“I was £1,600 down before I’d even thrown a dart” – Gary Anderson calls on PDC to tackle rising Pro Tour costs

At the launch of Unicorn’s new 2026 dart range, Gary Anderson was in typically candid mood. The two-time world champion showed once again why he’s one of darts’ most popular – and unpredictable – figures.

Despite his age, his off-oche commitments and his famously casual approach to practice, Anderson continues to prove he belongs among the sport’s elite. Speaking to Online Darts, he discussed his new darts, his approach to the game, and the balance between family life and the professional circuit.

Unicorn unveiled Anderson’s latest set of signature darts – and the 53-year-old Scot couldn’t have sounded more relaxed about them. “They look good, don’t they?” he smiled. “When will I use them? No idea – maybe tomorrow, maybe next week. They’re basically the same as what I’ve been throwing, just a little tweak on the Noirs I used to win in Blackpool.”

Anderson has never been one to obsess over his equipment. “If Unicorn hand me something new and say, ‘Here Gary, have a go with these,’ then I’ll give them a try. I’m not too fussy – it’s all about how they feel in the hand.”

Anyone who’s followed Anderson knows his preparation isn’t exactly textbook – yet his talent keeps shining through. One recent example saw him reappear on the Pro Tour after a two-month break and immediately miss double 12 for a nine-darter in the opening leg.

“Ask Darren Beveridge about that one,” Anderson chuckled. “I hadn’t thrown a dart in ages – maybe three darts before the match – and I nearly hit a nine-darter. But the long days are getting tougher. I need to get fitter if I want to handle it better.”

Despite his laid-back methods, Anderson still goes deep on the Pro Tour and European Tour, proof that his natural class remains untouched. “I still love playing, but I’ve got to split my time properly between darts and family. I’ve had to miss a few events lately because of other things, but hopefully it’ll calm down a bit soon and I can focus again.”

One of the year’s big talking points was Anderson turning down an invitation to the World Series of Darts Finals – a rarity in the modern game. His explanation was as typically blunt as it was fair.

“I think I was on holiday,” he said with a shrug. “And anyway, if I’m not good enough to qualify, they shouldn’t be inviting me. The lads who’ve been flying all over to Australia, Japan and New Zealand – they deserve it. They’ve done the travelling and put the effort in, so good luck to them.”

The idea that darts is a young man’s game doesn’t wash with Anderson. “I can still average 110-plus on the floor against lads like Ryan Searle,” he said. “It doesn’t always come out on stage, but the game’s still there.”

What he values most these days are the camaraderie and laughs behind the scenes. “Being at the floor events with Ian White and the rest of the boys, having a laugh, throwing some good darts – that’s what it’s about for me now.”

His World Matchplay campaign was a case of missed chances, but he’s not losing sleep over that either. “Ten years ago I’d have been raging about it,” he admitted. “Now, if it’s not happening, it’s not happening. When it’s flowing, great. When it’s not, so be it.”

And he had praise for rival Michael van Gerwen, who returned to winning ways with a recent televised title. “It’s great to see Michael back lifting trophies. Good for him – and good for the Dutch fans too. I actually thought he’d go and win the next one as well, but that’s darts for you.”

A recent exhibition appearance with his 17-year-old son Ty was a special moment for Anderson.

“He had a perfect stance and throw when he was about a year and a half old, just playing with a toy board,” Anderson said proudly. “I’ve never pushed him into darts, but he loves it. He swaps darts more often than Peter Wright – every week it’s a new set. He drives me mad sometimes when he misses and starts moaning, but that’s part of it. Seeing him walk out on stage next to me – that really meant something.”

The World Cup of Darts – long the domain of Anderson and Peter Wright – didn’t go as planned this year. “We both played rubbish,” Anderson said matter-of-factly. “It happens. We’re not getting any younger.”

As for the future of Scotland’s pairing, he wouldn’t rule out a new partnership one day. “Maybe it’ll be Ty, maybe Cameron Menzies – ask me again if I’m still standing,” he grinned.

The darts calendar is packed for the remainder of 2025, with the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and, of course, the World Championship still to come. “I’ve always liked the Grand Slam, but everything really builds towards the Worlds,” said Anderson.

With the winner’s cheque rising to a record £1 million this year, Anderson was characteristically pragmatic. “Good luck to whoever wins it, but I’d rather see a bit of that money go to the early rounds,” he said. “It’s so expensive for a lot of the lads to play on Tour. Before I’d even thrown a dart in Germany, I was £1,600 down on flights, hotels, transport – it adds up fast.”

Rumours suggest the World Championship could eventually move away from Alexandra Palace due to capacity issues. Anderson hopes that never happens. “Ally Pally is the Worlds – same as Blackpool is the Matchplay,” he said. “Driving up that hill, seeing the crowd in fancy dress pouring in – that atmosphere’s unique. It’d be a crying shame to lose that.”

And would he like to lift that world title again before he’s done? Of course – but he’s keeping it all in perspective. “Obviously I’d love to win it again,” Anderson smiled. “But I’m not losing sleep over it anymore. I’m just enjoying the game. If I win – brilliant. If I lose – I’ll be home with the kids before you know it.”