Gary Anderson’s World Championship Campaign Ends in Stunning Upset at Ally Pally

Anderson’s Shocking Early Exit

Gary Anderson suffered a shock 3-0 loss to Jeffrey de Graaf in the second round of the 2025 World Championship, bringing an abrupt end to the Scottish legend’s hopes of securing a third world title. The defeat marks a disappointing conclusion for one of darts’ most decorated players, who had entered the tournament with renewed confidence following strong performances throughout 2024.

The Significance of Gary Anderson in Darts History

Nicknamed ‘the Flying Scotsman’, Anderson is a two-time, back-to-back PDC World Champion, having won the title in 2015 and 2016. He defeated Phil Taylor 7-6 in the 2015 PDC World Championship final and Adrian Lewis 7-5 the following year, cementing his legacy among the sport’s elite. The 54-year-old Scottish professional currently ranks world number fourteen, though he reached a peak ranking of world number two from 2015 to 2017.

Recent Form and Grand Slam Success

Despite the disappointing world championship exit, Anderson had shown encouraging form heading into the tournament. At the Grand Slam of Darts, Anderson reached the semi-finals and established a 13-9 lead against Luke Littler, before ultimately losing 16-15 to the eventual champion. Anderson won a hat-trick of PDC ranking titles in 2024, which included a memorable victory at April’s European Darts Grand Prix, demonstrating he remains competitive at the highest level.

What This Means for Anderson’s Legacy

The unexpected defeat to de Graaf represents a setback for Anderson, but his place in darts history remains secure. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Anderson is known for his heavy scoring and smooth throwing style. While the dream of matching Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen as a three-time world champion must wait, Anderson’s contributions to professional darts continue to inspire fans worldwide. The question now is whether the veteran will return to Alexandra Palace next year for another attempt at glory.