"Oh man, I’ve been waiting for this for a long while": Andrew Gilding finally breaks ProTour duck with a big sigh of relief

For many darts fans, Andrew Gilding has been one of the most beloved players on the PDC circuit for years. Not because of his big talk, eye-catching interviews or flamboyant appearances, but precisely because of his calm demeanour, distinctive style of play and unflappable composure at the board. Yet, despite years of solid performances, one important chapter was still missing from his list of achievements: a Pro Tour title. That finally changed this week.

After several lost finals and years of waiting, Gilding was finally able to win at Players Championship 16. Afterwards, the Englishman spoke with visible relief and emotion about the moment when everything finally came together. For a player who has been competing at the highest level for over a decade, this victory felt like the ultimate reward for patience, perseverance and confidence in his own game.

"Oh man, I’ve been waiting for this for a long while,” Gilding said shortly after his victory as despite winning a major, he has never won a ProTour.

Anyone looking at Gilding’s career sees a player who has never been far from the very top, but who at the same time has often fallen just short at the decisive moments. He reached his first Pro Tour final back in 2014. On that occasion, he lost to Gary Anderson in a match of exceptional quality.

“Yeah, absolutely. I can’t believe it. I remember playing Gary Anderson many years ago in a final. He had a 112 average and I had 107 or something like that," he said recounting that match.

During the tournament, Gilding impressed with his consistent level and especially his finishing on the doubles. His scoring power was solid, but it was his efficiency on the outer ring that really made the difference.

Albeit despite that brilliance, he harked back to a tie in particular against Jermaine Wattimena saying ironically that he couldn't remember what he played and how. “I don’t know. I don’t really remember what I play.”

The victory marks another high point in Gilding’s career, after he caused a huge upset a few years ago by winning the prestigious UK Open. That surprise title marked his definitive breakthrough to the wider public.

Since then, the Englishman has developed into a regular fixture within the Professional Darts Corporation. Although he does not grab the headlines every week, he is known as a player who can always be dangerous on the big stage. His smooth throw, slow pace, and unshakable demeanor also make him a difficult opponent for any top player.

Remarkably, Gilding says he has changed very little about his preparation or playing style since his big breakthrough. Albeit a lot hasn't changed: “I don’t know what’s changed really. I’ve managed to keep my practice up. I’ve put on a bit of weight.”

That grounded view of elite sport perfectly reflects the Englishman’s personality. While many players constantly search for technical adjustments or mental coaching, Gilding mainly trusts in experience and rhythm. He even joked about his physical condition with some self-deprecating humor. “Yeah, but I thought the weight loss helped me win the UK Open, but I’ve put on nearly two stone since then.”

But while that is the case, Gilding said that likely the catalyst surrounded the fact that he has just been doing the same as before and that he takes the rises and falls. “I don’t know really. I’ve just been doing the same thing. Your form dips, your form rises — you’ve just got to be patient.”

It also helps when it comes to qualifying for even more tournaments and Gilding said that while he isn't sure what confidence it gives him in reality. “We’ll see in the next game," he said that he is now in everything so his targets are more or less reached. “Well, I’ve had such a good start to the season. I’m more or less qualified for everything now. I’ve just got to keep that up, make sure I don’t drop out of the rankings, and I’ll get into the Matchplay again and the European Finals and stuff like that.”

What perhaps makes Gilding even more popular with darts fans is his modesty. While many modern athletes like to promote themselves, the Englishman stays true to himself. No big statements, no exaggerated emotions — just pure relief and gratitude.

Afterward, he received plenty of praise from fans and analysts alike. Not only because of his level of play, but especially because many people genuinely felt he deserved this victory. Within the darts world, Gilding is known as a friendly, hardworking professional who always remains respectful, regardless of winning or losing.