025 at the age of 66. 

Experience vs the New Generation

Whether it’s Luke Littler or Luke Humphries joining Anderson and Ryan Searle in the semi-finals, or outsiders Krzysztof Ratajski or Gian van Veen springing a surprise, Anderson stands alone as the only two-time world champion left in the tournament.

Despite that experience, post-match Anderson dismissed the idea that it gives him an edge, and instead tipped Humphries as the man to beat.

“It doesn’t make any difference,” Anderson said. 

“Luke Littler the man is phenomenal, it’s as simple as that.”

“Luke Humphries to me is still the man though, because he spent the last two years defending his money, and he’s still sitting in number two. He’s only just lost his number one spot.” 

“So now after this year, young Mr Littler has got it all to do, and we’ll see how that goes.”

Still Here a Decade On

Anderson last lifted the world title 10 years ago at the age of 45.

Asked whether he ever imagined he’d still be competing at the very top level a decade later, he responded with a familiar mix of humour and realism.

“I don't know, but you wait until I’m 60. That’s when I’m going to upset you,” he joked.

“I watched Paul Lim on the other night, he’s 71, he loves the game and he’s still a very dangerous darts player. Hopefully I can keep doing it at 71.”

The One Thing That Held Him Back

Throughout his career, Anderson has been refreshingly honest about his approach to darts, and the effort he hasn’t always put in. 

Many pundits have long suggested his trophy haul could have been even greater had his mentality matched his natural talent.

When asked how different his career might have been with a stronger work ethic, Anderson pinpointed what he believes is his one true downfall.

“Eric Bristow, Phil Taylor, [Michael] Van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler. To me, they’re the players. I call them greedy.”

“It’s not that they want to win; they need to win."

“They’re just that good and it keeps them going. I’ve never been like that. That’s my downfall.”

“I come, I play and I take what’s given to me. That’s it.”

“But at the same time, I’ve had a good life. I’ve got things outside of darts which I love to bits.”

No Regrets, Not One

Finally, Anderson was asked whether any part of him regrets not dedicating more of his life to darts. His answer was emphatic.

“Not one single second. I’ve enjoyed life, I’ve not spent all of my days on a dartboard. I’ve gone out, done things and seen places.”

“I’ve got the kids, they’ve got gymnastics, football, darts, whatever. If I was away all the time, that wouldn’t happen. I don't regret one little bit of it,” he concluded.