Andrew Gilding Shines Bright in Blackpool with Stunning World Matchplay Victory
If you’re following the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay in Blackpool, one name you absolutely need to keep an eye on is Andrew Gilding . The man they call "Goldfinger" is making serious waves at the iconic Winter Gardens, turning heads with an impressive run that has him firmly in the spotlight.
Gilding started his campaign by edging out Damon Heta in a tight 12-10 thriller during the first round—a match that had darts fans on the edge of their seats. That win wasn’t just a minor upset; it set the tone for what has become one of the more exciting underdog stories of the tournament so far.
And then came the second round on July 23, when Gilding absolutely delivered. Facing off against Dutch powerhouse Dirk van Duijvenbode, Gilding put in a composed, clinical performance and walked away with an emphatic 11-5 victory. That kind of margin in a high-stakes match says it all—he wasn’t just surviving, he was dominating.
Also Read:- Trapped Under a Heat Dome: Why This Summer Feels Like an Oven
- Rishabh Pant’s Injury Shifts Momentum in Intense Fourth Test Battle
With this win, Gilding has now booked himself a place in the quarter-finals , where he will face the winner between Luke Littler and Jermaine Wattimena. And let’s be honest, regardless of who he plays next, Gilding is no longer the guy flying under the radar—he’s a real contender.
What makes his journey so compelling is how quietly effective he’s been. He’s not the flashiest player on the board, and he doesn’t get the same level of media attention as names like Michael van Gerwen or Luke Littler, but when Gilding steps up to the oche, he delivers.
It’s also worth noting that this year’s Matchplay has been full of surprises. Luke Humphries, the defending champion and world number one, was knocked out in the first round by Gian van Veen. The draw has opened up, and players like Gilding are seizing the opportunity with both hands.
And for those following the money trail, there’s plenty at stake. The total prize pool is a massive £800,000 , with the winner set to pocket a cool £200,000 . Gilding’s performance so far has already secured him at least £30,000 just for reaching the quarter-finals—but with the way he’s playing, who’s to say he won’t go further?
So yes, Andrew Gilding might not have been the name on everyone’s lips at the start of the tournament, but that’s changing fast. If he keeps this form up, we might just be looking at one of the most memorable Matchplay runs in recent years. Keep your eyes on Goldfinger—this story is far from over.
Read More:
0 Comments