"I’m proud of everything I achieved, even if that big TV never came" – Former World Championship finalist Andy Hamilton looks back with satisfaction

Andy Hamilton belongs to the generation of dart players who brought color to the PDC circuit in the 2000s and 2010s. The Englishman, nicknamed “The Hammer,” grew into a fixture at the top of the world game and even climbed to fifth on the world rankings. A major title, however, remained out of reach. Even so, the now 59-year-old Hamilton looks back on his career with great satisfaction.

Hamilton was a familiar face at the big televised tournaments for years. His breakthrough at the highest level came at the 2005 PDC World Darts Championship. On his debut on the sport’s biggest stage, he immediately reached the quarterfinals. For Hamilton, that achievement didn’t come completely out of the blue.

“I wasn’t the best player in the world, but my biggest strength was my concentration and belief in myself,” Hamilton told Bang on Target. “I always felt that if I was good enough to qualify, then I deserved to be there. Whatever happened, I’d take it on the chin.”

That mentality ultimately took him to the very top of the sport. Hamilton reached fifth in the world rankings and spent years facing the biggest names of his generation. In his home region of Stoke-on-Trent, though, he still had to settle for third behind Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis. “Yeah. But only the third best in Stoke,” Hamilton recalls with a dose of self-deprecation.

Although Hamilton won a Players Championship title and reached multiple finals, a major crown eluded him. His lost World Championship final against Adrian Lewis in 2012 remains etched in the collective memory. Yet by his own account, Hamilton has little desire to dwell on the matches he didn’t win.

“No. I had a good career. I never really think about games I’ve lost,” he said. “I remember being 5-2 down to Simon Whitlock in that World Championship semi-final and looking completely out of it. But I kept plugging away, never gave in and took my chances.”

Hamilton also saw opportunities in the final against Lewis. In the end, he believes it was the small details that made the difference. “In that World’s final, I felt a bit flat. It was a late night and I ended up in a doping test until around 2am. But Aide had more experience and took the opportunities when they came along. A few of the sets went 3-2 though. It’s just, when it mattered the most, he produced the better checkouts.”

The only real disappointment of his career is therefore clear. “The only downside was never winning a major. That’s the one thing missing. I reached some major finals, enjoyed a lot of good runs and spent two years in the Premier League, competing against the very best players in the world. I’m proud of everything I achieved, even if that big TV never came.”

Hamilton also spent two seasons in the Premier League Darts and therefore has a unique view on the competition’s evolution. The Englishman clearly prefers the old format, while acknowledging the advantages of the current setup.

““Personally, I preferred the old format. It felt like a proper league, with knockout nights, and it became more exciting as the weeks went on,” Hamilton explained. “That said, I think the current one is great too because fans get to see more matches. It’s almost become a glorified exhibition, but supporters certainly get value for money.”

One of the best aspects of his career for Hamilton was the chance to travel the world. Thanks to the World Series, he visited places he never would have dreamed of as a young darter. “It’s taken me all over the world. Australia, Singapore, Dubai – places I never imagined I’d ever visit. I simply love darts,” he said.

After his stint on the PDC Tour, much changed in Hamilton’s life. He lost a significant amount of weight and chose a healthier lifestyle. Over two to three years he shed around five stone, more than 31 kilograms. “Over the last two or three years I’ve lost around five stone. Coming off the tour allowed me to eat properly, become healthier and enjoy regular walks,” Hamilton said. “I was diabetic, but I no longer need injections.”

His daily routine now looks very different from his professional years. Hamilton starts his days healthily, goes on long walks, and spends plenty of time outdoors. Yet he has by no means lost sight of darts.

In fact, when Hamilton turns on the TV to watch darts these days, there’s one player he keeps a special eye on. “I tend to tune in to any event Luke Littler is playing. He has kinda inspired me.”

Although Hamilton no longer plays at the level of his peak years, he remains active on the circuit. He does dozens of exhibitions annually and also competes in the MODUS Super Series. There he hopes to reach Champions Week again. “At this moment in time I still believe I’ve got the game, although I’m realistic enough to know I’m not operating at quite the same level as I once was,” Hamilton admitted.

Even so, he feels strikingly good about his current level. “I honestly think I am currently the best version of me. I’ll never be as good as I was back then. The game is getting harder every year. Players simply aren’t scared anymore.”

That perhaps makes his love for the sport clearer than ever. Hamilton has nothing left to prove and no longer chases money or status. He keeps playing because he simply enjoys the game. And maybe that is the finest legacy of a career in which “The Hammer” spent years among the absolute elite.

A major title may be missing from his résumé, but Hamilton has had an impressive career. From pub landlord in Stoke to Premier League player, World Championship finalist, and world number five: The Hammer has more than enough reasons to look back with pride.