If you’ve searched “Gary Anderson,” you’re likely after one of three things: who he is, how good he still is, or how to watch him play and buy the gear he uses. Gary Anderson is a Scottish professional darts player, nicknamed “The Flying Scotsman,” and a two-time PDC World Champion who’s been on tour since 2009. As of 31 May 2026 he sits at world number 12 on the PDC Order of Merit, still well inside the game’s top tier despite being 55 years old.
Below, we’ll go through his career, where he stands right now, how to catch him live, what his signature darts actually cost, and the mistakes fans commonly make when buying kit or tickets.
Who is Gary Anderson?
Gary Anderson was born on 22 December 1970 in Musselburgh, Scotland, and now lives in Burnham-on-Sea, England. He’s been throwing darts professionally since 1996, first in the BDO between 2000 and 2009, then switching to the PDC in 2009, where he’s held a tour card ever since.
His walk-on song is “Jump Around” by House of Pain, and he throws 23g Unicorn Signature darts, right-handed. Anderson isn’t a household name in the way Luke Littler or Michael van Gerwen are to casual viewers, but among darts fans he’s regarded as one of the most technically gifted players of his generation.
Gary Anderson darts career: the highlights
This is the part most searches for “anderson gary darts” are really after: what has he actually won?
His two biggest titles came back to back. He won the PDC World Championship in both 2015 and 2016, beating 16-time champion Phil Taylor in the 2015 final. That result alone cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s genuine greats.
Beyond the World Championship, his major PDC wins include:
- World Matchplay: winner in 2018
- UK Open: winner in 2018
- Premier League: winner in 2011 and 2015
- Champions League: winner in 2018
In 2018 he became only the third player in history to complete darts’ “triple crown,” which means winning the World Championship, World Matchplay and Premier League across a career. He’s also picked up 30 Players Championship titles and three European Tour events along the way, plus PDC Player of the Year honours in 2015 (shared with van Gerwen in 2016).
Gary Anderson’s world ranking right now
As of 31 May 2026, Anderson’s PDC world ranking sits at number 12. That’s down from his peak of world number two, which he held between 2015 and 2017 at the height of his World Championship success.
It’s worth being honest about form here rather than glossing over it. In the 2026 European Darts Grand Prix, Anderson entered as two-time defending champion but lost 6-3 to Niko Springer in the second round, having beaten Andrew Gilding 8-0 in the previous year’s final. That’s a reasonable snapshot of where he is: still capable of big performances, but no longer the dominant force he was a decade ago. Rankings move weekly based on prize money earned over a rolling two-year window, so check the PDC’s official Order of Merit for the latest figure rather than relying on any single article.
How to watch Gary Anderson play live
Anderson competes across the PDC calendar: the World Championship at Alexandra Palace each December and January, the Premier League, the World Matchplay, and various Players Championship and European Tour events throughout the year.
Tickets for the biggest event, the World Championship, vary a lot by round and seating tier. For the most recent tournament, standing tier tickets started from £55 and table seats started from £65, with prices rising sharply for later rounds and the final. Official tickets go on sale through the PDC’s own website, and it’s genuinely the safest route: resale sites often mark tickets up well beyond face value, particularly close to Christmas when demand peaks.
A few practical points if you’re planning a trip:
- Book official tickets as early as possible, since popular sessions sell out fast.
- Standing tickets are cheaper but mean exactly that, you’ll be on your feet for a full session.
- If you specifically want to see Anderson, check the daily schedule once the draw is made, since players aren’t guaranteed a fixed session.
Gary Anderson darts: what he uses and what it costs
If you’re here because you want to throw the same darts Anderson does, this is the section for you.
Anderson currently plays with his signature Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6 darts, made from 90% tungsten with his own custom flights and shafts. A standard set of three retails at around £99.95 to £100 from UK darts retailers such as Dartshopper and Premier Darts, depending on weight and finish. He favours 23g barrels, though the Phase 6 range is sold from 21g up to 25g.
There’s also a step-up option for collectors: a limited 10-year commemoration set, marking his 2015 World Championship win, of which only 501 boxes exist. These sit at a considerably higher price point than the standard Phase 6 range and are aimed at collectors rather than players wanting a practical set.
If £100 feels steep for a first set, Unicorn also sells a Gary Anderson Silver Star range at 80% tungsten, which is cheaper and aimed at newer players who want the branding without the full tungsten percentage of the pro-level barrels. Prices change fairly often across retailers, so it’s worth comparing two or three UK darts shops before buying rather than assuming the first price you see is the best one.
Mistakes to avoid
A few things trip up fans and new players fairly often.
Buying the wrong weight. Anderson throws 23g, but that doesn’t mean 23g suits your throw. Dart weight is personal, and beginners often do better trying a mid-weight set (22g to 24g) before committing to a signature model.
Assuming all “Gary Anderson” darts are the same. Between the standard Phase 6, the Noir finish, the Duo range and the Silver Star budget line, specs and prices differ noticeably. Read the tungsten percentage and barrel shape before buying, not just the player’s name on the box.
Overpaying on resale ticket sites. For big events like the World Championship, official PDC tickets are almost always cheaper and safer than third-party resale marketplaces, where prices for popular sessions can run several times face value.
Confusing career stats with current form. Anderson’s World Championship wins date back to 2015 and 2016. His 2026 ranking of world number 12 reflects a strong but no longer peak career, so don’t expect 2016-level dominance if you catch him live now.
FAQs
Who is Gary Anderson in darts?
Gary Anderson is a Scottish professional darts player, nicknamed “The Flying Scotsman,” who has competed on the PDC tour since 2009. He’s a two-time PDC World Champion, winning in 2015 and 2016, and has held a peak world ranking of number two.
What is Gary Anderson’s current world ranking?
As of 31 May 2026, Anderson is ranked world number 12 on the PDC Order of Merit. Rankings update weekly, so check the official PDC website for the current figure.
How old is Gary Anderson?
He was born on 22 December 1970, making him 55 years old as of 2026.
What darts does Gary Anderson use?
He plays 23g Unicorn Signature darts, currently the Phase 6 range, made from 90% tungsten with his own custom flights and shafts.
How much do Gary Anderson’s signature darts cost?
A standard three-dart Phase 6 set costs around £99.95 to £100 from UK retailers, though prices and stock vary between sellers.
Has Gary Anderson won the World Championship?
Yes, twice: in 2015, when he beat Phil Taylor, and again in 2016.
How do I get tickets to see Gary Anderson play?
Book through the PDC’s official ticket site rather than resale platforms. For the World Championship, standing tickets have recently started from £55 and table seats from £65, though prices rise for later rounds.
Is Gary Anderson still competing in 2026?
Yes. He remains an active PDC tour card holder and competed in the 2026 World Championship and 2026 European Darts Grand Prix, though he was eliminated in the second round of the latter.
